Hotel, Home, or Hostel: Which is Best for You?

When traveling, your accommodation is one of, if not the most important factor. It is the thing during your trip that you will spend the most time AND money on. For these reasons it is extra important to have a place that is safe, affordable, and comfortable for you.

There are three main types of accommodations: hotels, homes/apartments, or hostels. Each of them comes with their own set of positives and negatives. Based on what kind of traveler you are, one accommodation type may be more suited to you than another.

Hotels — For the luxury traveler.

Hotels are a wonderful choice for the traveler who prefers a bit more of a pampered experience. Rooms are often clean, renovated, and have large comfy beds. Those who are part of the Hyatt or Marriott credit card programs enjoy perks like point bonuses and yearly free stays when using their locations. Hotels can also come with amenities such as a pool or gym to use for free during your stay, and with many upgrades available you can find a variety of luxuries for your budget and preferences. Daily bed makings, bathroom cleanings, and room service will make you feel well taken care of on your vacation. They are usually more centrally located to top sights and train stations, and many include airport pickup and drop off.

Because of hotels’ locations and perks, they are often quite expensive. It’s not unusual to spend at least $300 per night in a popular destination for a basic double room. Despite prime locations, most hotels are more business-like and less homey. A great place to stay for a few days, yes– but you’re not going to feel immersed in the local culture. There also won’t be any kitchen facilities to cook for yourself, so restaurants will be the only option for food. If there is a bar on property, it will likely be expensive and empty of people.

Homes/Apartments — For the live-like-a-local traveler.

Short-term apartment and home rentals have exploded over the last ten years for travelers and real estate moguls everywhere. They are wonderful for larger groups and families traveling together, because you can often rent out an entire home with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms for much less than the nearest hotel. They feel like a home away from home– as if you stepped right into the local culture. In many cities, the homes rentals are authentic, charming, and quirky. The most affordable ones will be less central, which makes them a private and quiet place to relax after a full day’s itinerary. The hosts here will often provide you with recommendations of great restaurants, markets, and sights in the area. This can be especially helpful for travelers who are new to a particular city.

Like hotels, the most affordable home rentals will not be in the city center of wherever you’re staying. If you are in a place with an extensive public transportation system, such as London, Madrid, or Rome, you will still have quick access to the best sights the city has to offer, they just won’t be right outside your door. When booking with websites such as AirBnb or VRBO, the reviews are your best friend. Descriptions and photos can be misleading, or only showcase the best part of a space. You’ll need to do your due diligence to book the home that will be the most comfortable for you and your group. Also, AirBnb and VRBO hosts can cancel your reservation at any time. If this happens close to your travel dates, you may have a hard time finding another accommodation that fits your needs and budget. This does not happen often, but it can. Of course, if you are working with me, I will be the one spending hours finding you the perfect apartment, AND the person who comes to the rescue should anything go wrong.

Hostels — For the budget traveler.

I have stayed in many hostels trying to travel on a budget because they always provide great value for your money. Hostels offer a bed, shower, storage locker, and sometimes breakfast, for substantially cheaper than any other accommodations. Think $15-$30/night, depending on location. They also only require a small deposit and are fully refundable up to 24 hours before check in. The best part about hostels is how easy it is to meet new people. Hostel staff host events such as pub crawls, family dinners, and free walking tours, and other travelers will be looking to connect with like-minded people. Most hostels also come with some kitchen facilities so that you can cook for yourself, which stretches your budget even further.

This is a lot of bang for your buck, but you do need to be a bit flexible and easygoing. The cheapest sleeping option will be a mixed-gender dorm with anywhere from 4-20+ beds in it, and bathrooms are always communal. Unless you splurge for a private room (which ends up being around the same price as a hotel), you shouldn’t expect any privacy. The largest dorm I’ve ever stayed in had 12 beds in it, but they can go to twenty and more. If you’re a light sleeper and want to feel well-rested the next day, I don’t recommend a huge hostel dorm room. Also, you are sharing a room with complete strangers, and while 99% of the time that means fun new friends, there can also be times when you’re in a room with an Aussie girl who uses the bedroom trash can as a toilet at 4:00am… and then falls into said trash can and her pee spills all over the floor… then she uses your towel to clean it up. Yeah, that was an interesting night.

So, which is best for you?

As a rookie and/or budget traveler, you can’t go wrong with a hostel. You get the chance to meet new people from all over the world and save your money for fun adventures. For those looking for a home away from home, an apartment in a residential neighborhood is the way to go. And if you want a central location with some added luxuries, a hotel sounds like a great fit for you.

Choosing an accommodation is an important and time-consuming part of any trip planning process. I often spend hours cross-comparing different wish lists based on price, location, and other amenities such as free WiFi, free breakfast, and more for each of my custom-designed itineraries. I’ll go through the diligent process of sifting through hundreds of accommodation options so that you can spend your downtime doing… anything else. With consultation calls included in each service, all you need to do is tell me your vision of where you want to stay on your vacation and I will handle the rest. Click here to get started or schedule a consultation call.

Don’t forget, newlyweds and honeymooners receive 20% off custom itinerary services when booked by September 30th! Even if your honeymoon is months or over a year off, you can secure your spot and discount with this fall special. Send to your favorite engaged couple, or click here to get started!