10 Myths and realities about Hostels

When German professor Richard Shirrmann gave origin, in 1912, to the current concept of “Hostel”, with the noble purpose to inspire youth to travel and support world’s integration, he never imagined the extent and the continual evolution these places would have nowadays.

The word was usually associated to low quality and filthy places, with never ending parties and messy rooms full of bunks. Today, it has been translated into nice and cozy spaces where travelers can find a large variety of services, and a wide price range that fits all budgets.

With a whole industry built around these hostels, numbers show its continual growing. According to hostelworld, one of the most popular sites in the sector, there are over 33.000 registered properties, in more than 170 nations. Thanks to the continual increasing in the competition, as well as the constant evolution that internet and social networks keep having, where people from all over the world share their opinions and experiences about the places they visit and stay, hostels keep on growing and working trying to outdo each other constantly. Hostels are not just a place for austere tourists anymore. They have turned into the first choice for travelers around the world. This impressive and continuous growing in both, infrastructure and customer service, make us forget about the stereotypes of these places that we used to held in our minds. Every day, hostels keep on adding new amenities and improving their processes. From setting and decoration, to the implementation of modern technology features, as well as eco friendly policies. Today’s visitors choose hostels not just for a fair price, but also because they prefer the atmosphere that can only be found at these places.

Perhaps, the main reason why people like hostels and keep on coming back to them, is because it provides the fun opportunity to meet new people and make friends from different nationalities and backgrounds. The best part is that you can make all of this in one placid and safe place, where you can find everything you need to feel comfortable. Cartagena has a large offer with very good choices for you to relax, have fun and make new friends in one of the most charming places of this magic city. Explore your options and let yourself be surprised.

These are 10 myths you should avoid about hostels. Remember that they may or not may be the right place for you, but do not have any doubt they have everything to try to seduce you.

1. Hostels are filthy places

Nothing is falser. Hostels are very clean and organized places that always work with the highest quality standards. It is important for these businesses to keep a neat environment, since it will give them the best reviews from travelers.

2. Hostels are only used by party lovers

Although it is perfectly possible to find people who love to party staying in a hostel, it is very likely that they will also stay in hotels. Contrary to what you may think, hostels have very serious policies about liquor consumption and excessive noise in common areas. They handle schedules and places specifically designed for these activities to develop without interfering with the sleep of the other guests.

3. Hostels are not safe places

Actually, hostels are very safe places, specially because of the unwritten rule that exists among users of this type of places worldwide: The vote of confidence, which works as the best security guarantee. But, besides the good faith that prevails in hostels, most of them are equipped with everything they need to provide a good security service. An attentive hotel staff all day and night, security cameras, closed circuit, electronic locks to access the rooms, safe boxes to store valuables, among many other elements that will allow you to rest and explore without worrying about losing anything.

4. Hostels have no privacy

Nowadays, hostels offer, among other services, private rooms that rival, both in design and comfort, with those of some of the best hotels. Even the space in the group rooms has been optimized, so that each bed is independent and allows visitors to have a perfectly good rest.

Of course, these rooms cost more than the traditional ones. On average, a bed in a shared room is worth $70.000 COP, while a private suite can cost approximately $350.000 COP.

5. Hostels have no grace

The toughness of an increasingly competitive market has forced hostel’s owners to go far beyond simply offering a mattress and a breakfast. The conceptual and commercial challenges of this guild go beyond what happen within their walls. Today, more than ever, the feedback and the communication with the costumer is the key aspect in this relationship, where customers are properly heard and considered. Hostels may lack of so many things, but grace is something they have in abundance.

6. Hostels are places just for young people and backpackers

Diversity is one of the main elements you can find in a hostel. Through a combined effort of travelers and industry, a community that enjoys adventure and meeting new people from all around, was created. The best part is that there are not any restrictions of age or of any other type to enjoy it.

From people who take the risk, for the first time, to know a new country, to experimented travelers that have years exploring the world, hostels are always a good starting point for any kind of adventure, and a good place to rest from them.

7. Hostels are only for those who cannot afford a hotel

Although a 5 stars hotel room can double the value of the most expensive hostel room, many people choose the unique atmosphere of these, not necessarily because of a specific price or some money that they can save, but precisely because of the multicultural vibe you feel in the common areas of these places. Currently there may be similar prices for a room in an average hotel and one in a hostel. However, people are increasingly determined by the added value they find with designs and special activities in the hostels, compared to the standard and basic service they receive in a hotel.

8. Hostels have no amenities

Although this varies between different businesses, more and more hostels are getting concerned about offering their customers a greater added value. From free Wi-Fi and well-equipped kitchens, to swimming pools, jacuzzi and fun entertainment rooms, the search for customer satisfaction is guaranteed. Although some hostels do it through allied agencies, others have expanded their field of action and, today, offer their guests spectacular restaurants and fun bars, as well as spaces to meditate and comfortable spas.

9. Hostels are all the same

Maybe in philosophy or spirit. For sure, any hostel should be characterized by its passion for travel and travelers, as well as the opportunity to meet and interact with different cultures. But, in here we draw the line, because hostels are all different from one another. Each business has different inspirations and objectives. Whatever the focus they have, every hostel is different and each one will provide you with unique and unforgettable experiences.

10. Hostels are only for single people

Precisely the existence of private rooms demonstrates the opposite. Who has said that just because you are in a relationship you cannot go out to know the world and have fun? Moreover, surely more than one relationship was born in a common area of ​​a hostel, so unlike motels and some hotels, these places actually invite to share with people of any gender in an open and spontaneous way.

Single, as a couple, or hanging out with a group of friends, hostels will always be a good option to travel and get to know a new culture. While you cultivate your social skills and become the best ambassador of your country, you can also spend some of the best vacations and adventures of your life.