1. Well for starters it's one fifth of the price you would pay to stay elsewhere- that saved money will definitely go to better use!
2. They are funky AF
Obviously there are dodgy cheapo ones everywhere you go but this area is becoming highly competitive and for the same price you can get a modern one with a better location which prides themselves on customer satisfaction.
3. They put their travellers first
Most hostels have common rooms and run activities to allow you to get friendly with other nomads. This can include an inhouse bar( because everyone makes friends when tipsy) and nightclub, karaoke, cinema and Nintendo wii, board game nights, flamenco dancing, paella cooking, free city walking tours, swimming pools,pool tables and rooftop terraces(it's a bonus if they have hammocks) just to name a few I have come across! Hotels definitely don't have all that!
4. Many include free breakfast and kitchen facilities allowing you to cook up that home cooked meal you have dearly missed! On top of that many supply free snacks and basic ingredients such as pasta and grains as well as sauces and spices once again saving you that all important $$$
5. You get to share a room with 6-20 like minded strangers (although this can be good or bad). This allows you to again meet new people of different cultures and hear about their lives and travels. When flying solo this is a good way to escape feeling lonely.
Which brings me to my next point... the types of people you get in your dorm room:-
a) The Snorer-80% of the time he/she is the one who firstly asks you if you snore so you assume they don't until night falls.
b) The Alcoholic-The one who always asks you if your up for a drink at the bar as long as you pay for yourself,of course I'm up for that!
c) The Drunken Mess- This one goes hand in hand with b) but he/she is the one who stumbles in tripping over everything at god knows what hour and TURNS THE LIGHT ON ensuring they wake up every single person :)
d) The Creepy One- This is the one that hits on you every single day which is unfortunately common especially being female. But practice makes perfect with rejection!!
e) The Instant Best Friend- This consists of unforced conversation and usually results in the next few days spent exploring the new city together. This is the one where goodbyes suck!
If I haven't convinced you enough then I'm ready to give up cause you seriously missing out!
Next stop Porto,Portugal
