Hostel Types
Family Hostels
Hostels are no longer just a stomping ground for students and backpackers – clean and comfortable rooms now attract a diverse range of visitors looking for cheap accommodation.
Parents looking for a summer holiday can have a tight budget and hostels are becoming an increasingly popular way for travelers with children to take a cheap family holiday in the destination of their choice.
Family-orientated rooms and facilities mean that hostels now offer a practical, and affordable, place to stay.
So, what makes a good family hostel?
Low rates don’t mean a compromise on location and many hostels have unbeatable positions in the heart of the city center or minutes from the beach. With the sights handily accessible and amenities nearby or on the premises, it’s easy to enjoy a hassle-free vacation for the whole family.
Unlike hotels, which can be too posh, quiet or (particularly the budget chain type) characterless and generally unsuitable for children, hostels have a fun and friendly atmosphere. Communal amenities, too, allow all members of the family to make new friends from around the world.
Family Friendly Facilities
In addition to a unique atmosphere and great location, many hostels actually have facilities catering specifically for family travel. Private rooms with up to six beds (and increasingly with en-suite bathrooms) can be booked out for the group.
Hostels regularly have self-catering kitchens - helpful for families on a budget as eating out three times a day can be extremely expensive. It’s a great economical way to sample local ingredients and specialties, and avoid the inevitable turn to fast food for cheap meals.
Comfortable lounge areas, ideal for the whole family to relax in, can also be found in many properties, with new hostels and recent renovations even offering modern entertainment such as plasma screen TVs and Wiis.
Other facilities and potential activities can include games rooms with pool or ping-pong tables, complimentary bike and skate hire, large outdoor spaces and swimming pools in the sunnier destinations.
There’s also plenty to keep the older members of the family happy, with attached hostel bars offering a child-friendly and laidback setting for an evening drink.
Read Hostel Reviews Before Booking
Reviews and ratings on every hostel mean parents can read advice when preparing for the holiday. With descriptions from previous guests available, there’s no longer a danger of arriving at inappropriate or poor quality accommodation.
Hostels are rated according to location, facilities, atmosphere, fun, safety, staff, cleanliness and value to offer a comprehensive picture of each place that stretches beyond the photographs provided.
Safety and cleanliness are obviously top priorities in family travel but individual comments left by previous guests supplement the facts and figures, meaning travelers with children can determine the atmosphere and standard of a hostel in advance.
Great Family Accommodation:
Located in South Kensington within walking distance of Hyde Park and the famous museums of Exhibition Road, Meininger City Hostel is a great base from which to explore London’s vibrant cultural scene over the summer.
Comfortable en-suite rooms and a peaceful vibe make this hostel a haven for families staying in the city.
A guest writes: ”Very close to the underground, very nice area, absolutely value for money!” (Review posted on 15th April, 2008)
Book Meininger City Hostel & Hotel
The Beach Break: Andonov Family B&B, Nessebar, Bulgaria
A five minute walk from the Black Sea resort and the Old Town, Andonov Family B&B is a small, friendly hostel, ideal for a beachside vacation.
Private rooms with up to five beds have been designed with family groups in mind, and welcoming staff offer helpful advice on making the most of your stay.
A guest writes: ”Excellent location, by the sea, quiet, very near to the old town Nessebar – reason for which I chose it in the first place, and close to the city main boulevards. Then the staff is wonderful and friendly, give you everything you need. We had very clean rooms, hot water all the time, the breakfast was incredibly good and fresh and much more than enough.” (Review posted on 11th May, 2008)
The Theme Park Break: Palm Lakefront Resort and Hostel, Orlando, America
Outside the city center, but only a few miles from Seaworld, Disneyworld and Universal Studios, Palm Lakefront Hostel is ideally located for Florida’s most popular attractions.
A games room and swimming pool will keep the kids amused away from the theme parks, whilst there are shopping malls and golf courses nearby for mum and dad.
A guest writes: ”Nice jetty by the lake, nice little swimming pool and lounging area and great hospitality.” (Review posted on 23rd June, 2008)
