Hostelworld Review

Hostelworld has been the dominant platform for hostel bookings since 1999, listing over 17,000 hostels across 180 countries. For backpackers, solo travelers, and budget-conscious adventurers, it remains the definitive starting point for finding affordable accommodation worldwide. No other platform comes close to matching its hostel-specific inventory and community features. What makes Hostelworld special is its focus on the social side of budget travel. The Roam feature connects travelers staying at the same hostel, the chat system lets you communicate with fellow guests before arrival, and the review system specifically rates atmosphere alongside practical factors like cleanliness and location. For solo travelers worried about arriving at a hostel without knowing anyone, these features reduce that initial anxiety. The platform keeps costs low by requiring only a small deposit (typically 10-15% of the total) at the time of booking, with the remainder paid at the hostel. This low-commitment booking model is well-suited to the flexible itineraries that budget travelers often maintain. While the booking fees add some cost, the comprehensive inventory and community features make Hostelworld the clear leader in its niche.

Hostelworld's search is purpose-built for the hostel experience. Beyond standard filters like price and location, you can filter by atmosphere (social, quiet, or mixed), room type (dorm or private), specific amenities (kitchen, laundry, locker, air conditioning), and even activities offered by the hostel (pub crawls, walking tours, cooking classes). The results page shows each hostel's overall rating alongside sub-scores for security, location, staff, atmosphere, cleanliness, and facilities. This granular rating system is more useful than a single aggregate score, as it lets you prioritize what matters most to you. A hostel with a 9.0 atmosphere score but a 7.0 cleanliness score tells a very different story than one with the opposite breakdown. The map search is adequate but less polished than Booking.com or Google Hotels. It serves its purpose for identifying hostel clusters in popular backpacker neighborhoods. The "Compare" feature lets you save up to four hostels and view them side by side, which is helpful when deciding between similar options in the same area.

Hostelworld's pricing model includes the base price set by the hostel plus a booking fee charged by the platform. This fee typically ranges from 5-12% of the booking total, which can add up over a multi-night stay. While this is standard for OTAs, budget travelers who are counting every dollar should be aware of it. The deposit-based booking system is a major advantage. Instead of paying the full amount upfront, you typically pay only 10-15% at the time of booking, with the rest due at the hostel. This reduces financial risk and maintains the flexibility that budget travelers value. If you cancel within the free cancellation window, only the deposit is at stake. In price comparisons, Hostelworld is usually competitive but not always the cheapest. Some hostels offer lower direct-booking rates on their own websites, particularly smaller, independent properties that are trying to avoid OTA commissions. For popular hostels in competitive markets, however, Hostelworld's rates are generally in line with or slightly below alternatives like Booking.com.

Hostelworld's standout features are its social and community tools. The Roam feature, launched as a social networking layer for travelers, lets you create a profile, share your travel plans, and connect with other travelers staying at the same hostel or visiting the same destination. While adoption varies by region, it is particularly active among European backpackers. The in-app messaging system lets you chat with other guests before your stay, which is useful for coordinating airport transfers, planning group activities, or simply finding someone to explore a new city with. For solo travelers, these features transform the hostel booking process from a transaction into the beginning of a social experience. The review system is one of the most detailed in the accommodation space. Reviews cover six specific categories, and the platform requires reviewers to have actually completed their stay. The result is a highly reliable review database that captures the nuances of the hostel experience. Whether you prioritize a party atmosphere or a quiet night's sleep, the reviews will steer you to the right property.

Hostelworld does not currently offer a formal loyalty program with tiers and points. This is a notable gap compared to competitors like Booking.com and Expedia, which reward repeat customers with discounts and perks. The platform has experimented with promotional incentives like seasonal discount codes and referral bonuses, but these are sporadic rather than systematic. For repeat users, the lack of a loyalty program means there is no financial incentive to stick with Hostelworld over competitors once you have identified a hostel you want to book. That said, the absence of a loyalty program is partially offset by the platform's other strengths. The deposit-based booking model, free cancellation options, and social features create value that does not depend on a points system. For the budget travel audience, who tend to be price-sensitive and platform-agnostic, a loyalty program may be less relevant than simply having the best price and selection.

Hostelworld's customer support is the platform's weakest area. Support is available primarily through email and an in-app help center, with no phone support or live chat option. For a platform that serves travelers who are often on the move and dealing with time-sensitive issues, the lack of real-time support channels is a significant limitation. Email response times typically range from 24-72 hours, which is acceptable for pre-trip planning but inadequate for urgent issues like a hostel denying your reservation or overcharging your card. The help center articles cover common scenarios and can resolve basic questions, but anything beyond standard issues requires waiting for an email response. On the positive side, Hostelworld is generally reasonable about issuing refunds and resolving disputes when the guest has a legitimate complaint. The platform's mediation process, while slow, tends to favor the traveler in cases where the hostel did not deliver what was advertised. For best results, document any issues with photos and written communication at the time they occur.