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The Complete Guide To Hostelworld.com [Find Your Perfect Hostel]
The Complete Guide To Hostelworld.com
Hostelworld is a great place to find and book hostels online - thanks to many features and vast inventory. It offers 20,000+ properties across almost 180 countries.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to use Hostelworld to find your next hostel stay.
After covering what a hostel is, Hostelworld’s history as a company, how the site works, and common safety and reliability concerns, we’ll get into the step-by-step - how to create an account, how to filter your search, the 3 booking types (free cancellation, flexible, non-refundable), how to complete, pay for, change and/or cancel a booking, and how to leave a review).
Lastly, we’ll explore Hostelworld’s features and useful information, including the Best Price Guarantee, how to contact Hostelworld, how the app works, Booking Guarantee ($50 USD), how Hostelworld compares to other booking sites, group bookings, age restrictions and airport transfers. To learn more about any specific topic, just click the “Read More” links below them.
*Agoda.com is a great place to find deals on hostels. For today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.
Table of Contents
What Is A Hostel?
The roots of modern hostels trace back to Richard Schirrmann of Altena, Germany. In the early 1900s, he created an environment where students could live and learn - where responsibilities were maintained, space was communal and personal skills developed. We could call this the original “youth hostel”.
Altena Castle, the first youth hostel
By the 1950s, Schirrmann’s youth hostel concept had spread across Europe and into the United States. The 1960s counterculture movement proliferated hostels further (particularly into Asia), as budget travelers began exploring far-off destinations. This era spawned the type of hostel we now call a “backpacker hostel”.
Fast forward to the 2020s and you can find hostels all over the world, catering to various demographics. The definition of a hostel remains the same - inexpensive accommodation where guests typically rent one bed rather than an entire room. But as a whole, hostels have come a long way since the ‘60s.
Features like common areas, shared bathrooms and kitchen space remain standard, though many hostels now offer a range of additional features, like on-site bar/restaurant, pool, game night, live music, co-work space, yoga workshops, surf lessons, walking tours and more. For more on the history of hostels, click here.
*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.
Brief History And Overview Of Hostelworld
Hostelworld was founded by Ray Nolan in 1999.
Originally named “Web Reservations International”, the company’s roots and current headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. Hostelworld entered the OTA (online travel agency) industry at an ideal time, when the internet was growing quickly and hostels were gaining popularity. By 2010, Hostelworld became a top hostel booking site. A few years later, it acquired two of its largest competitors (Hostelbookers.com and Hostels.com), cementing its position as the leader in online hostel booking. Since 2015, Hostelworld has been publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange as Hostelworld Group PLC (symbol HSW). To see their annual reports and presentations, click here.
These days, Hostelworld.com has more than 20,000 properties across almost 180 countries - most being hostels, but also budget hotels, guesthouses, campsites and apartments. The website and app are available in 19 languages. Within the travel industry, Hostelworld mostly focuses on backpackers (generally ages 18-35), but serves all demographics - including groups, young and older couples, and all different nationalities.
*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.
How Hostelworld.com Works
Hostelworld is a marketplace for hostels and travelers.
The company doesn’t own physical hostel properties; it acts as a middleman. Hostelworld’s systems make it easy to book and secure to pay. Guests can complete the booking process, start to finish, without leaving the site. Reviews are key for the marketplace - they’re tied to unique booking reference numbers, which can help minimize fraudulent and biased reviews. Only guests who’ve checked out of a hostel may review it.
Hostelworld’s reviews and ratings system account for travelers’ varying tastes. For example, each property can be rated on security, staff, cleanliness, value for money, location, atmosphere and facilities.
The reviews and ratings of a popular hostel
*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.
How Hostelworld Makes Money
Hostelworld makes money by charging a commission fee per booking. Guests pay a booking deposit when making a reservation. The deposit is usually ~15% of the total cost and goes directly to Hostelworld (not to the host). Guests pay the rest of their booking total to the host when they arrive at the property for check-in.
Another way Hostelworld earns money is by selling its advertisement space atop their search results, in their “Featured Properties” section. Featured Properties pay Hostelworld for this exposure - a standard practice on most search engines/online marketplaces. Properties that meet certain standards may apply to be featured. For more on how Hostelworld monetizes, click here.
*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.
Is Hostelworld.com Safe And Legit?
Staying in a hostel can feel intimidating. Hostelworld has systems in place to prevent booking scams, fraud, overbooking and ensure general safety. These systems aim to protect the vulnerable customers who aren’t yet familiar with the platform. Hosts are vetted prior to being accepted. The vetting process requires a host to provide legal documentation and photos proving their association to the property they are attempting to list.
I created a guide covering the top safety and reliability concerns Hostelworld customers face, like payment security, safety at the property, safety of personal belongings, avoiding fraud, and tips on how to avoid potential issues. To read that guide, click here. You can also read Hostelworld’s Terms and Conditions.
Payments are secure on Hostelworld.com
*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.
How To Create Your Hostelworld Account
You’re not required to create a Hostelworld account to make a booking, but creating one offers clear benefits. With an account, you can manage bookings, create a Wish List and leave reviews. To create your account, click the Account icon in the upper-right corner.
Now click “Create Account” at the bottom of the Log In pop-up. On this Sign Up page, enter a username (can differ from legal name), email address, password, first and last name, birth date, gender and nationality.
Then, scroll down and choose between a public access or private access account.
Public access accounts display usernames and photos on reviews.
Private access accounts anonymize usernames and photos on reviews.
Check “I Accept” after reading Terms & Conditions and the Data Protection Notice, then click “Sign Up”. When browsing the site, you can go directly to your account home page by clicking the Account icon. For more on creating a Hostelworld account, click here.
*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.
How To Find Your Perfect Hostel
After creating your user account, you’re ready to find a hostel. With so much selection on Hostelworld, it can be time-consuming and overwhelming to narrow options. A good way to find hostels without browsing pages of results is by using the provided search filters.
*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.
How To Filter Your Search Results
From the home page, enter your destination, dates and number of guests, then click “Let’s go!”. Next, you will arrive on the search results page.
In this example, I’m looking for a hostel in Istanbul - one of the world’s largest cities and top destinations. Without filters in place, dozens of results appear. To narrow these, click “Filter” underneath the search bar.
You can filter your search results by:
Price per night
Rating (1-10, with 10 being the highest)
Room (Private and dorm options - including female-only, mixed and ensuite)
Facilities (Including breakfast, airport transfers, laundry, tours and more)
Property Type (Including hotels, bed and breakfasts, apartments and campsites)
Sort By Price, Rating Or Distance + Use The Map
You can also use the “Sort by” drop-down to sort your search results based on price, rating or distance.
If you already know which area(s) you want to stay in, use HW’s interactive map to find hostels in that area. Just click “Map” below the Search button. Remember, it’s typically more convenient to be centrally located!
*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.
The 3 Types Of Bookings
All Hostelworld bookings are one of three types:
Free Cancellation Bookings
Standard Flexible Bookings
Non-Refundable Bookings
Free Cancellation Bookings
With a Free Cancellation booking, your booking deposit will be refunded as long as your booking is cancelled prior to the “cancel by” date (usually 24 hours prior to check-in time). The deposit is refunded as a voucher, applicable to future bookings. Vouchers are valid for 6 months from their date of issuance.
Standard Flexible Bookings
If you select “Flexible Booking” when making your reservation, you’ll pay a higher booking deposit for the ability to change your dates later (multiple times). For more on changing your booking, read this guide.
If you cancel a Standard Flexible booking prior to the “cancel by” date (usually 24 hours prior to check-in), your deposit is refunded as a voucher, applicable to future bookings. You will not incur a cancellation fee.
Non-Refundable Bookings
Non-Refundable bookings are the least flexible, least forgiving, but lowest-priced option. By canceling a Non-Refundable booking, you’ll lose the deposit and be charged your booking’s remaining balance. If you think your cancellation warrants a refund, explain the situation to Hostelworld using this page. You might receive a full or partial refund, but do not expect it!
*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.
How To Complete Your Booking
In my Istanbul search, I selected the Cheers Midtown Hostel. Its private and dorm prices are affordable, its pictures are clear, and its ratings and reviews are solid. Click “View” for more information about a listing.
Always read the Property Description section of a listing. This is where you’ll get a feel for the hostel (including its vibe/atmosphere, weekly schedule, past awards, activities) and logistical information, such as breakfast details, check-in time and transportation options. Then, click “View House Rules” just below the Property Description.
House Rules explain the host’s policies (including the accepted forms of payment) and other things to note. This is very important to read prior to booking.
After reading the listing’s House Rules, click back to the listing and scroll down. Look through the photos, then select your bed/room. Availability depends on the hostel type (size, luxury/budget), seasonality (busy/shoulder/slow) and how far ahead you book.
Next, scroll down to the Reviews & Ratings section and read recent reviews. Hostels are rated as a whole (on a 1-10 scale) and on factors like value, security, cleanliness, location, facilities, staff and atmosphere.
Under “My Selection”, you’ll see your dates, number of guests, bed/room, total charge and amount payable (booking deposit). If satisfied, click “Book Now”.
On the next page, enter your full name, nationality and card details. If your card is charged, you’ll see this Booking Confirmation page. If you have questions about paying on Hostelworld, read this guide.
Booking Confirmation page
*For the ten things every traveler should bring to a hostel, click here.
How To Pay For Your Booking
As mentioned above, the booking deposit is due when you make your reservation. It can be paid via debit or credit card and goes directly to Hostelworld (the host doesn’t receive this). The remainder of your booking total is paid to your host upon arrival at the property, in the local currency. Check which payment forms are accepted by your host (some don't accept card) on the Booking Confirmation email. To learn more about how to pay on Hostelworld, use this guide.
Booking Confirmation Email
You’ll receive a Booking Confirmation email within minutes of reserving. The email includes your unique booking reference number, the property’s contact information (email and phone number), check in and check out dates, arrival time, price per night, total price and payment instructions for your arrival.
To access the booking from within your account, just click “Manage Booking” on the email.
*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.
How To Change A Hostelworld Booking
The type of booking you make determines how much flexibility you have to change your dates afterwards.
Free Cancellation Bookings: Dates can be changed once
Standard Flexible Bookings: Dates can be changed multiple times
Non-Refundable Bookings: Dates can only be changed sometimes, but you’ll need to contact Hostelworld or your host.
How to change/edit/modify an existing reservation:
Click your Account icon in the upper-right corner, then select “Bookings” from the drop-down menu.
Click on the booking you want to amend. It will be displayed under All Bookings and Future Bookings. Then, click “Change Booking” on the details page.
Use the drop-down calendar to shorten, extend or shift the dates of your reservation.
After changing your dates, scroll down and re-select your bed/room.
Click “Book Now” if your dates and bed are available.
If you owe Hostelworld after making a change, you’ll pay the difference on the next page. If Hostelworld owes you after a change, you’re credited the difference as a voucher, applicable towards your future bookings. You’ll receive a new confirmation email showing the changes, with a new booking reference number. For more on how to change a booking, use this guide.
*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.
How To Cancel A Hostelworld Booking
Click your Account icon in the upper-right corner, then select “Bookings” from the drop-down menu.
Next, click the booking you want to cancel. It will be displayed under All Bookings and Future Bookings.
Then, click “Cancel Booking” under the booking’s reservation number.
In this example, this Free Cancellation booking can be cancelled prior to Jan 5th, penalty-free. Select your reason for cancelling and click “Cancel this booking”.
You’ll receive a Booking Cancellation email within minutes. If you had a Free Cancellation or Standard Flexible booking, your email will display the refund amount and timeframe. To learn more about how cancellations work on Hostelworld, read this guide.
*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.
How Refunds Work
Your ability to get a refund on your booking deposit depends on the type of booking you make.
Free Cancellation Bookings, Standard Flexible Bookings
Your booking deposit will be refunded if you cancel your booking at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled check-in time.
Non-Refundable Bookings
Your booking deposit won’t be refunded, no matter when you cancel your booking.
*For more on Hostelworld refunds, read this guide.
Hostelworld’s Best Price Guarantee
Hostelworld offers a Best Price Guarantee. It works like this - if you find the same bed/room on another site at a lower price than what you paid for that stay on Hostelworld, they promise to price match.
Make sure the lower priced bed/room is:
Displayed online (offline prices don’t qualify)
Reported within 24 hours from the time you made the booking on Hostelworld
Includes the same booking “extras” (breakfast included, for example)
If so, you can contact Hostelworld using this form.
*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.
Hostelworld’s Experiences Feature
Whether you’ve already decided your next destination or you’re still in the research phase, the Experiences feature can help you find interesting things to do.
Hostelworld partnered with local guides globally to offer a variety of experiences, from airport transfers to culinary classes, shopping, local arts, dance and more. To visit the Experiences page, click here. On it, enter a destination and dates, then browse/filter categories.
How To Contact Hostelworld
There are many ways to reach Hostelworld’s customer support team - including phone, email and Facebook.
Hostelworld’s customer service telephone number is: +353 1 524 5800
For general questions/concerns, email at: customerservice@hostelworld.com
If you prefer social media, use Hostelworld’s official Facebook page
For complete information on contacting Hostelworld, including the specific email addresses to use regarding cancellations and group bookings, use this guide.
*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.
How The Hostelworld App Works
The Hostelworld app is growing in popularity, thanks to its convenience and ease of use. It functions similar to the website. For the guide I created showing exactly how the app works, click here. To download the app from Hostelworld’s website, click here.
How To Leave A Review For Your Stay
Leaving a thoughtful review is a great way to help the travel community. To leave a review on Hostelworld, click the Account icon in the upper-right corner, then select “Bookings” from the drop-down list.
Under Past Bookings, click “Add Review” beside the hostel you want to review.
In the Rating section, rate the property’s security, location, staff, atmosphere, cleanliness, value for money and facilities - on a scale from 1 to 5.
Below that is a text box, where you can add a written review (optional). You can include topics such as the facilities, activities, cleanliness, location, appreciation towards staff (reception, cleaning staff, cooks), and/or anything helpful to other travelers or the hostel staff.
Fill in your details underneath, then click “Submit Review” at the bottom. To learn more about leaving a review on Hostelworld, read this guide.
*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.
The Booking Guarantee ($50 USD)
Hostelworld offers a Booking Guarantee (different from Best Price Guarantee). If your booking details can not be found at check-in (meaning property does not exist or denies you), you’ll receive a $50 credit. To learn more about the Booking Guarantee, click here.
Does Hostelworld Offer Discount Codes?
Hostelworld.com does not offer a first-time or repeat customer discount code. You’ll get hostel discounts on other sites if you have a International Student Identity Card (ISIC), Erasmus Student Network (ESN) card or Interrail pass. For more on this topic, click here.
*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.
Hostelworld Compared To Other Booking Sites
Hostelworld vs. Hostelbookers and Hostels.com
Hostelworld bought Hostelbookers and Hostels.com within the past decade. With this in mind, it makes sense why Hostelworld has the most selection of the three and also offers a Best Price Guarantee.
If you find the same bed/room for the same dates on Hostelbookers or Hostels.com at a lower price than what you paid on Hostelworld, use this form and Hostelworld will price match.
Hostelworld vs. Booking.com and Airbnb
Hostelworld has far fewer listings than Booking.com and less variety than Airbnb. Both those sites provide hostels as well, but neither specialize like Hostelworld. Use Agoda.com to find hostel deals globally. To learn all about Airbnb, click here.
Group Bookings
If you’re traveling as a large group (9 or more), use Hostelworld’s Group Booking page. On it, select the number of guests, age range and group type. Read the Terms and Conditions of your booking. The booking deposit for group reservations is non-refundable, since so many beds are being reserved at once.
*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.
Age Restrictions
Hostelworld.com’s minimum booking age is 16.
Some hostels also have additional age restrictions. For example, hostels with an on-site bar often align their minimum guest age with the legal drinking age. Some youth hostels enforce age limits to maintain a younger crowd. Others try to be as family-friendly as possible. If you’re under the age of 18 or over 35, always check to see if a hostel has age restrictions prior to booking. This information is found in a listing’s “House Rules” section or in the “Property Description” section.
Airport Transfers
There are 3 ways to book an airport transfer:
Filter your search by selecting “Airport Transfers” under the Facilities tab
Contact your hostel directly to see if they can arrange a transfer for you
Check for airport transfers on Hostelworld’s Experiences page
*For the ten things every traveler should bring to a hostel, click here.
Conclusion
Hopefully you found this guide helpful.
I tried covering all important aspects of Hostelworld as a company and site/app. Now that you know what to look for and how it functions, go make it work for you! To learn more about Hostelworld or hostels, explore our other guides below.
Enjoy your travels!
How To Find Discounts On Hostels In Your Destination
For great deals on a wide variety of accommodation (including hostels, budget hotels, resorts, apartments, homes, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and unique or alternative types), use the Agoda widget below. Just input your destination and dates, then browse the results! Or to go directly to Agoda.com, click here.
Learn More About Hostelworld
Common Questions & Concerns
Is Hostelworld.com Safe And Legit? [Plus How To Avoid Potential Issues]
Does Hostelworld Offer Discount Codes? [Students, Interrail, Gift Cards]
Is A Hostelworld Booking Refundable? [Refund Policy Explained]
Get Started With Hostelworld
The Complete Guide To Hostelworld.com [Find Your Perfect Hostel]
How To Book Your Hostel On Hostelworld [Search, Filters, Fees]
How To Pay On Hostelworld [Credit Card, Best Price Guarantee, Arrival]
Post-Booking Questions
Learn About Hostels
Introduction To Hostels
Hostels vs. Hotels Comparison [Atmosphere, Price, Safety, Amenities]
Guest Houses vs. Hostels Comparison [Atmosphere, Price, Safety, Amenities]
Five Reasons Every Traveler Should Experience A Hostel [At Least Once]
Know Before You Go
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