How To Book Your Hostel On Hostelworld.com

Hostelworld.com connects travelers with hostels.

But before we talk about booking, I recommend you take a few seconds to create a Hostelworld account. With an account, you can manage bookings, leave reviews and create a wish list for future trips.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to book a hostel on Hostelworld, step-by-step.

We’ll cover how to use the search filters, how to select your hostel from the search results, how Hostelworld’s booking fees work, the Booking Confirmation email, group bookings and potential age restrictions.

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How To Use The Search Filters

Hostelworld.com has nearly 20,000 properties across almost 180 countries. With so much selection, it can be time-consuming and overwhelming to browse the options. The best way to find an ideal hostel without browsing pages of results is to use the search filters.

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Use Search Filters To Find Your Ideal Hostel

First, enter your destination, dates and the number of guests on the home page. Next, click “Let’s go!” and you’ll 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. To narrow down the search results, just click “Filter” underneath the search bar.

You can filter your search 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)

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Sort by Price, Rating or Distance + Use The Map

You can use the “Sort by” drop-down to filter your search results based on price, rating or distance.

If you know which area you want to stay in, use the interactive map to find hostels in that area. Just click “Map” below the Search button. Remember, it’s often more convenient to be centrally located!

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Choose Your Hostel From The Search Results

In this example, I chose Cheers Midtown Hostel. Its private and dorm prices are affordable, its pictures are clear, and ratings and reviews are solid. Click “View” to get more information about any listing you like.

Always read the Property Description section. This is where you’ll get a feel for a hostel (including vibe and atmosphere, weekly schedule, activities, past awards) and logistics information, including breakfast details, check-in time and transportation options. Next, click “View House Rules” below the Property Description section.

The House Rules explain the host’s policies (which include the accepted forms of payment) plus other information of note. This is ALWAYS important to read prior to booking.

After reading the host’s House Rules, click back to the listing and scroll down. After looking through photos, select a bed/room. Availability depends on hostel type (size, luxury/budget), season (busy/shoulder/slow), as well as how far ahead you’re booking.

Next, scroll down to the Reviews & Ratings section and read the recent reviews. Hostels are rated on a 1-10 scale, and on individual factors like security, value, cleanliness, location, facilities, staff and atmosphere.

Under “My Selection”, you’ll see your dates, number of guests, bed/room, total booking charge and the amount payable (booking deposit). If satisfied, click “Book Now”.

On the following page, enter your name, nationality and card information. After you’re charged, you’ll see the Booking Confirmation page (screenshot). If you have questions regarding payments on Hostelworld, read this guide.

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How Hostelworld’s Booking Fees Work

When booking through Hostelworld, you’re charged a “booking deposit” fee at the time of reservation. This fee goes directly to Hostelworld and is usually about 15% of your total booking cost (percentage can vary).

You’ll pay the rest of the booking total directly to your host when you check in. Your host’s payment policy (including accepted forms of payment) is found in the House Rules and in the Booking Confirmation email.

Booking type dictates the cancellation fee charged if you cancel your booking. For more on booking types (Free Cancellation, Standard Flexible and Non-Refundable) and how cancellations work, click here.

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Your Booking Confirmation Email

You’ll receive the Booking Confirmation email within 10 minutes of reserving your bed/room. This email includes your unique booking reference number, the property’s contact information (email, 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 in your account, simply click “Manage Booking” on the Booking Confirmation email.

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Group Bookings

If you’re traveling as a large group (9 or more people), use Hostelworld’s Group Booking page. You’ll select the number of guests, age range and group type. Read the Terms and Conditions of your booking! Booking deposits for group reservations are non-refundable, because you are reserving a significant portion of the inventory. To contact Hostelworld regarding a group booking, use this page.

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Age Restrictions

Hostelworld.com’s minimum booking age is 16.

Hostels sometimes have additional age restrictions. For example, hostels with an on-site bar may align their minimum guest age with the legal drinking age (18+ in many destinations). Some youth hostels enforce an upper-age limit to maintain a younger crowd. Others try to be as family-friendly as possible. If you’re under 18 or over 35, check if the hostel has age restrictions before you book (this information should be found in the listing’s Property Description or House Rules).

*For the ten things every traveler should bring to a hostel, click here.

Conclusion

Hopefully you found this guide helpful.

Booking on Hostelworld.com is fairly easy. With this guide, now you know how to filter searches and spot quality listings. 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

Get Started With Hostelworld

Post-Booking Questions

Learn About Hostels

Introduction To Hostels

Know Before You Go

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Taz Zaidi [Author]

Taz Zaidi is an American travel writer and the founder/creator of TRVLGUIDES.com. Connect with him on Instagram (@tazzaidi) or on his personal website, at tazzaidi.com.

How To Book Your Hostel On Hostelworld [Search, Filters, Fees]

How To Book Your Hostel On Hostelworld.com

*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted hostel dorms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s hostel deals, click here.

Table of Contents

How To Use The Search Filters

*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted hostel dorms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s hostel deals, click here.