Hostels in Europe

I don’t know how I traveled before going to hostels! They have completely changed my travel experience. Sleeping in a room with other people really can be fun. I’ve realized that almost everyone staying in the hostels is like-minded solo travelers, and it’s a great way to meet people. And even if you don't socialize with those in your dorm, you're sure to meet others if you participate in the activities put on by the hostel or just spend some time in the common areas. 

All of the hostels I booked were female-only dorms unless unavailable. They had curtains on the beds and free locker storage. Hostels are great because even if you arrive before check-in, you can usually store your luggage at the hostel while you explore the city or chill in the common areas of the hostel. 

U-Sense For You Hostel - Seville, Spain - 8.5 

If you have read my last blog, you may know that this was my first hostel experience, and it was a good one. Good enough to raise enough confidence to book my last week in Europe, only using hostels as accommodations. This hostel was very clean and private. It wasn’t the most social, but I was able to use HostelWorld to connect with other travelers. The bathroom was inside the dorm itself, and the windows overlooked orange trees along the streets below. I wish it had had events, but it did have a nice rooftop balcony where you could soak in some sun and read a book. This is where I ended up meeting some other female solo travelers. 

Endless Summer Hostel - Tenerife, Spain - 7/10

This was my second hostel experience, and it was way more social than the first. This is a surf hostel, but most of the people I met weren’t surfers. Granted, I did go in March. This one was a little more chaotic and less clean, but it was an automatic feeling of being part of a group. They had a hostel group chat on WhatsApp, organizing nights out, and everyone I met had been there for at least a week. I was only there a weekend, and I spent this trip on the opposite schedule as most of the other guests because when I was going to sleep, they were going out, and when I was waking up to go on a sunrise hike, they were coming back. If you like beach clubs, this is the hostel for you, as they are within walking distance, and it seems like that’s what the crowds come for. If you came for hikes, it’s also fine, just make sure you rent a car. There's a lot of free parking surrounding the hostel. Also, if you fly into the north airport, I recommend hiking around there before your hour-long drive to this hostel. 

Hostelfly - Madrid, Spain - 9/10 

This is a hostel for a layover or quick sleep. It’s near the airport, and although there aren’t single gender rooms, I felt safe and comfortable. The rooms were clean, and there were vending machines for any snacks or items you may need. There are also bars and restaurants within walking distance of this hostel. It’s not social, but that’s not what this one is targeted towards. 

Hostel LaNave - Madrid, Spain - 5/10 

This hostel was terrible! It was super hard to find, expensive, didn't have curtains on the beds, and a bit creepy. My shower in the room flooded onto the floor.  There was free breakfast, but it was in another building, and I ended up checking out, not realizing I needed a key to get breakfast because the host didn't explain anything to me. Everything was old and dirty, and I didn't see a single other guest. I booked the room for myself because I was traveling through Madrid, so I wasn't searching for social, but I really did not enjoy this hostel. 

Yeah Hostel - Barcelona, Spain - 9.5/10 

Amazing! I only stayed here one night, but I wish I had stayed longer. I was able to drop my bag off early and wander around Barcelona in the morning, then I checked in. It’s such a social and fun hostel. There were dinners with a starter, a meal, desserts, and two drinks leading into a pub crawl for 12 euros, and the staff was very friendly and encouraging. There were all women's dorms, but the top bunks didn’t have a curtain.  

SLO Nice- Nice, France -8/10 

This was an amazing hostel, but it was a little too chill and didn't offer an environment to socialize. It also didn’t have any all-female dorms. Regardless, I felt very safe. There were all ages, and I was able to go on a free walking tour suggested by the front desk which is a perfect way to situate yourself in a new city. 

Yellow Square Florence - Florence, Italy 10/10 

This was by far my favorite hostel! It was super social. It had a rooftop bar with a pool, bar and cafe at check-in, and a club downstairs where the events attracted travelers and locals alike. I stayed two nights and joined charades, got free drinks and dinner one night, went to a comedy show at the club (it was in Italian and I understood nothing, but it was still pretty fun), and went on a tour to a market. The hostel also gave us a wristband for 20% off all drinks, which resulted in 4 euro drinks. There was a shared kitchen, meditation area, lockers for a euro, and laundry. I loved this hostel because it was in a good location to enjoy the city during the day and then enjoy nightlife without having to go out into Florence at night. After all, the hostel was so lively each night, even during the week. 

Free Hostels Roma - Rome Italy - 8.5/10 

This hostel was tiny and not too social, except on the nights that offered free dinner. I walked an average of 14 miles the days in Rome because everything is so spread out, and this hostel is a bit far from everything. It was clean and had 24 24-hour reception. This one had wood sliding doors instead of curtains, which offered a lot of privacy and blocked out all light, but also made a lot of noise.