Is Staying in a Hostel Dangerous? Find Out Why It’s Not (2023)

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Quick Rundown

If you’re new to staying in a hostel, you might be wondering if hostels are dangerous. It’s a fair question, especially if you’ve seen those super violent movies that stigmatized the hostel lifestyle.

I can’t count the times I’ve mentioned staying in a hostel and been asked, “Like the movies? Aren’t you scared of getting kidnapped or something?”

It’s hard to respond with anything but condescending laughter, at the preposterousness of it and at the narrow view of the world.

Here, we’re going to dispel the misconceptions about hostel travel being dangerous and address some common questions regarding safety when staying at hostels.

Let’s dive in!

Hostel Safety Concerns and Misconceptions

There are a TON of misconceptions when it comes to staying in a hostel and how dangerous it is to do so. My goal here is to dispel the following misconceptions:

• Hostels are Dangerous
• Your Things Aren’t Safe at Hostels
• Only Crazy People Stay at Hostels
• Hostels are Dirty
• You Can’t Sleep Good at a Hostel

Some of these stigmas come from those damn movies. Some of them come from people’s narrow worldviews and jump to their own conclusions based on, well nothing really.

I’ll reveal the truth about these misconceptions and unveil the truly wonderful world that is the hostel lifestyle.

Hostels are NOT Dangerous

I’ve stayed in some sketchy areas of town when I’ve traveled. Let me tell you, nothing beats the feeling of getting back to the safety of the hostel late at night.

Often times there’s a lock on the front door that only guests have the keys to. Other times it’s a buzzer with a camera, where the front desk person buzzes you in. There’s always a bracelet or something of the sort that you must show in order to get past the front desk.

Are these precautions completely foolproof? Probably not. But they certainly do more than most hotels I’ve stayed in. At hotels, people come and go as they please, with no check for credentials.

That isn’t so with hostels. I’ve stayed in some really good hostels and some not-so-good ones. What they all had in common were these safety precautions.

It’s the way of the hostel. Due to its budget offerings, precautions are taken to ensure the safety of the guests and the staff.

Your Luggage and Possessions are Safe at the Hostel

This one is easy. If you follow the guidelines of hostel etiquette and keep your stuff organized, use luggage locks (check our packing list to get the perfect ones!) and lockers, your stuff will be safe.

Once you stay in your first hostel, you’ll see that everyone is of the same mind for the most part. Everyone is there for the same reason, and that creates a bond and implicit trust.

Hostel travelers are a community. Your roommates in the hostel are very much like roommates in normal life. There’s a trust there.

That being said, let’s be real. Human nature is to be opportunistic. If someone sees something laying around, they’re likely to take it, or at least use it. Another reality is that if someone wants to commit a theft and has the will and intent to do so, they’re going to do it.

If we just use our organizational skills and mindfulness about where we leave our things, nobody will even have the temptation or the opportunity.

Only Crazy People Stay at Hostels

I have no idea where this stigma came from but I would wager a year’s income that whoever is responsible has never stayed in a hostel.

The people that stay in hostels aren’t crazy, they’re travelers! Of all the people I meet in life, travelers are some of the nicest and most genuine people out there. Nothing brings people together like a common goal, and seeing the world is a goal that brings out the best in people.

If saving a few bucks while traveling the world makes you crazy, then I want to be surrounded by as many of these crazy people as possible as often as possible.

Hostel Cleanliness

A lot of people have the idea that hostels are dirty. All those people sharing a room and a bathroom, it has to be dirty right?

I’ll say this, this is the most understandable of all the misconceptions I’m talking about today. Sometimes, yes, hostels can be dirty. But, you know what else can be dirty? Everything!

Restaurants can be dirty. Hotels can be dirty. Everything can be dirty! College dorms can be dirty but everyone says those are the best years of their lives.

There’s no denying the possibility of a cluttered and disorganized mess when you’re at the hostel. Sometimes there are so many people coming in and out, that it can be tough for the staff to keep up.

Remember this though, just because the hostel might be dirty doesn’t mean you have to be. Keep your things together and yourself clean and everything will be just fine. Don’t let this idea of the hostel being dirty hold you back from experiencing the hostel lifestyle.

Sleeping in Hostels

If you know what to expect, sleeping in hostels can be easier than you’d think. We’ve got a whole post on sleeping in hostels filled with tips and advice on getting a good night’s sleep whether you’re sharing a room with just one other person or up to twenty!

There are a couple of things you can bring with you (sleep mask, headphones, travel blanket) that will help you sleep. I threw in some pro tips that I had to discover for myself too, so check it out!

The bottom line, you can definitely sleep well in a hostel!

Hostel Safety FAQs

There are a lot of questions about hostel travel, a lot of uncertainties if you will. We’ve addressed the outright misconceptions, now let’s answer some questions that you may still have.

Is It Dangerous to Stay in a Hostel Alone?

No. In fact, most people that stay in hostels are traveling alone. Couples usually stay in hotels for privacy. Friend duos or groups will stay in hostels sometimes for the experience, but it can be close to the same price to split a room sometimes.

Most of the people you’ll see and meet at the hostel are other solo travelers. People trying to see the world and not break the bank. That’s the hostel lifestyle.

Don’t forget what we went over above. Oftentimes hostels have more security rules and precautions than do regular hotels.

Is staying in a hostel dangerous if you’re alone? Absolutely not. In fact, it’s ideal.

Are Hostels Scary?

This one might seem silly to you. I hope it does, actually. This question is like the warning label on products that everyone wonders why it’s even there. Because believe it or not, there are people that need it.

I’d be embarrassed to tell you the number of times I’ve mentioned staying in a hostel and someone responded with, “Isn’t that scary?”

No! It’s not scary at all. Usually, when you walk into a hostel, you’re greeted by a receptionist and see the common area immediately. Since it is the first impression, hostels put a great deal of effort into making sure the common area is clean and welcoming.

You’ll see a few people scattered around with laptops and earbuds working. Or maybe they’re grouped together and talking about the day they had and comparing experiences. Sometimes there’s even a theater room where everyone can gather to watch a movie.

Does that sound scary? I think not!

What Are the Advantages of Staying in a Hostel?

If you want a deep dive into the advantages of staying in a hostel, check out our post about how hostels compare to hotels.

We’ll touch on them here too since you’re here. When you stay in a hostel the advantages are:

• Breakfast – If you’ve followed our advice on choosing a hostel, you’ve chosen one that includes breakfast. Take advantage of this even if it’s not exactly what you want in the morning. It’s a good chance to meet people or plan out your day over a coffee.
• Price – Hostels are the most budget-friendly way to travel, hands down. There are reasons for that, of course, but if you’re trying to travel on a budget (even if you’re not), stay in a hostel.
• Meeting People – The opportunities to meet people and make friends while staying in a hostel will be more than any other lodging choice you can come up with. With all the shared spaces you won’t be able to help but make some new friends
• Activities – When you stay in a hotel, you get recommendations aimed at tourists. These will always be the most expensive options. When you stay at a hostel, they’ll give you budget-friendly recommendations and even help you find the best deals.

What Are the Disadvantages of Staying in a Hostel?

Are there some disadvantages? Sure. I think the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, but we should mention them in the interest of covering everything.

• Privacy – This is the big one. There are a lot of shared spaces, spaces we’re used to having to ourselves. This takes a bit of getting used to.
• Can be Noisy – Some hostels have bars where music plays late into the night making it hard to sleep if you go to bed early. Don’t forget your earplugs and sleep mask from our hostel packing list to give you the best sleep possible.
• Shower Time – Sometimes it can be hard to catch a shower, depending on how many people are sharing it. I’ve grown to not plan my showers, but instead to take one whenever I get the chance.
• Easier to Lose or Misplace Items – In a hotel, you just dump your stuff wherever and pick it all up when you check out. In a hostel though, I find it easier to keep everything sort of packed and only take out what I need when I need it. This can make it easier to lose or misplace something. Not to mention, if you do, there’s the chance someone else will pick it up. Grab a lock and utilize the hostel lockers!

Conclusion: Is Staying in a Hostel Dangerous?

I’ve done my best here to use my experiences to share everything I know about hostels and why staying in a hostel is NOT dangerous at all, but rather an experience I think everyone should have.

I believe hostels to be the supreme lodging option while traveling. The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. In fact, with the advice in the other posts I’ve linked, the disadvantages can be avoided completely.

There are no more excuses now. You’re armed with all the necessary knowledge now. Book that hostel and see for yourself!

Have fun out there!