Comments on: You are never too old for hostels or are you?

By: Dale

Dale — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:54:44 +0000

Just returned from two weeks in Boston. Stayed at the HI on Hemenway. Not squeaky clean, but slept well, and staff was very supportive. Dishes looked clean, but could have used a dip into a disinfectant bath. Bathrooms okay. Some were private. Wearied of the often heard, “Why are so many old people here?!” Hostels are for any traveler who wishes to choose a more economic way to stay away from home. The cultural richness and diversity of a hostel makes it worth the alternative atmosphere. Did not encounter drunks or hungovers. Did room with a very young Russian girl whose job offer in Portland, ME, fell through and she was tearfully making plans to return to Russia. Our South Korean roommate (old like me) and I pitched in to get her three more nights at the hostel to give her more time to find a job and make arrangements for an apartment. It worked and she has a Boston job and apartment — no furniture or appliances, but she will have a great story to tell her grandchildren in a few decades. Also, she will have the opportunity to help out a young person when she is better off. I wouldn’t stay in the Atlanta hostel again, too grungy. But Boston would be fine, and Chicago is fabulous. In Boston took an excursion to Newport and stayed one night at the hostel there. Located in a private home which is an historic landmark. Owner took all of us on a sightseeing tour of the waterfront in the evening and I had a wonderful time. My roommate was a school librarian from Kentucky. Another guest was an Iranian working on his Ph.D. A Dutch student, as well.

Hyatt and Hilton can’t offer me this kind of cultural enrichment.

By: Cate

Cate — Fri, 28 May 2010 16:34:59 +0000

Correct there is an age, a mental age. Some like the cheap low key syle of a hostel, and some have moved beyond it. Thanks for your comment.

By: hostels barcelona

hostels barcelona — Fri, 28 May 2010 15:57:23 +0000

obviously there is an age for travelling in hostels, but the age is on your own mind!!!!
as a hostel owner i can tell you that there lots of “older people” who cant stand hostels and they are 23 years old. on the other hand we have poeple in their 60′s more backpacker than them……

By: Cate

Cate — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:19:03 +0000

Niamh – Ahhh if only that wish could be granted, then I would reconsidered staying in hostels.

Cate

By: Ethan Hunt

Ethan Hunt — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 16:36:40 +0000

i stayed in hostel for four years ..and those were the golden days of my life..