Table of Contents
Free drinking water
Let’s start with one of the most basic things – free drinking water. It doesn’t matter what form it comes in – a water filter in the kitchen, water dispensers or even refillable bottles. I’d say at least half of the hostels I stayed at recently offered drinking or filtered water. The other half told me the unfiltered “tap water is drinkable”. Regardless of it being drinkable or not, filtered water should be a given in any flashpacker hostel not only for the guest’s comfort but especially to reduce the need to buy plastic bottles.Â
Free Towels
Yes, towels! Most hosts offer towels only to guests staying in private rooms. But what a relief to see a towel on my bed every time I enter a dorm room. I tend to pack as light as possible, which means that the only towel I usually bring is a very light microfiber beach towel. We all know these terrible monsters. Trying to dry yourself off with these feels more like opening a dam all over your body. So not great for showering but practical in hot climates, for the beach and pool.
Offering guests a towel regardless of room type, is a huge plus and definitively adds value for flashpackers!
Dorm beds with privacyÂ
Having curtains for privacy seems to be standard now in most better hostels. They don’t only provide some privacy but I find them incredibly cozy as well. There is a new trend though – having your own cubicle. It’s basically your own private mini room with enough space for your bag, lamp, locker and sometimes even a small shelf. The Clock Hostel and Suites where I stayed at in Cartagena is a great example for that. Casa Cubil (the name says it all), featured in my article about the best flashpacker hostels in Bogota, also offers single or double cubicles in their dorms. I find them very cozy – other might say that they make them feel a bit claustrophobic. Whatever it is, beds with curtains, solid walls or even a cubicle – privacy is key in flashpacker hostel dorm beds.
Quiet time at night – a must in a flashpacker hostel
Most of us love a good party. And a bar or rooftop makes a hostel usually more social. Having a drink, enjoying the music, the view and a great conversation with fellow travellers, this all adds to the social vibe of a hostel. What’s fun in the evening though, can quickly become annoying if the music never stops. A good flashpacker hostel will turn down the music at midnight the latest so everyone can get a good night’s sleep!
Work friendly spaces for digital nomads
Probably one of the most important points on the list and especially relevant for people working mostly digitally. Having work friendly spaces in a hostel is a must-have! Many hostels, especially in the digital hubs of the world – Berlin, Medellin, Tel Aviv, many places have adapted to the millennial generation of whom many can work from anywhere. A great example for a hostel pretty much made for digital nomads is Los Patios in Medellin. It’s hands down one of the best hostels I have ever stayed offering meeting rooms, coworking spaces, a cafe, two rooftops, and a lounge with strong wifi throughout. They also host regular events with local artists, start-ups and charities making the most of the international atmosphere the hostel provides.
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But all in all, for people that are on the road for longer and working while travelling, efficient and comfortable working spaces are a must-have and will be a deciding factor for them where to stay.
I’m sure there is way more to add. Any ideas? Let me know!
7 Comments
AmyEA
Posted at 17:50h, 01 AugustThese photos are beautiful – both your skills and the hostels! How do you find a good flashpacker hostel?
Ruth
Posted at 18:13h, 01 AugustI have stayed in hostels were breakfast is offered (even though a small fee is charged), in hostels with a bar and lounge (my husband loved that) and in hostel that offer free tours (you tip at the end) or organize tours (at low cost). Most of these places were in Europe. Have good memories of them and would choose to stay there again.
Lauren Allen
Posted at 21:56h, 01 AugustAh this is such a cool post! I’ve stayed at some funny hostels in the past, but I’ve also stayed at some great ones! Privacy is something I really enjoy 🙂
Ophelie
Posted at 22:44h, 15 AugustI did a few hostels during my solo trips in the USA, Japan and Costa Rica and I totally agree with all your points! They make the life of a backpacker definitely easier!
Natalie
Posted at 15:49h, 16 AugustYes, these are all things that made my favorite hostels my favorite! 🙂 I also like hostels that have organized activites that make it easier to meet new people. Pools are always a plus too 😉
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