I'm losing it over people who say hostels are always cheaper than hotels

I just got back from a trip to Portland last week and I'm so tired of hearing people claim hostels are automatically the budget option. Sure, a dorm bed might be $40, but I needed a private room because I can't sleep through strangers snoring. That private room was $110 a night, plus they charged $10 just for a towel and another $5 to store my bag after checkout. Meanwhile, I found a no-frills motel near the train station for $95 a night with free parking and actual privacy. People act like you're wasting money if you don't stay in a hostel, but they never factor in all those hidden fees or the fact that you can't cook a proper meal in most hostel kitchens after 9pm. Has anyone else done the math and realized a basic hotel beats a hostel private room when you add everything up?

2 comments

2 Comments

sullivan.spencer23d ago

People act like you're wasting money if you don't stay in a hostel" - is that really a thing? I mean, I've seen people argue about hostels online but nobody I know in real life gives a damn where you sleep. You paid $110 plus fees for a hostel and found a motel for $95 with free parking. Sounds like you just made the right call for your trip. It's not that deep, just book what works and move on.

graydavis22d ago

Heard some travel blogger say hostels are for "authentic experiences," but my last one had bedbugs, so motel wins every time.