XP: Hostel vs Hotel

[calle28]

I'll be in Spain (Madrid and Barcelona) for two weeks. I have a hostel booked for Barcelona, but I'm having second thoughts. If money wasn't an issue, I'd stay in a hotel. But I'm not rich! The hostel for 5 days is $141 vs $642 for a hotel.

I am an introvert who doesn't make friends easily, so part of me thinks a hostel will be good for me and force me to be social. Another part of me is scared that at the end of a long day, I'll just want alone time in a nice hotel.

What do you guys think?

[mcc]

Can you get a single occupancy or a double in a hostel? What about AirBnB? I have a friend who lives in Barcelona so she might know of something better. I can ping her for you.

[calle28]

Duh! I completely forgot about AirBnB.

What are your thoughts on the social aspect? Meeting people at the hostel and doing the group activities.

That'd be great if you can ask your friend!

[livinitup]

Hostels don't make you be social. They just make it easy if you want to be.

[jigsy]

I always enjoyed hostels when I've used them. But I think I'm a little more extroverted than you and like to talk to people, it's fun to be able to hear about other people's adventures and get recs.
I will say the last time I hosteled it was like three years ago, and I felt old as shit compared to the hoards of 21 year olds

[calle28]

Mar 2, 2015 21:01:24 GMT -5 livinitup said:

Hostels don't make you be social. They just make it easy if you want to be.

You're totally right.

I think I'm going to go with my gut and get a hotel. I won't magically become a social butterfly because I'm in a hostel and overseas. Lol

[livinitup]

Save your money. Hostels are great. Bring a book, good music and make friends if the mood strikes. Otherwise, use your extra money on really great food and side trips.

[Deleted]

Oh god no. The last thing I want to do is share my space with strangers. No way. Like I would just not go if that was my option. So I vote hotel!

[Deleted]

Mar 2, 2015 21:16:31 GMT -5 calle28 said:

Mar 2, 2015 21:01:24 GMT -5 livinitup said:

Hostels don't make you be social. They just make it easy if you want to be.

You're totally right.

I think I'm going to go with my gut and get a hotel. I won't magically become a social butterfly because I'm in a hostel and overseas. Lol

I just answered you on travel and just now saw this. You don't have to be a social butterfly in a hostel. I've stayed in several where I just stuck to myself and read a book in peace outside or in the lounge. No biggie. It's not like people are gooing to bother you if you don't want to be bothered.

Obviously do what you're comfortable with but by your post it seemed like you had some different expectations that aren't necessarily true in regards to hostels. Regardless, have fun!

[1confused1]

I don't think I would be able to enjoy myself in a hostel. Granted, I've never stayed in one, but, at my "advanced" age, if I'm traveling, I want to spoil myself.

[winecat]

I stayed in a private room in a hostel in Barcelona. It was great! I'd stay in a hostel again if I could get a private room. I'd rather spend the $ on food/experiences.

[redshoejune]

I stayed in a couple hostels in the U.S.. I didn't talk to anybody and I'm not even sure I saw the other girls in our room more than for a minute or two. It was fine.

[calle28]

Thanks for the input!

I stayed in a hostel for a night in Philadelphia and didnt socialize with anybody. I was sick and felt bad about sneezing all night. I stayed in a hostel for 2 nights in DC. One night me and 2 of my roommates went bar hopping and that was fun.

I did Airbnb when I went to NYC.

So I've experienced a little of them all, but almost 2 weeks in a hostel is different than a few days.

I can still go if I stay in a hotel, it's just going to cost me a lot more money. Why can't I just win the lotto?

[jenstar]

I think Airbnb could be good if you can find a room with a host maybe? That way you could get tips and they could possibly show you around or introduce you to other people while you're there. I also remember reading about a couch surfing website where you can stay in someone's home but I think the idea might be that you then let someone else crash on your couch at some point.. not sure if you're into that idea lol

I think you'll probably have a great time whatever you do. If it were me I would probably get a hotel room and then just find a cool bar to hangout in or maybe do a day tour in the hope that I'd meet people to hang out with

[Wanderista]

jenstar is right that couch surfing is another possibility. I know some people who are very into that. I don't think it's really required that you host other people if you aren't into that. Some people just really like to host others. It is generally expected though that you will spend some time with the host. Maybe they'll take you on a tour or out to a favorite restaurant. It is typically free but you generally write to the potential hosts and then they tell you if they have availability/are willing to host you. I haven't actually tried it but I know people who have.

Here is the link to the official website:
Couch Surfing Website