Hostelworld Review: Everything You Need to Know

Hostelworld has been the go-to platform for budget-friendly, social stays since 1999. Unlike Booking.com, which covers all types of accommodation, Hostelworld focuses solely on hostels — ideal for solo travelers, budget backpackers, and social explorers looking for more than just a bed.

Here’s everything you need to know about using Hostelworld (and whether it's legit or not) especially if it’s your first solo trip!

1. Key Features of Hostelworld

1.1 Booking Process (Website & App)

Booking a hostel on Hostelworld is simple on both the website and the app. Here’s how it goes:

• Search your destination and input your dates.

• Use the filters — sort by price, rating, location, or traveler type (think family-friendly, quiet spots, or party hubs).

• Browse reviews and photos to get the lowdown on what to expect.

• Choose your hostel, hit “Book Now,” and confirm your bed.

Done. No unnecessary clicks, no confusing jargon.

1.2 Why Use the App for Bookings?

• Real-time availability: No surprises when you show up — if there’s a bed, you’ll see it.

• User-friendly filters: Whether you’re after social vibes, a peaceful retreat, or something for the whole family, Hostelworld makes narrowing your options easy.

• Offline access (App-exclusive): Lose Wi-Fi? No problem. Your booking details stay accessible, even if you’re deep in the mountains or on a sketchy bus with no signal.

1.3 The “See Who’s Going” Feature (App-only)

This little gem might just be Hostelworld’s crown jewel for solo travelers. The “See Who’s Going” feature shows you how many other travelers are booked at a specific hostel and, in some cases, lets you see where they’re from.

For solo travelers, this is a lifesaver. With 60% of Hostelworld users traveling solo, it’s a great way to make sure you’re heading into a social environment rather than a deserted dorm. It’s also great for spotting hostels with travelers from your age group or interests.

1.4 Chat Communities & Social Features (App-only)

Here’s the breakdown:

• Hostel Chat: A group chat with fellow travelers staying at the same hostel. Perfect for planning pub crawls, hikes, or even figuring out where to eat.

• City Chats: Group chats specific to your destination where travelers share tips, plan meetups, and discuss everything from street food to sightseeing.

• Direct Messaging: Want to connect one-on-one? Send a direct message, but keep it cool — no one likes a spammer.

• Sentence Prompts: Stuck on what to say? The app throws in conversation starters like “Anyone up for exploring tomorrow?” so you can skip the awkward silence.

These features are time-limited (14 days before check-in, 3 days after checkout), which keeps the chats fresh and focused on people who are actually there.

2. Pros of Using Hostelworld

2.1 Hostels Everywhere

Hostelworld offers over 17,000 hostels in 179 countries, making it one of the most comprehensive platforms for budget travelers.

2.2 Real Reviews & Photos

Hostelworld hosts 13 million+ verified reviews from actual backpackers. These reviews come with traveler-uploaded photos, so you know what the dorms, common rooms, and bathrooms really look like. No fancy angles or misleading stock images here.

2.3 Solo Traveler Friendly

The platform is designed to make meeting others as easy as booking your bed. Features like “See Who’s Going” and Hostel Chats (App-only) help solo travelers connect before they arrive.

2.4 Budget-Friendly

With low booking fees (often just a small deposit upfront) and flexible payment options, Hostelworld makes booking hostels affordable. You only pay a deposit during booking and settle the rest at check-in. More money in your pocket = more adventures (or an extra round of drinks).

2.5 App Benefits

The Hostelworld app goes the extra mile with real-time updates, offline access and social Features.

3. Cons of Using Hostelworld

3.1 Limited Cancellation Flexibility

Hostelworld’s cancellation policies can feel restrictive compared to other platforms like Booking.com. While some hostels offer free cancellation, others require a non-refundable deposit (usually 10-15%) or have strict cut-off times. Always read the fine print before hitting “Book Now” to avoid surprises.

3.2 Not Every Hostel Is Listed

Despite its impressive database of 17,000+ hostels, some smaller, local, or newer hostels might not appear on Hostelworld. This can be a slight drawback if you’re trying to uncover ultra-hidden gems, as alternatives like Hostelz.com sometimes pull listings from multiple platforms.

3.3 Social Features Are App-Only

While the app excels with its social tools, these features don’t exist on the website. If you’re a desktop-only traveler, you’ll miss out on these connections unless you download the app.

4. Hostelworld App vs Website

4.1 Website

• Better for Planning: Larger screens make it easier to analyze hostel details, photos, and amenities without constantly scrolling.
• Ideal for Comparison: Comparing reviews, prices, and availability for different hostels is faster and more efficient on desktop. However, for a more powerful comparison tool, Hostelz.com’s CompariZon Tool goes a step further. It checks prices across multiple booking platforms (Hostelworld, Booking.com, and others) to ensure you get the best deal possible.

4.2 App

• Mobile Notifications: Receive booking confirmations, reminders, and updates without needing to log in.
• Offline Access: Lost Wi-Fi in a new city? No problem. Your hostel details are saved and available offline — a lifesaver for travelers who live on flaky bus station connections.
• Exclusive Features: The app’s social tools give it a serious edge:
  • “See Who’s Going”: Check how many travelers are staying at your chosen hostel and sometimes even where they’re from.
  • Hostel Chat: Plan a meal, a night out, or a day trip with travelers staying at the same place.
  • City Chats: Connect with backpackers heading to the same city and swap tips before you even arrive.

5. Is Hostelworld Good for Solo Travelers?

If you’re traveling solo, Hostelworld feels like it was practically made for you. The platform — particularly the app — includes thoughtful tools to make meeting others feel natural, not forced.

5.1 The “Solo System” (App-exclusive)

Hostelworld’s social features act like a built-in icebreaker:

• Hostel Chat: You’re automatically added to a chat group with others staying at your hostel. Planning a hike, grabbing dinner, or starting a pub crawl is as easy as dropping a message like “Anyone up for exploring tonight?”
• City Chats: These groups help you connect with travelers heading to the same city. Share tips, plan meetups, or find others with similar interests — whether it’s street food tours, museum-hopping, or partying until sunrise.
• Direct Messaging: Skip the awkward small talk in person — reach out to fellow travelers one-on-one if you spot someone with similar plans.
• Conversation Prompts: Struggle to start conversations? The app suggests sentence starters to break the ice so you don’t have to overthink what to say.

Hostelworld helps in reducing the anxiety of “showing up alone.”

5.2 Comparison with Other Platforms

Booking.com

While Booking.com has a huge range of accommodations, it lacks social features. There’s no way to see who’s staying at your hostel or connect with fellow travelers beforehand. For solo travelers, it’s just a booking tool — nothing more.

Hostelz.com

If Hostelworld is about meeting people, Hostelz.com is about saving money smartly. Hostelz combines the best of Hostelworld and Booking.com by comparing prices across multiple platforms, including Hostelworld, Booking.com, and more. This means you can:

• Find the same hostel listed on different sites.
• See which platform offers the lowest price for the exact same bed.
• Choose the booking option that makes the most sense for your wallet, whether it’s through Hostelworld, Booking.com, or another platform.

It doesn’t have social features, but it excels at finding the cheapest bed — giving you more money to spend on making memories.

6. Tips to Make the Most Out of Hostelworld

• Use the “See Who’s Going” Feature
• Download the App for Exclusive Features: (Hostel Chat, City Chats, Direct Offline Booking Access)
• Book at the Right Time: Timing matters when it comes to getting the best price. Hostels tend to fill up fast during peak seasons (like summer in Europe or festivals like Oktoberfest). To save money:
  • Book at least 1–2 weeks in advance for popular cities and destinations.
  • Use the app to get last-minute deals if you’re traveling off-season or mid-week.
• Filter Reviews Like a Pro: Don’t just look at the overall rating — dig deeper into reviews to find what matters most to you:
  • Social atmosphere: Look for keywords like “easy to meet people,” “fun common areas,” or mentions of group activities. Check reviews by travelers of a similar age.
  • Safety: Search for traveler feedback on lockers, security, and staff attentiveness, especially if you’re traveling solo.
  • Cleanliness: Focus on recent reviews for accuracy, as conditions can change.

7. Safety and Community Guidelines

Hostelworld takes chat safety seriously. The app uses a mix of automated moderation and community guidelines to ensure chats remain friendly and respectful. Inappropriate behavior, spam, or harassment can be reported directly through the app, and violations are swiftly dealt with to keep the space welcoming.

Tips for Responsible Use of Direct Messaging and Chats

• Be Respectful: Treat others with kindness and consideration.
• Stay On Topic: Use Hostel Chats for hostel-related plans and City Chats for local tips and meetups.
• Don’t Overshare: Keep personal info like your phone number or full name private until you’re comfortable.
• Report Issues: If someone’s behavior crosses a line, use the report button — it’s there for a reason.

FAQs

1. What fees does Hostelworld charge?

Hostelworld typically charges a deposit of 10-15% when you book, with the rest paid upon arrival. Some hostels also have non-refundable deposits or service fees, so check the details before booking.

2. Can you cancel a Hostelworld booking?

Yes, but cancellation policies vary by hostel. Some offer free cancellation, while others require a non-refundable deposit. Always read the hostel’s cancellation policy before booking to avoid surprises.

3. Are the social features only on the app?

Yes. Features like “See Who’s Going,” Hostel Chat, and City Chats are exclusive to the Hostelworld app and are not available on the website.

4. How reliable are Hostelworld reviews?

Very reliable. With over 13 million verified reviews, Hostelworld reviews come from real travelers who have actually stayed at the hostels, often with photos for extra transparency.

5. Does Hostelworld have a loyalty or reward program?

Currently, Hostelworld does not offer a traditional loyalty program. However, discounts and promotions are sometimes available through the app and website (example: Black Friday).

6. Alternatives to Hostelworld for booking hostels?

• Booking.com: Broad selection, but no social features.

• Hostelz.com: Price comparison across multiple platforms, including Hostelworld.