What are the Best Hostel Sites?
Hostelworld vs Booking.com vs Hostelz.com
Choosing the right platform for booking hostels can make or break your travel experience. Whether it’s finding the best deals, comparing unique features, or accessing reliable customer service, each of these booking sites has its own strengths — and a few quirks.
So, which are the best hostel booking sites? We’ve stacked up these three hostel giants—Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Hostelz.com—side by side to help you weigh everything from fees and features to customer support and mobile usability. Whether you’re a solo backpacker chasing the social lifestyle of a hostel or a savvy traveler looking to stretch your budget, this guide is packed with everything you need to know.
More Information
While the core features like pricing and booking tools are essential, other details can make or break your experience. From how long a platform has been in the market to its customer support and extra services, these features offer a deeper understanding of each platform’s strengths. Let’s take a closer look into these additional elements to see how they stack up.
For Hostel Owners & Managers
For hostel owners and managers, this category focuses on key business features like commission rates, audience reach, and advertising options, helping you choose the platform that best supports your goals.
Comparison Summary: Your First Step to Finding the Perfect Hostel
Finding the perfect hostel isn’t just about price—it’s about convenience, community, and knowing what each platform offers. Just like comparing flight prices, it’s smart to evaluate hostel booking platforms to ensure you find the best fit for your travel style and budget.
Hostelz.com: Your #1 Hostel Finder
Known as the "Skyscanner for Hostels", Hostelz.com simplifies hostel hunting by comparing prices, reviews, and amenities from all major booking platforms. Focused exclusively on hostels, it offers a clutter-free and efficient way to find the perfect stay for budget-conscious backpackers.
Hostelworld vs Booking.com: Social Lifestyle vs. Accommodation Variety
Hostelworld: Ideal for social travelers, Hostelworld’s app connects you with local events and fellow backpackers. While its focus on hostels is strong, its coverage is less extensive compared to other platforms.
Booking.com: Great for flexibility, Booking.com offers a wide variety of accommodations beyond hostels, along with extras like car rentals and airport transfers. However, its diluted focus on hostels may not appeal to hostel-specific travelers.
A key difference: Booking.com excels in remote areas, while Hostelz.com outshines Hostelworld in listing hostels across more cities and regions.
The Bottom Line: Which Hostel Platform Is Best?
Hostelz.com:
Best for comparing hostels and finding the lowest prices with side-by-side details.
Hostelworld:
Perfect for connecting with other travelers through its social features with local events and group chats.
Booking.com:
Ideal for those needing variety or extra services, like car rentals and broader options.
For the best experience: combine all three! Use Hostelz.com to find and compare hostels, and Hostelworld or Booking.com to complete the booking based on your needs.
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Read moreWhy This Page Matters
This guide is designed to simplify your search for the best hostel booking platform by offering a complete overview of each platform’s strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re a traveler comparing options or a hostel owner seeking insights, this page has you covered.
You’ll also find a detailed review of Hostelz.com, along with resources and tips tailored to the hostel community. Bookmark this page as your go-to resource for hostel bookings, and check back often for updates on the latest features and platform changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to book on Hostelworld or Booking.com?
Both platforms can offer a cheaper price, depending on the hostel’s pricing policies and fees. Hostelworld often lists hostels exclusively with lower booking fees, while Booking.com includes a broader range of accommodations. Same as with flights, you should always compare prices for hostels. Use Hostelz.com to compare both and find the best deal.
Does Hostelz.com offer better prices?
Hostelz.com compares prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com, and other platforms, helping you find the lowest available rates. Its side-by-side comparison often reveals pricing differences, saving you money.
Do I need an account to book on Hostelworld, Booking.com, or Hostelz.com?
No account is required on these three platforms. Hostelz, Hostelworld and Booking.com offer added perks like loyalty programs and booking management if you create an account.
Can I book private rooms on these platforms?
Yes, all three platforms offer private room options alongside dorm rooms. Hostelz.com makes it easy to filter for Private Rooms only and compare these options across platforms.
Are the user reviews reliable?
Yes, reviews on all platforms come from verified users who have booked through them. Hostelz.com aggregates reviews from multiple sources, providing a broader perspective on each hostel.
How do platform reviews differ?
Hostelworld reviews are hostel-specific and focus on backpacker preferences. Booking.com reviews cover a wide range of accommodations and traveler types. Hostelz.com pulls reviews from both platforms, offering a balanced view tailored to hostel travelers.
What are the best hostel sites?
The top hostel sites are Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Hostelz.com. Hostelworld offers social features, Booking.com includes a variety of accommodation types, and Hostelz.com provides efficient price and feature comparisons. By using all three platforms, you will always find the best hostels with best rates.
Which platform is best for last-minute hostel deals?
Hostelz.com helps compare last-minute rates across platforms, while Booking.com frequently offers discounts for bookings made close to the check-in date.
Which platform has the widest selection of hostels worldwide?
Hostelz.com lists every hostel worldwide. Hostelworld specializes in hostels, while Booking.com covers a broader variety of accommodations, including hostels.
Is it better to book hostels in advance or last-minute?
Booking in advance is best for popular destinations or peak seasons to secure availability and better rates. Last-minute deals are possible on all platforms but can be limited in availability. It is recommended to book your hostels online as soon as possible.
How often is pricing information updated on Hostelz.com?
Hostelz.com updates prices in real time by pulling data from multiple platforms, ensuring you always see the latest rates.
Can I cancel or change my booking on these platforms?
Cancellation and change policies depend on the specific platform and hostel. Hostelworld and Booking.com provide flexible options, but always check the policy before booking.
Are there loyalty programs or rewards on Hostelworld, Booking.com, or Hostelz.com?
Booking.com offers the Genius program with discounts and perks for frequent users. Hostelworld runs seasonal promotions like Black Friday Deals. Hostelz.com currently focuses on price comparisons and does not have a loyalty program.
Can I find exclusive hostels on Hostelz.com that aren’t on Hostelworld or Booking.com?
Yes, Hostelz.com aggregates listings from multiple platforms, which may include unique or lesser-known hostels not available elsewhere.
Additional Resources
For Journalists: Looking for data and infographics about hostels? Get in touch, and we’ll provide detailed insights and resources to support your story.
For Backpackers and Travelers: Explore our hostel blog, covering everything from locker tips and room types to making lifelong friends and finding remote hostels. Sign up for access to our exclusive travel blog Pluz.
For Hostel Owners & Managers: Check out our blog for hostel owners, where we share tips on improving rankings, increasing sales, and making your hostel stand out. Our goal is to help every hostel improve, one step at a time.
Note: We update this comparison regularly to ensure you have the most accurate information on hostel booking platforms. This guide focuses specifically on hostel accommodations, helping backpackers, solo travelers, and budget-conscious users find the best options. As Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Hostelz.com introduce new features or pricing changes, we review and refresh this page to keep it relevant and useful for your travel planning.
* Number of hostels listed includes those with a shared common area and at least one dorm room.
** The trust scores are our subjective ratings based on a comparison of features, ease of use, and overall platform reliability.
Last Updated: December 2024