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I have known several people that went to Europe with the intention of staying in hostels. However once there they found in many places they could stay in a hotel for not much more. Granted the hotels were very basic, but they were clean and safe.
I do it all the time. As I've become older, my needs have changed. Many hostels have single rooms, so if the price is right, I'll choose those instead. If not, I book a bed in an all female room - even better if it has an ensuite bathroom.
While I always look for affordable options when traveling overseas (whether in Europe, Australia, etc.), which often includes looking at hostels, I tend to stay away from hostels. While the pluses are worthwhile mentioning (i.e. cheap prices, opportunities to meet new people), the negatives, namely lack of security, lack of personal space, etc., outweigh them for me. I would only ever stay at a hostel again if its the only deal in town. True, many hostels have private rooms, but I've found that the price of those private rooms are often more expensive than deals at actual hotels that I find on Priceline.com (whether Express Deals or via bidding). But that's my view; I respect contrary positions on the issue.
I should add that I'm in my mid-20's and I party, party, party. I definitely only recommend it if you are in your 20's and early-30's. My trips around the world would not even be half as fun if I didn't stay in a hostel.
However, there are hostels that do cater to older travelers...just generally not in Europe.
I have known several people that went to Europe with the intention of staying in hostels. However once there they found in many places they could stay in a hotel for not much more. Granted the hotels were very basic, but they were clean and safe.
The Ibis Budget/Motel One/Ibis realm of European budget hotels gets you a room with private bath, wifi, and AC as well as heat and is often very reasonably priced for that location.
You can also find hostels under the "specialty lodging" heading on TripAdvisor.
I've stayed in many hostels in Europe and also couch surfed. (And I'm old, and not a big partier.)
It's definitely true that you can find small 2 star hotels (and some are charming, and not necessarily chains) that are just as cheap as a hostel. I just do my research and figure out what will work the best.
The Ibis Budget/Motel One/Ibis realm of European budget hotels gets you a room with private bath, wifi, and AC as well as heat and is often very reasonably priced for that location.
Have stayed at Ibis in Constanta. Romania a couple times. Found it to be very good. Good food there and a bar all for half the price I would pay in the U.S.
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