Well, it all depends on the destination and how long I want to be there! Usually about 4 nights max, though when I traveled long term I’ve stayed for about 2 weeks in the same hostel.

I believe due to regulations in many countries 30 days is often the max length of stay allowed.

hi how was your trip?

Sure! I’ve met my share of 60+ age travelers in hostels. Try to choose quieter hostels based on their description. Some are very party-focused and mainly for young people, others are for any travelers. I’ve found that the atmosphere can depend on the country/region. For example, hostels in Australia seem to have mostly partying young people (e.g. teenage Brits on their first ever trip) while in South America there often many different ages, so I recommend just giving it a try.

I’ve just always felt the HI hostels (and many in the US) are a bit generic is all. I prefer non-chain hostels with more soul, where some independent owners had to work hard to make it more cozy and welcoming. It’s not really about the standards or how good the furniture is but just the atmosphere. Motels I think are a different story to hostels. We judge different types of accommodation by different criteria… and if you prefer chains or franchises that’s cool!

I’m not aware of any restrictions on a stay… can’t think of any reason why they would not want you to stay longer. I’ve never encountered such a rule anyway… only minimum stays occasionally (e.g. 2 nights minimum, or no 1-night stays during a weekend, but this is quite rare).

Yeah it’s normal for them to clean the showers every day. I think people just like the added sense of hygiene when using shared facilities. (I’m actually not so fussed myself!)

When I stayed in motels in the U.S. that chains provided a minimal standard because if it was a franchisee they could have the branding taken away if they didn’t and if it was corporate you could complain to management. Twice when I stayed at an independent motel, there was safety standards that were breached, one the deadbolt was not working (I had checked in and left my stuff and came back six hours later only to find that out, so didn’t think I could leave and left the chair under the door), a second was where the outlet for the refrigerator was across room with the stove in the middle so the cord had to dangle above the stove to plug it in and they had a TV in the second room that didn’t work (it was kind of a suite and they said the parents slept in the back room and the kids watched TV in the front so the second TV didn’t have to work!)

What do you mean about “youth hosteling” variety or coffee shop or airport lounge decor, I have been to hostels in Europe, Australia and don’t see that the furniture is any better or fancier, with the advent of the internet and smartphone, younger folks EVERYWHERE don’t engage as much socially as in the past.

I am glad that you have a place for comments, initially I found you because I was wondering why some hostels have a location where you are from restriction or like HI I believe the stay has to be a max of 3 days, didn’t know if it’s legal (do you know?) but perhaps if it’s a private property they can have any rule that they like or maybe they can as to being a hostel and not a motel or hotel.

Hey Kathryn. I think Ecuador and Peru can be good places to start. They’re cheap, a little easier, and there’s many travellers there. 🙂