While spending family vacations in an old watch factory in the Berner Oberland, I was reminded of a list that I’d started during my travels in South America. It contains a number of items that make a hostel stay more pleasant and the place itself more recommendable. Here we go:
– more than one bathroom to avoid long line-ups or unpleasant quarrels
– always a spare roll of toilet paper (there’s nothing more annoying than finishing the last roll without another one in sight)
– a decent water kettle
– a clean stove (and kitchen in general) that doesn’t gross you out every time you use it
– a pan with the coating still mostly unscarred as to reduce the risk of intoxication
– enough dishes for the number of guests the owner expects to host
– knives that actually cut (so you don’t spend half an hour trying to dissect a tomato in vain)
– free drinking water
– hammocks (not just one or there will be some unspoken jealousy)
– small bedside tables or space to stash your glasses, watch & co. and a small lamp for when your roommates have already switched off the light
– ladders for the top bunks so you don’t have to clamber up awkwardly or make plans how to survive the descent in the dark
– oh, and while we’re at it, side planks for those who like me still fear they might fall down from the bunk bed in the middle of the night
– decent Wi-Fi, so you can plan your further travels – or then no Wi-Fi at all with the explicit purpose of bringing travellers together (better than a snail-paced internet connection)
Of course, this list reflects a lot of my personal priorities (and I admit some elements are just nice-to-haves). Which items have you missed or appreciated at hostels in the past? What would your own list look like?
I am surprised you forgot to mention “a way to make decent coffee“, be it a half decent coffee machine or then a Italian moka (Bialetti)! 😉
You are right, I totally forgot that one! A decent coffee maker is always a plus :).