My First Hostel Experience: How This Bougie Traveler Survived (and Thrived!)
When you think of hostels, what comes to mind? Crowded rooms, stolen goods, noisy strangers? Same.
I’ll be the first to admit it: I’m a little bougie. I like good food, nice hotels, and a cushy business class seat when the budget allows. But that’s the key — "when the budget allows."
Sometimes, affording a long trip means making sacrifices. This year, I embarked on the longest trip of my life: two months in Thailand and one month in South Korea, with no income coming in while traveling.
So, for the first time ever, I traded in a hotel for... a hostel.
Choosing My First Hostel (Without Compromising My Standards)
As someone who’s never stayed (or wanted to stay) in a hostel, it took a lot to convince myself this was a good idea. I had only heard horror stories — theft, assault, barely livable conditions, and let’s not even talk about sharing a small room with seven strangers.
My fellow introvert travelers, you get me, right?
With survival (and sanity) in mind, here were my non-negotiables when searching for a hostel:
Private rooms with locks (no shared dorms for me)
CCTV security
Kitchen access (because eating out for every meal adds up)
Affordable price
Good location (safe, accessible, and near public transportation)
After some digging, I learned that staying long-term often unlocks huge discounts. Imagine my shock when I found a private room for about $200 for an entire month. Yes, seriously.
The hostel had:
A kitchen
A dining room
A workroom
Rooftop seating
A small workout area
Coin-operated laundry
Booking and First Impressions
I booked the hostel through Airbnb, and it was honestly a breeze. When I arrived, I was greeted at the door by the sweetest staff members, who even carried my bags upstairs.
Bonus: They let me pick my room!
Each morning, the hostel provided:
A bottle of water
A small snack packet (think chocolate cookies or crackers)
Throughout the day, they also offered cooked rice, bread, and sometimes fruit, totally free for guests. The facility itself was immaculately clean — staff cleaned multiple times a day between 8 AM and 8 PM.
Room Tour and Setup
When I arrived, I was given a choice between two private rooms. I picked the one with a bunk bed and built-in desk for two reasons:
The room had more open space.
The bed was closer to the AC unit and the ceiling fan.
The room itself was spacious — big enough that I could comfortably do yoga in it. It felt more like a cozy mini-studio than a cramped hostel room, which made a huge difference for my overall comfort.
As for bathrooms, each floor had a communal setup:
4 individual toilet rooms (each with its own door and lock)
4 individual shower rooms (also with full privacy)
Super clean, very private, and always available when I needed them.
Wi-Fi and Guest Demographics
The Wi-Fi was excellent — strong enough to stream, video chat, surf the web, and even handle work calls without interruption.
The hostel attracted a lot of remote workers from all over the world. I noticed people working at all hours of the day from the dining and work areas, and despite multiple people being online simultaneously, the connection never faltered. If you’re traveling and need reliable internet, this place passed the test with flying colors.
Noise Levels
The environment inside the hostel was chill and peaceful. Since the building sits near a highway, there was some traffic noise outside. However, rooms located deeper inside the building were much quieter. I was told that the middle rooms barely picked up any noise at all.
In terms of other guests, no loud parties, no crazy late-night disruptions. It was a respectful, laid-back vibe the whole time.
Safety Tips and Lessons Learned
Traveling solo and staying in a hostel for the first time taught me a few valuable lessons:
Label your food if you use the communal fridge. And eat it within 24 hours — yes, my food did mysteriously disappear a few times.
Keep your door locked at all times — even if you're just stepping out to use the bathroom.
Learn the names of the staff and know the name of your hostel and its street or area — very helpful if you ever need directions or help.
Get to know other guests. You don’t have to make best friends, but friendly faces make the environment feel safer and more welcoming.
Honestly, common sense and basic awareness go a long way toward having a great hostel experience.
Would I Stay in a Hostel Again?
Honestly? Yes — but with my standards firmly intact. Having a private, secure room made all the difference. I still value my space and safety, and I wouldn't do a crowded dorm situation. But a clean, affordable, private hostel room while traveling long-term? Game changer.
This experience reminded me that flexibility while traveling can lead to unexpected comfort and surprising affordability. And most importantly, it's a powerful reminder that being bougie doesn’t have to break your travel dreams. 😉
Sunset views from the hostel rooftop
Final Takeaways for First-Time Hostel Travelers
If you're considering staying at a hostel but have reservations, here are my quick tips:
Prioritize your must-haves. Don't compromise on safety or comfort if you know they’ll make or break your trip.
Look for long-term discounts. Booking a month (or even 2 weeks) at a time can save you a ton.
Use trustworthy platforms. Airbnb and Agoda are my go-to websites.
Communicate clearly. Use translation apps, learn a few key phrases, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Be smart and stay aware. Hostel life can be chill and safe if you stay attentive to your surroundings.
