Comments on: Hostel Tip #03: Try Before You Buy: The Community Bathroom

By: Rich

Rich — Fri, 22 May 2009 20:07:23 +0000

Thank you, I don’t plan on making reservations any time soon. Anyone have suggestions on where to stay in St. Petersburg, so I can keep and eye on it?

By: Natalie

Natalie — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:54:12 +0000

Hey Rich, I think you are very wise for knowing it is the high season. Consider booking ahead, and making a reservation for at least the first night or 2. Then if you are unsatisfied, you may investigate alternative lodging after arrival. However, if you are satisfied with your sleeping arrangements simply ask to stay a few more nights. While traveling, you will find that the person at the front desk is more willing to give the person standing in front of them a bed for the night, compared to the person on the phone that “may” need a bed for the night.

At the same time, May 2010 is far away, you may want to wait several more months before booking anything. New accommodations can open overnight, and you may find exactly what you want, but it doesn’t open to the public until February 2010. Enjoy dreaming and planning!!!

By: Rich

Rich — Thu, 21 May 2009 04:27:28 +0000

I am looking to start my travels in St. Petersburg in May 2010. Would you suggest booking online or just show up, I hear it is a ‘peak season’, I don’t want to show up and not have a bed.

By: Gillian

Gillian — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:59:11 +0000

Thanks Justin. I agree, this is just beginners nerves – we’ll get the hang of it quickly and will, for the most part, just get into town and find one based on location and traveler recommendations. I am only looking to book our first 2 nights in Lima as we will arrive in the evening after travelling for almost 2 days.

We booked our first flight (we’re doing one way flights as we go) and our Inca Trail Trek yesterday – SOOOO excited!! Nothing makes it more real than plopping down a bunch of non refundable dough!!

Thanks again for the tips.

Cheers.

By: Justin

Justin — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 06:47:40 +0000

We are so excited that you are getting close to your departure. To be honest, we do not tend to use the internet much for finding hostels. We usually rely more on word of mouth and our own instincts when we show up in town. At times, when we need to make a reservation, we will look up a hostel on hostelbookers.com, www.hostelworld.com , or hostelz.com. More often then not, I find that the best reviews are the ones that appear in google when I search for the hostel. I don't spend much time looking for hostels online because I do not usually know where I want to stay in a city until I get there. Plus, ownership changes so frequently that reviews can be out of date 1 month after they are written. Also, it is usually cheaper to show up and book the hostel than to book it online. If you are feeling uncomfortable (I know I did before leaving) make your first reservation online and hold off on the others. Try not to be overwhelmed as you will soon get the hang of how to live in hostels and how to find one that works for you. If you are feeling really stuck, get a recent addition of a guide book and only look at reviews for the hostels listed. That should narrow your search a bit. Good Luck!

By: Gillian

Gillian — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 04:05:17 +0000

Hi again guys,
Thanks for all the hostel tips – they are becoming useful now that we will be soon living in hostel ourselves. Nothing like learning from other peoples mistakes! I have a question: Which on-line sites do use to choose your next hostel? How do you decide from all hostels available on any one site? I’m researching booking my very first hostel in Lima and am a little overwhelmed. I remember when you were just booking your first hostel…and thought you might have some advice?
Must be nice to be the ‘experienced ones’ now eh? Remember when you were still asking questions like these? Soon, I’ll have some experience too! Thanks in advance. G.