Hostels

[Mark Sedenquist]

One of our new sponsors on RTA is HostelBookers.com and they have an extensive list of hostels around the country. I, for one, was not aware that there are so many options out there. I would be very interested in hearing field reports from any roadtrippers who have stayed in some of these places.

Mark

[Quebec Gen]

I've been to some of the hostels shown on the website. But first, let's just say that I'm a little biased since I never really liked sharing a room with strangers, so hostelling is never my first choice when it comes to lodging. I usually prefer bed & breakfasts, staying with friends, camping or motel rooms.

The Colonial Inn in Yarmouth, Cape Cod, MA is conveniently located, has beautiful landscaping, the staff was friendly and the rooms are spacious. The food was not that good and the bathroom needs redesigning though. **½

My stay at The Farrington Inn in Boston is probably one of my most memorable bad lodging experience. The staff was not especially friendly and the rooms were a little filthy. I was glad I had a mummy sleeping bag with me. I heard it changed a lot in the last few years though (I went in 98 or 99). *

The Viking Village Bed & Breakfast at L'Anse-aux-Meadows (Hay Cove actually) has immaculate clean rooms & (shared) bathroom, hosts were ok and the breakfast was excellent (homemade jams = yummy). The rooms in the back have a nice view (wonderful sunsets). The house is located just a few minutes from the National Historic Site (Anse aux Meadows). ****½

I didn't stay at Hôtel les Mouettes in Sept Îles but I visited the property once. The cheapest rooms are located in the unrenovated part of the building. Those rooms are very dark, they smell like smoke and mildew and if I remember correctly I believe they don't even have have windows in them, or if they do they are incredibly small. The newest rooms were much better with large windows and most importantly fresh air, but a little bit more expensive. The staff is friendly and the hotel is located in a quiet part of town.**

La Maison Majorique in Tadoussac has tiny but clean rooms, is conveniently located in the heart of town, it is just a short walk to the waterfront (whale watching, beach, etc.). The staff is extremely friendly.****

One of my friends went to the Hotel Parkview in La Havana, Cuba and really enjoyed it : quiet, clean, conveniently located near historic district. Unfortunately for him, the only downside was that he got the last room which was a cigar smoking room and he doesn't smoke. Since he's a very good friend he brought me back some good cigars hmm:o)****½

Gen

[Mark Sedenquist]

I've been to some of the hostels shown on the website. But first, let's just say that I'm a little biased since I never really liked sharing a room with strangers, so hostelling is never my first choice when it comes to lodging.

Mine either. I like finding adventure in other ways.... But thanks for these reports!

Mark

[NigelBurke]

I've done alot of single travelling so hostels have worked great for me. I've stayed in at least a dozen of them now and have had no problems.

I recommend any single travellers to try them out. It's a great way to meet other single travellers and to share time with. Every city I have been to that I have stayed in a hostel, I've met a new friend to go adventuring with. When I've stayed in motels and hotels by myself, I am usually bored because I have no one to do things with.

Hostels also usually have or can recommend great tours at great prices.

If you're travelling as a couple, you can get yourself a private room but a cheap motel would be just as cheap.

Cheers,
Nigel

[Midwest Michael]

I actually have used that site before, and I think its pretty good. Its one of the only places I know of that acctually can give you some real world opinions about specific hostels, which can be important since they are all different.

I've stayed at 2 hostels in the US and the reviews of the ones I've been to were fair and accurate.

In terms of staying in hostels, I agree with Nigel, if you are a solo traveler they can be a really good, cheap option, where you can also get to spend some time with other humans who are in a similar situation. However, I also agree that they become less economical with more people. Since they charge per person, the cost for 2 people in a hostel is usually about the same as a cheap motel, and if you've got more than 3 people, a hostel can actually become a more expensive option.