hostel

poisonated

Has anyone any bad experiences with hostels?.. have they gotten stuff stolen etc.Are they generally safe?the reason I ask is because I am looking at a hostel at the moment which does not have any security facilities.There is a comunal secure storage area but is that safe?
Thanks

iheartthailand

i dont really understand a communal storage facility? doesnt sound too safe anyway! many hostels provide lockers(sometimes u have to provide your own lock) unless the room is a privates room(which means u must book all the beds in it anyway). the best way to know how secure/good a hostel is is too read a few reviews from people who have stayed there. i find www.hostelworld.com good. ive stayed in many hostels across europe and have never had stuff stolen. hope this helps.

cashback

Generally hostels are safe. Most travellers will respect other's possessions.
I did have my camera stolen in a hostel in Kyoto, Japan though.
I'd left it beside a communal computer and when I came back, it was gone. Eventually found the empty camera bag behind a door. Pretty sickening because it was a small hostel and not something you expect from other backpackers.
Had to spend three hours explaining to a Japanese police officer in the station too.
It's definitely the exception though. Most places will mind stuff behind reception for you.

errlloyd

Hostels are very nice in general, Hostel world ratings. IMO the most important thing is location.

kraggy

+1 on hostelworld.com. Part of their rating figure depends on how secure/safe a hostel is.

And the ratings are reliable as you have to have paid money and booked a hostel through their website in order to leave a review on a particular place. One of my favourite/most valuable websites.