About to book a hotel or hostel somewhere new, and wondering if you’re choosing the right spot? The GM of an Auckland Hostel / Hotel hybrid says there’s one thing she always does before booking – and recommends you do the same!
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In my 20s, they were how we saw the world: the little price-friendly bunk bed that meant you had money in your back pocket for Eurail pass and pitchers of icy sangria.
Hostels were my go-to for years, but as I moved out of my 20s, like many of us, I left them behind. Well, guys, the hostel experience is back. Because today’s hostel isn’t what it what it used to be (the sketchy men and women’s dorms, where someone was always snoring, rustling a plastic bag at 2am or trying to unpick the lock on your backpack at 4am).
Nope, today’s hostels come in ‘boutique’ options with women’s only floors, intense security systems and impressive modern facilities – all for a low price point. Hostel stays are now well and truly on the rise, with more and more travellers opting to book out a dorm room for their family, girl’s trip or a simple bed for a quick overnight stay.
Kristen Pirie is the General Manager of JO&JOE Auckland, a boutique hybrid hotel-hostel in Auckland’s CBD which offers both private and shared accommodation, design-led spaces, a buzzing rooftop and a prime CBD location.
Kristen says much has gone into the design of the hotel environment, with a focus on “beautiful, bold spaces through decor and furniture choices,” she says. “It’s not just aesthetic: comfortable and handy touches are important. Think spacious beds (not sinking, flimsy mattresses), communal spaces with arcade games and board games (which still have their full sets of cards,) bunks with their own reading lights and pockets to safekeep your knickknacks while you sleep. One of my favourite design details, is a curtained-off changing area in our shared bunk rooms. You get a pocket of privacy while you change. Just like one in a retail shop!”
But while JO&JOE seems to be one of the good ones… how do you know you’re booking a good hostel when you’re having a peruse online – particularly when you’re booking for one on the other side of the planet?
Kristen says there is one thing that is key for looking at before booking in your hostel stay
“Always check the reviews,” she says. “Obvious, I know, but they give you the most honest insight into what the place is actually like especially when it comes to cleanliness, safety, and location. They’re things that you can’t always gather from a website, no matter how well a hostel describes themselves.”
“It really comes down to the basics cleanliness, safety, security, and location. Those are the non-negotiables. The good thing is you can usually get a pretty clear picture of all of that just by reading the reviews. If people consistently mention that it’s clean, feels safe, and is in a good spot, you’re generally onto a winner.”
As part of her due-diligence before booking in, Kristen always checks the hostel has all the non-negotiables on her checklist. “I check it has access to all things I need (like lockers) and checking staff availability — not all hostels have staff and the ability to check in over 24hours!”
Kristen also takes a good look at the location of the hostel and exactly what’s around it. “Definitely avoid places in locations that do not have easy access to basics, like a grocery store,” she says. “Feedback such as “old” “unclean” it generally gives a good picture of how well a property is cared for and in turn how much you will be cared for as a result.”
At her hostel, Kristen says they’re seeing more groups of friends – and families – opting to book out dorms, but solo travellers still make up a large portion of their guests. If you’re a travelling as a solo female, choosing a hostel can be a little more intimidating, but Kirsten says, again, it’s all about doing your research
“There are some great options in hostels now, like female-only floors—which, funnily enough, is our most popular floor!” she says. “It’s a great way to feel a bit more comfortable and secure, especially when travelling solo. Beyond that, it’s all about the basics make sure you securely lock your things away, keep valuables out of sight, and choose places with good security and—you know it—solid reviews.”
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