Everyone loves a good deal and sometimes, hotel prices just don't cut it. When Airbnb isn't an option, many young travelers turn to hostels. They're socially-geared toward community, provide adequate sleeping space, and some even offer extra services such as food and drink. And if a traveler can find a hostel with a pool or outdoor space near their travel destination, well, that's even better... right?
Everyone has heard horror stories when it comes to hotels, and even Airbnb has had its share of drama when it comes to renting a space. But hostels are a different mix bag altogether because they're usually far more affordable, so how does one decide if that low, low price is worth it? By taking a look into some of the cheapest hostels around and seeing what the critics say.
The Dreamer In Columbia
Columbia has plenty to see and do, especially near Cartagena, and this can be even easier with a good place to rest your head at night. The Dreamer, starting at just over six bucks per night, offers a garden, a large pool, a built-in bar, and even a restaurant that serves Italian food.
This is already far more than a traveler could normally get at a hostel, making it well worth the $6.73 you'd pay per night. It's also within a reasonable distance to several natural park sites, as well as being considered one of the most social hostels in the country with its common areas.
Flow Hostel In Budapest
There are several gorgeous hotels in Budapest that offer comfortable beds, breakfast with a view, and fun amenities. However, when it comes to saving money in Budapest, a hostel is where it's at.
The perk about Flow is that it's a newer hostel, bringing to the table new installments and fresh paint as opposed to some older options. In hostel rooms, visitors will also find that their beds have curtains for privacy, but that's not all this cool space offers.
It's also in a fantastic spot in the city and within walking distance to Budapest's Central Market Hall. So while there might not be as much to do within the hostel, there's certainly plenty to do just outside of it, all for $7.85 per night.
The Bananas In Thailand
The name sounds a bit strange but for $9.31 per night, it's worth putting up with banana jokes. The location of this hostel is what makes it so incredible - visitors will be surrounded by Thailand's lush greenery and truly have a chance to disconnect and enjoy the landscape.
Options for travelers also include dorms which are shared, and bungalows, which are private rooms. Visitors will find hammocks for relaxing close by and can even stop by the hostel's kitchen, where the chef is well-known for her authentic Thai cuisine.
The Cheapest: The Garden Village Guesthouse In Cambodia
While these hostels are all unbelievably cheap, it's the Garden Village Guesthouse that truly wins the money-saving game. The problem is that travelers have found the low price doesn't necessarily mean that it's always worth it.
For one-dollar dorms (yes, you read that right), travelers can expect a bed, towel, and mosquito net... But they also get thatched roofs, which aren't always kind to visitors when it comes to the elements. Upgrades (single and deluxe rooms) are available for a price that's still less than $20.
However, dorms are next to the kitchen which might mean various noises and smells, and there is free wifi in public spaces, laundry service, a volleyball court, affordable bike rental, a rooftop bar, and an affordable restaurant.