For the average traveler looking to step outside their comfort zone, they want to do it in comfort. But that doesn’t mean you have to find yourself in an expensive hotel anymore.
With the considerable rise in the popularity of apartment rentals for travelers, like Wimdu, over the last year, and the number of hostels with charming private rooms, there are a couple of different options for every budget type.

Not all Hostel rooms are scummy.
The only problem for an adventure traveling couple is choosing between the three different options.
We wanted to help you out on your next travel adventure by briefly summarizing Hostels vs. Hotels vs. Apartment.
Hostels vs. Hotels vs. Apartment
Privacy, budget, location, and facilities all play a massive part in choosing our accommodation when we travel. And while each of the different options has its benefits, none of the three is perfect.
We should also note that while every Hostel, Hotel, and Apartment is different, we have been very generic in our answers below. Some accommodation options are much, much worse, while some are much better.
Most of the time, you get what you pay for, but sometimes it just comes down to pure luck.
Hostels
When we first started traveling, we always stayed in Hostels. However, the longer we have traveled, the less time we have spent in Hostels.
In particular, we rarely stay in Hostel dorm rooms unless we are traveling with a group of friends. This is because we like our space and privacy. It is to keep the romance alive while on the road.

We have learned that if you don’t sleep well, romance will die while traveling.
Hostel Pros:
For a single traveler, Hostels always provide reasonably good value for money. Where else can you find a place to rest your tired jandal-wearing feet and have a complimentary breakfast for around $10 – $20 per night?
You also have the chance to meet a lot of other international travelers because Hostels are generally well-known for being social.
The staff is often friendly, and other travelers will be looking to share travel stories with you.
Hostels will put on events such as pub crawls, fancy dress parties, and free walking tours to help you explore the destination.
Most Hostels will come with some kitchen facilities so that you can cook for yourself, helping you stretch your budget even further.

Learn to cook cheaply but well in Hostels.
Hostel Cons:
Due to Hostels being very social, they can also be very noisy.
Unless you opt for a private room, don’t expect any privacy. We have stayed in dorms with over 20 bunk beds. If you want to sleep, don’t stay in a 20-bed dorm.
While you may get a complimentary breakfast, expect it to consist of white bread with only a few spreads and basic cereal options like cornflakes. If it is a buffet option, check out our all-you-can-eat buffet eating tips!
The kitchens are usually messy. We don’t understand how travelers cannot clean up after themselves. Do your dishes!
The cost of a private room in a Hostel is comparable to some 2/3 star Hotels.

Dorm room in Barnacles Hostel.
Hotels
If we book a Hotel room when we travel, we are very particular about our choices. They have to have complimentary breakfast and be centrally located to make them worth the extra cost.
Hotel Pros:
Private rooms. What else do we have to say? After three years of traveling, it is nice to escape for a few hours in privacy.
Hotel rooms are often nicer than Hostel rooms, with more space and more extensive beds.
As members of the Hotels.com reward scheme, we can earn free accommodation the more we book online. You should check it out if you stay in Hotels.
Hotels often have fitness facilities such as a pool or small gym. This is important to us while traveling.
Hotel chains such as the Radisson Blu or the Starwood group will have the same high quality worldwide.
Hotel Cons:
Hotels can be pretty sterile. We don’t mean clean, because that is nice, but they can be very business-like.
While front desk staff are friendly, they won’t go out of their way to help you find adventures and things to do.
There is little to no social scene or a chance to meet with other travelers. And if they have a bar on-site, it is likely to be expensive and dull.
There won’t be any kitchen facilities so that you can cook for yourself. Restaurants are often your only option.
Apartments
We have recently discovered short-term apartment rentals while we are traveling. They work because someone either has a couple of spare rooms in their apartment that they rent to you while they are still there, or they have a whole apartment you can rent out for your stay.
Some are wonderful, while some can be misleading in their descriptions.
Apartment Pros:
Apartments can feel like a home away from home when stepping outside your comfort zone. Having a homely base to come back to each day makes a huge difference to travel happiness. Here are some worldwide vacation apartments from WorldEscape.
Kitchen facilities allow you to cook with ingredients picked up from local markets and help you travel for longer on your budget.

Affordable apartments are not usually located centrally, which means they will be quieter, allowing privacy and lots of relaxation after being on the go all day.
With a group of travelers, you get the benefit of all beings in the same apartment, which makes the traveling experience better—most of the time.
Apartment Cons:
If you rent out a room in someone’s shared apartment, it can be extremely awkward, and you feel as if you are intruding in their private lives.
Some affordable apartments will not be located centrally. So factor in additional costs for transportation and getting around.
You won’t get the chance to meet other travelers.
Hostels vs. Hotels vs. Apartments Verdict
For the first-time traveler or budget traveler, Hostels are your best friend. You get the chance to meet new people worldwide and find out travel tips from travelers that have been there and done that. If you stay in Hostels, you can save your money for travel adventures like kayaking in Naples.

Hotels are generally more friendly and comparable in price to private dorms if you are traveling as a couple. And if you have found one with a good buffet breakfast, you can usually skip lunch.
While staying with a local in a shared apartment can be great if you want to find some local travel tips, it will feel like you are intruding in their lives. Therefore we recommend booking an entire apartment for your privacy, kitchen facilities, and a home away from home.
Overall, if we can find a suitable apartment, we always choose an Apartment over a Hostel or Hotel.
READER QUESTION: Which one do you choose in the Hostels vs. Hotels vs. Apartment debate? And why?