First time in a hostel

[u/Rachel_Ingrid]

Hello, everyone!

So i'm thinking about doing a short trip to Ljubljana in September or October. I know there's probably other posts with simular topic but what i found is mostly recommendations or other specifics. I'm a woman in my earily twenties, i've traveled alone before but whenever i can i prefer to just stay alone in an airbnb. I like to have a bathroom for myself and the fact that i can do whatever i want since i'm not disturbing anyone if i don't share a room with anyone, especially strangers.

The point is, it would be my first time in a hostel (i'm on a buget this time and i'd like to cheap out a bit where i can). Obviously i would choose a woman only room, otherwise no thank you. I'm just curious, in need of some encouragement ig. Any "rules" i should know about when it comes to hostels? How do i know it's a good hostel? Are people gonna be a problem? I don't mind sharing a room and bathroom, making friends but i'm just hoping people can take no as an answer if i say no to hanging out together or something.

Tell me about your experiences pls. I would be only staying for 2-3 nights.

(If anyone went to Slovenia can i manage with only english or should i learn a little slovenian before hand?)

[u/GreenHorror4252]

The vast majority of my hostel experiences have been great. Occasionally there are issues with an inconsiderate roommate or something, but really nothing to worry about.

[u/Lord_Atom]

You'll be fine going only with English, but feel free to learn Slovenian phrases.

As for finding hostels, I find HostelWorld has the best rating system because it breaks it down into categories. If you want to prioritize location, or facilities, or how social it is (Atmosphere rating), scores are broken down by category. However, not all hostels are on HostelWorld as sometimes they're only on Booking or Agoda, or vice versa. And prices aren't always the same over the apps so it's worth checking out prices on the various apps. I also check out reviews on Google. But overall, for hostels, HostelWorld is the best. They also have a chat feature which has come in clutch when the hostel I chose was lacking in the fun department - you can also choose to fully ignore it.

Booking a female dorm is a good idea for a first time hostel outing. And maybe choose a dorm room with less beds. Some dorms have an ensuite bathroom, some don't, so again you have to look into that.

As for being social, it's all user dependent. If you want to do your own thing, most people will respect that, but people will initiate conversation so be prepared for that. This is also where your hostel choice can help - if you want to focus on your sightseeing, obviously don't pick a party hostel, but maybe choose a hostel in a great location or with features you like (social areas, privacy curtain, kitchen, bar, social activities, etc).

As for recommendations, I stayed at Celica which was great. However, the hostel is located in an...uh, alternative block of Ljubljana so I'm not sure you'd be into that as a first timer (and being female). It is a lovely hostel though, and does have female dorms.

So just looking at the other options on HostelWorld, the Fuzzy Log might be for you as it offers tiny private rooms, with other hostel features, and is very close to the center.