This blog is brought to you by our wonderful hostel manager, Rhian.
We are lucky enough to meet many lovely people, from all over the world every day at the Art Hostel. It makes each day varied, interesting and means there’s never a dull moment!
It’s great to welcome all of these wonderful folk to Leeds and find out what they’ve come to us for, from general travel and exploration and to visiting a band they love or seeing a theatre show or art exhibition to dancing the night away at a famous club night.
Some people are here for shopping, cocktails or other glamorous pursuits and have never stayed in a hostel before in their lives, some are seasoned backpacker travellers from halfway around the world and some are students, new to the city, wanting to find permanent accommodation while they study here, or find a job in a new exciting location. The possibilities are endless…
A big part of our role is helping everyone find what they’re looking for. Whether they want our help, friendship and recommendations or just want a few tips and then leaving alone to explore their new environment. Our super enthusiastic team of staff and volunteers are always on hand to give practical support and advice.
Here are a few useful tips to help make your Art Hostel stay as perfect as possible.
Ask a local! (Or a volunteer…)
Can’t decide where to go out tonight? What to have for a cheap but delicious dinner? Or where to visit in your final few hours before you jump on your train home?
Hostel staff are fountains of knowledge as they’ve usually tried everything themselves and they’re always happy to share their favourite places with you. Don’t stick to boring chain pubs and restaurants when there’s so much local talent on offer (usually pretty cheap too!).
We also have maps, posters and flyers detailing fabulous local events and places to visit so please don’t struggle to find something that piques your interest.
Get to know the other guests.
The extra special thing about hosteling is the opportunity it gives you to mingle with the rest of the people staying in the same place as you. You can start a debate at the kitchen table over a glass of wine and find that you’re still laughing over the outcome at breakfast the next morning. It’s a melting pot of interesting characters and new friends. You may meet some of the most fascinating and experienced travellers in the world, or at least get to share a song played on the communal guitar.
Maybe consider a private room if you’re a light sleeper?
Dorm rooms are fun and friendly communal living but there’s always someone who snores a little and a few keen travellers up at the crack of dawn who want to be off exploring…
Hostels are still the cheapest way to see any city, so maybe splash out on a little more privacy if you know you’re likely to be a bit grumpy if you get woken up?
Communal living can be intense; make life easier on yourself and your fellow travellers by being considerate. If you know you like a long hot shower then maybe wait until later than first thing in the morning, so you’re not causing queues? And please always make an effort to clean up after yourself in the kitchen after dinner. A little washing up will go a long way with your new friends. And remember to be quiet when you’re getting back late from that big night out!
Plan ahead.
A little organisation can go a long way.
Spontaneous adventures are always the best ones but just bare in mind there are always a few little things to consider. Maybe book a night’s accommodation near to where your flight lands if you know you’ll be arriving late and you’re not sure what time local buses and trains run until. Not being able to find anywhere to relax when you’re a bit groggy from a long journey can be needlessly stressful.
If you’re not sure about the social scene in a city that you’re visiting, consider booking a Friday and Saturday night in advance, in case it’s really busy that weekend and you can’t extend your stay. You don’t want to end up having to cut your adventures short! Most hostels only need a couple of days notice for free cancellations if your plans change.
Also, please always book direct with your hostel! The commission paid to big online booking sites never makes it into the pockets of your favourite hardworking little hostel.
Enjoy yourself!
Once you decide to swap from staying in big boring hotels to the wonderful welcoming hostel life, you’ll never look back. There’s a whole world of amazing things to see and people to meet. When will your next adventure be?
What’s your top tip for the perfect hostel stay?