Pro tip: I think the 'always book the cheapest hostel' rule is a trap

I was in Prague last fall and booked a bed for $8 a night in a place that looked okay online. The room had 12 people and one broken window, so it was freezing. I ended up spending $40 on a thick sweater and a cheap sleeping bag just to get through two nights, which wiped out the savings. Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather pay a bit more upfront for a decent spot. Has anyone else had a cheap stay actually cost them more in the end?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_olivia2mo ago

Remember that hostel with the bedbug tax?

black.laura2mo ago

Was that the one with the weird shower tokens too?

marywells1mo ago

Oh, the "weird shower tokens" that black.laura mentioned are the final boss of budget travel. I once paid for a 5-minute shower and the hot water timer lasted exactly 90 seconds. You end up spending your hostel savings on overpriced coffee shop lattes just to use their bathroom. My rule now is if the listing doesn't show a photo of a working lock on the bathroom door, it's not worth the $8.