Why Would Anybody Hostel It?

To be honest, this is my first hostel stay in America – Fisherman’s wharf in San Francisco. So I can’t speak for other hostels (and I know this one has had a great reputation for years), I can only tell you about my experience with this one.

Why am I staying here? It’s cheap – I don’t know how long it will take me to secure a place to live, and I really don’t care to spend the whole day alone. You probably know that I’m not much of a night goer – but I don’t want to hole up in a hotel room either.

Sure I’m a loner, but a little solitude goes a long way these days. That’s the reason I chose this – but since I’ve been here, another benefit has appeared. I’m used to traveling in comfort – car or cabs, decent hotels, and interesting restaurants: All very cozy, but not very much outside of my comfort zone. I always thought the destination was the excitement. But hostels are just a bit edgy – not in my comfort zone at all.

I’ve enjoyed the contrast in traveling this way – how often I had chosen to travel carrying all my homey accouterments in the past….not this time. I am truly out of my comfort zone, but not uncomfortable at all.

Hostel Pluses

+Cheap, cheap, cheap (my stay is $27/night – ummmm, this is on the wharf – hellllllo)

+Free breakfast with bottomless cup of coffee

+Reasonable lunch and dinners ($5 for the dinner special- I don’t eat lunch)

+Relaxed yet active – there are great portions of the day where you have the place to yourself but also lots of time with people quietly mingling around.

+Always someone to talk to – this may be called a youth hostel, but there are all ages staying here.

+Surrounding Parkside area to be one with nature.

+Free current movies each night (I’ll finally get to see Social Network if I’m back in time Wednesday night).

Hostel Minuses

- Hard core music in the common room (easily taken care of with my earphones and MP3)

- Bedding less than luxurious (I mistakenly ‘stored’ my favorite comforter which would have made all the difference).

- Lack of privacy – not a huge issue for me– but not for the feint-of-heart either – you have to be willing to share your space.

As you can see – the deck is pretty much stacked in favor. I’m sure other pluses and minuses will come out over the next few days, but for now, I’m loving the adventure!