If you want to pay rock bottom prices and don't mind sharing a room with strangers, a youth hostel is a great place to stay in Spain. There are two main types of youth hostel in Spain - official Hosteling International Hostels or independent backpackers hostels - which offer very different experiences. On this page you can read about the advantages and disadvantages of the two types of youth hostels found in Spain.
Note that we are talking about dormitory-style youth hostels here, not the budget hotels that are called hosteles in Spanish. The Spanish for 'youth hostel' is albergue juvenil. If you are looking for guest house style hosteles, see Where to Stay in Spain.
How to Book a Hostel in Spain
- Book Independent Backpackers' Hostels at Hostelworld.
- Book Hostelling International Spanish Youth Hostels
Which would I choose? The Independent Backpackers' Hostels, any day.
Backpackers Hostels
Advantages
- Cheap.
- In the center of town.
- Communal areas make them great places to meet people.
- Often have quite funky deco - if you like the studenty look!
Disadvantages
- Cleanliness can vary. Always check the feedback.
- Can be as many as 12 or more people to a room.
- Pitiful breakfast - toast and jam usually.
Book Independent Backpackers' Hostels (book direct)
Hostelling International Youth Hostels
Advantages
- Usually very clean. Though one I stayed in had an infestation of ants.
- Only three people to a room.
- Usually lots and lots of rooms, so no need to book in advance. But I say 'usually'.
- Large breakfast (I didn't say it was necessarily good though!).
Disadvantages
- Very difficult to book online, even if you speak Spanish.
- No character whatsoever - they look like prison hospitals.
- Not usually in the center of town.
- More expensive than they ought to be.
- No communal space to meet people.
