Was a hostel snob for years, just tried a shared Airbnb and I'm converted

For the last 3 years I only booked hostels in Europe, thinking they were the cheapest option. But last month in Lisbon I split a 4-bed Airbnb with strangers for $28 a night, which was less than the hostel down the street. Am I crazy or are shared apartments actually the better deal now?

2 comments

2 Comments

elliotl241mo ago

Last week in Prague I booked a 4-bed hostel dorm for $22 a night with free breakfast and a bar crawl included. That shared Airbnb you're talking about probably charges cleaning fees and has no reception desk if something goes wrong. Plus hostels have lockers for your stuff, common areas to meet people, and staff who know the city. You're one bad roommate away from a miserable night with no one to switch you to another room.

the_vera1mo ago

Found a similar setup in Barcelona last summer and it was way cheaper than the hostels nearby. Kitchen access alone made it worth it since I could save money cooking my own meals.