I was dead wrong about staying in hostels past 30

For years I swore I'd never sleep in a dorm room again after I turned 30. Thought it was just for college kids and backpackers who didn't mind snoring and drunk strangers. Then last summer in Lisbon I needed to stretch a $600 budget for two weeks and caved on a private room at a hostel called Home Lisbon Hostel. It was $35 a night with free breakfast and a huge shared kitchen, and I met a guy who taught me how to find cheap ferry tickets to the Azores. Now I check hostels first even for solo trips because the money I save on lodging lets me eat better and do more. Has anyone else found a hostel that changed their mind about budget stays?

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felix4881mo ago

Man I had almost the exact same thing happen to me in Barcelona last year. I was dead set against hostels after 30, thought I was too old for that scene, but I was broke after a last minute flight change and ended up at this place near the Gothic Quarter. It was a total game changer. I met this retired couple who were traveling on a shoestring and they showed me all these free walking tours and cheap tapas spots I never would have found on my own. Now I don't even bother with hotels unless I'm traveling with someone who absolutely needs their own room. That extra cash goes straight into food and experiences.