Hostels for Adults: How and Where to Find Them

Hostels have shed their "youth-only" image, transforming into modern, versatile spaces for travelers of all ages. Far from noisy dorms and chaotic common areas, today’s hostels cater to solo adventurers, couples, and groups with private rooms, boutique designs, and even eco-friendly initiatives.

Many now offer high-end amenities like en-suite bathrooms, coworking spaces, and curated events, creating a refined yet social experience. Whether it’s a chic boutique hostel or a serene eco-retreat, these spaces prove that hostels aren’t just for the young—they’re for anyone seeking affordability, comfort, and connection.

Finding Adult-Friendly Hostels

Here’s how to use filters on the top 3 most reliable hostel booking platforms to find hostels tailored for adults.

Read: Hostel vs. Hotel (It’s NOT Budget vs. Comfort)

Online Booking Platforms: Hostelz.com

Hostelz.com is a powerhouse for finding hostels that cater to mature travelers. With its comprehensive database, it simplifies the process of pinpointing accommodations that meet specific needs. Here's how to make the most of its features:

• Advanced Filters for Older Travelers: Use the "50+ Age Filter" (if available) to quickly narrow down hostels with a more relaxed and mature vibe. For even finer results, apply filters for private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and essential amenities like kitchens, common areas, or even coworking spaces.

• Boutique Hostel Options: Interested in stylish stays? Hostelz lets you filter for boutique hostels, which often blend high-end comfort with unique designs—perfect for adults seeking a more refined atmosphere.

• Price Comparison: One of Hostelz’s standout features is its ability to compare prices across major booking platforms like Booking.com and Hostelworld. This ensures you get the best deal without hopping between websites.

• Detailed Listings: Hostel descriptions on Hostelz often include tags like “party hostel” or “quiet zone,” making it easier to identify the atmosphere you’re looking for. Reviews are also aggregated from multiple platforms, giving you a holistic view of each property.

For older travelers, Hostelz.com is more than just a booking tool—it’s your personal guide to finding hostels that offer privacy, comfort, and a touch of sophistication.

Read: Luxury Hostels in Europe That Redefine Backpacking

Hostelworld

Hostelworld is a versatile platform for finding hostels, and with the right approach, it can help uncover options ideal for mature travelers. Here's how to make the most of its features:

• Filter Reviews by Age Group: While Hostelworld doesn’t offer age filters for hostels themselves, it allows you to filter reviews by age group. This lets you see feedback from travelers in your demographic (e.g., reviews left by those aged 30–40 or 50+), giving insight into whether a hostel is adult-friendly.

• Focus on Reviews: Look for reviews mentioning adult-friendliness, a relaxed social vibe, or quiet zones—useful for avoiding overly youthful or party-heavy atmospheres.

Booking.com

• Targeted Reviews: Use the search bar in the review section of Booking.com to look for keywords like “mature travelers,” “quiet atmosphere,” or “relaxing environment.” These terms often point to hostels with a more laid-back vibe suited to adults.

Check out: Hostelworld vs Booking.com vs Hostelz.com

Key Considerations for Adult Travelers

Here’s what to consider when choosing a hostel to ensure it perfectly matches your preferred environment

Private Rooms

• Privacy and Comfort: For many adults, these are non-negotiable, making private rooms a top priority.

• En-Suite Bathrooms: Opt for private rooms with en-suite facilities for a hotel-like experience without the price tag.

• Affordability and Personal Space: These rooms provide the perfect balance between cost-effectiveness and privacy.

• Hostelz.com Advantage: With an extensive database of hostels, Hostelz.com offers private room options in most countries and cities worldwide.

• Filter Your Search: Use Hostelz.com's filters to find properties that match your specific preferences.

Quiet Zones

• Hostel Descriptions: Look for hostels that mention quiet hours or designated quiet zones in their descriptions—ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring

• Avoid Party Hostels: Use Hostelz’s ‘party hostel’ tag to steer clear of properties with a lively party scene if that’s not your vibe.

• Guest Reviews: Dive into the reviews to assess noise levels. Feedback from other travelers is invaluable in gauging how peaceful the hostel really is.

Cleanliness

• Clean Environment: A clean setting is crucial for mature travelers who prioritize comfort.
• Check Cleanliness Scores: Pay attention to cleanliness ratings in reviews—higher scores usually reflect well-maintained facilities and a focus on hygiene.
• Use Filters: Many booking platforms rank hostels by cleanliness, making it an essential filter during your search.

Social Atmosphere

• Travel Style: Reflect on what you want from your trip. Are you seeking lively communal events like cooking classes or pub quizzes, or a relaxed environment for casual conversations?
• Read Reviews: Guest reviews often highlight the typical crowd and social dynamic. Look for mentions of a mature, respectful atmosphere or balanced social opportunities.
• Balanced Hostels: Some hostels strike a perfect mix, offering social spaces like common areas or evening events while maintaining quiet zones for downtime.

Amenities Beyond Basics

• Free Perks: Look for free breakfast, which simplifies mornings, or coworking spaces if you’re blending work with travel. Rooftop lounges are great for unwinding while soaking in local views.
• Wellness Offerings: Hostels with yoga classes, meditation sessions, or even access to nature excursions cater to those seeking a healthier, rejuvenating experience.

Neighborhoods

• Stay Away from Nightlife Hubs: Hostels in quieter neighborhoods are a better choice if you’re avoiding late-night noise. Use maps on platforms like Hostelworld or Booking.com to assess proximity to bars and clubs.
• Easy Access to Attractions: Research transportation links and ensure the hostel is well-connected for sightseeing, dining, and other activities. Being close to public transport hubs often means you can enjoy the best of both worlds—peaceful evenings and easy daytime exploration.

Age-Specific Recommendations

Hostels for Over 30s

By this stage, comfort often takes precedence over the backpacking chaos of early travel years.

• Avoid Youth Hostels: Skip hostels labeled as "youth" or known for wild parties. Instead, prioritize boutique hostels or adult-focused options that offer a mix of stylish design, private rooms, and calmer atmospheres.

A good example of hostels for people in their 30s are The People Hostel in Lille and The Millennials Shibuya in Tokyo.

Hostels for Over 40s

• Check for Age Limits: Some hostels have age restrictions, usually around 35–37 years old. Always verify the listing to ensure you meet the requirements.
• Welcoming Options: Boutique hostels, eco-hostels, and family-friendly hostels often cater to travelers in their 40s, offering enhanced comfort and a sense of community.
• Balance Quiet and Social Spaces: Choose properties that offer both quiet areas and opportunities to connect, such as hostels with private rooms and communal lounges.

A good example of hostels for people in their 40s are Nano Eco Hostel in Hue and The Passenger Hostel in Porto.

Hostels for Over 50s

• Filters for 50+: Hostelz’s "50+ travelers" filter helps identify hostels with a welcoming atmosphere for older travelers.
• Boutique Hostels: Opt for boutique hostels focused on design, comfort, and local experiences, as they often attract a more mature demographic.

A good example of hostels for people in their 50s are Linnéplatsens Hotell & Vandrarhem in Gothenburg and Auberge du Plateau-Mont-Royal in Montreal.

Best Hostels for Older Solo Travelers

• Safety First: Opt for hostels with secure lockers, keycard access, and 24-hour reception to ensure peace of mind.
• Respectful Atmosphere: Choose hostels known for their quiet policies and respectful crowd—feedback in reviews can help pinpoint the vibe.
• Social Opportunities: Solo travelers can benefit from hostels with organized activities, such as walking tours or communal dinners, which foster interaction without the chaos of a party hostel.

General Tips

• Direct Communication: Email hostels directly to ask about their vibe, demographics, and facilities. This is particularly helpful for finding hidden gems and confirming details not listed online.
• Ask the Right Questions: Inquire about the average age of guests, event types, and noise levels to ensure the hostel aligns with your preferences.

We have an article on the best hostels for adults in Europe that you can check out for specific recommendations.

Common Concerns About Hostels

Privacy and Security

• Secure Lockers: Choose hostels that offer spacious, individual lockers for your belongings. Bonus points if they have digital or keycard access.
• Single-Sex Dorms: If you’re sharing a room, single-sex dorms can add a layer of comfort and privacy (example: female-only dorms).
• Keycard or App-Based Locks: Look for hostels with modern security systems, such as keycard access or app-based room locks, to prevent unauthorized entry.
• 24-Hour Reception: A 24-hour front desk not only provides convenience but also adds a layer of security, ensuring help is available whenever you need it.

Addressing the "Am I Too Old?" Question (FAQ)

Am I Too Old for a Hostel?

Not at all! Hostels have evolved far beyond their old stereotypes. Today, they cater to all ages, with options like private rooms, peaceful atmospheres, and engaging experiences that offer both connection and comfort—whether you’re 25 or 65.

Can I Stay in a Party Hostel?

If you’re feeling up for it, why not? Party hostels are all about energy and fun, and there’s no age limit to enjoying yourself—as long as the hostel itself doesn’t enforce one (some do have limits, typically around 35).

Why Stay in a Hostel?

Hostels offer benefits you won’t find in many other types of accommodations: Affordability, Social Interaction, Unique Travel Experiences and Insider Knowledge.

What if I Don’t Want to Socialize?

No problem! Many hostels now offer private rooms, so you can enjoy the affordability of a hostel while maintaining your personal space. There’s no obligation to join group activities, but they’re there if you feel like connecting with others.

What if I’m Traveling with a Partner?

Many hostels cater to couples with private rooms, often featuring romantic touches like boutique decor or balconies with stunning views.

Read: When Are You Too Old To Stay in a Hostel? An Honest

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About the author: Undercover Phoenician

Hostelz.com is your #1 hostel guide to find the best prices for every single hostel worldwide. We show you all prices and hostels at a glance - save money by using the right booking platform.