Hosteling International (HI-Hostels) offers a real hostel experience and can be found in 80 countries. It is popular in the European countries, U.S, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Â The type of rooms available can range from private rooms to dorm bed with shared facilities.
While on a trip to Phuket, Thailand for a holiday in 2014, HI-hostels become my choice of accommodation named Karon Living Room. The accommodation is located just 30 30-minute ride from Phuket International Airport, 15 15-minute walk to the beach and a 10-minute drive to Patong beach. The outside is filled with cafes, mini-bars, restaurants and street markets.
Here are the five reasons why I choose to stay with Hostel International:
Simply Affordable
The price for a dorm bed or private room was not expensive. On my Phuket trip, I chose a private room, which cost me only 700 baht per night. It has a private bathroom, balcony and television. And if you want to stay in its dormitory, you will only need to pay €7.60 (290 baht) per night.
In my opinion and from what I had seen on the website, most of its hostels would not cost you much more than other budget hotels in the region.
Mingle Around
The hostels provide basic facilities such as a TV room, common area and library/ book exchange so guests can relax, chat, play games and make new friends from other parts of the world. Some of its hostels even have a kitchen for the guests to do their own cooking and share their food using their own recipes with other guests.
Hostel Rating
The hostels had rated overall satisfactory in terms of cleanliness, staff, location, security, service and comfort. I was impressed on how helpful its staff was. On my third day of the trip, I was actually stranded in Phi-Phi Island due to heavy rain and strong waves and could not return on the day itself. Once arrived back the next afternoon, I decided to reschedule my trip plan and thankfully, the Thai staff was able to contact my travel agent to re-plan my trip for the next few days.
The location is mostly situated near tourist attractions, making it easy for tourists to get around. The staff also maintains the cleanliness of the premise and cleans on a daily basis in the common area and guest rooms.
Other guests would said the same for themselves based on their stay experience and mostly rated 8 and above out of 10 points. You can look at the reviews from other previous guests.
In-Hostel Services
The hostels will provide different basic services depending on where you stay and make it as hassle-free as possible for the comfort and convenience of guests. You can rent a bicycle to get around the neighborhood and do your laundry with a washing machine for a small fee. Baggage storage space is available for early guest arrival. Most staff members are happy to assist their guests in arranging local tours with local travel agents.
Membership Discounts
Not only will you receive a 10% discount on its accommodation, but there are many benefits added for the cardholders. You will be entitled to other discounts on attractions’ entrance fees, car rental companies, Greyhound Australia express bus tickets and city tours in Europe.
Karon Living Room, Phuket
For more information, log on to Hosteling International and check out the availability of hostels at your next travel destination. You can directly sign up for the membership at the hostel to enjoy 10% off of your stay and find out if there are any other discounts.
Happy Traveling.
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