Hostile or HOSTEL? Some may say “What the heck is a Hostel” and others may say “Oh my, you stayed at a HOSTEL”?!!! The answer is… YES I DID and we LOVED it!
The word HOSTILE VS HOSTEL can sometimes be confused!
The word HOSTILE VS HOSTEL can sometimes be confused! Do you know the difference?
I’ve always been so intrigued by the idea of a Hostel (lodging) without wanting to feel “Hostile”! That is the difference.
I really never had a chance in my younger years to do Solo travel. Some of my friends though went off and explored the World-backpacking their way around the World. Hostels and Bivys are very popular among this crowd.
Seeing photos and hearing stories about these adventures always interested me. I really didn’t know to much though about the details of this type of lodging until a few years ago. I loved the idea that some of the hostels looked so adventurous and let me tell you….. ALOT cheaper then a resort or hotel!
What Is A Hostel? The Answer Will Change Your Travels Forever
A hostel is a form of low-cost, short-term shared sociable lodging where guests can rent a bed, usually a bunk bed in a dormitory, with shared use of a lounge and sometimes a kitchen. Rooms can be mixed or single-sex and have private or shared bathrooms.
Think of it as a “Backpacker Lodge”. That is a good way to explain a true hostel- An “ADVENTURE LODGE“.
Hostels & Bivys are common and made to be used in a way that will raise opportunity to meet other guests.
A stay in a Hostel is out of a Hotel standard, and more than a bed, it is an “all experience” that is sold.
Years ago “Hostel rooms” were considered just a low budget lodging option. With free access to the Internet, breakfast included, high standards conditions for hygiene, safety and security. Just a cheap place to crash when backpacking or traveling the World!
Who stays in a hostel?
One of the best things about hostelling is that you get to meet people so many different kinds of people from all over the world. You never know who you’ll meet while staying in a hostel which adds an element of excitement that’s hard to get if you’re holed up on your own in a hotel room.
For some Hostels, the customer type is what currently is called “FlashPacker” (evolution of the Backpacker), a fast-growing segment of travelers who choose economic lodging, while they spend freely in activities in the chosen destinations.
Then there are those that like the mix of low cost and luxury. Not all Hostels and Bivys are the same- Just like all lodging, it varies. For an example-imagine Motel 6 compared to The Ritz Carlton. Each and every place is unique!
I personally never really thought about staying at a Hostel as a family. Once we had children most of our trips were focused around the kids and their activities and our lodging requirements varied. Now that our kids are getting older and my husband and I are able to take solo and “couple” trips this is an option that we are defiantly willing to explore.
Have you every stayed at a Hostel or Bivy?
I would love to hear your feedback and experiences!
What are the Pros & Cons-
PRO’S
- Hostels are great for budget friendly lodging
- Great if you are a solo traveler looking to meet new friends
- Most of the time there is a full kitchen available, so you can prepare your own meals. (Some even offer community meals)
- You can save money by preparing your own meals, purchasing groceries & avoiding eating fast food.
- Music, dancing, social hour, games and more
CON’S
- Not all hostels are the same, just like not all hotels are the same! Make sure you check reviews for cleanliness and guest services.
- Most hostels are bunk beds.
- To keep costs down you share a room with other travelers. For example- 4 bunks in a room, private storage but you share a bathroom with others. The cost is approximently $35 a night.
Adventure-oriented communal properties may help you discover a new passion, a new trail/hiking network or a new adventure, and there’s a good chance you’ll go home with great memories as well as new friends.
Guesthouse and Bivy
I do want to point out that even though this has a similar vibe to a Hostel, it is a “Guesthouse and Bivy”. This place was such a treat and I can’t wait to go back and enjoy more time there. Eastside Guesthouse and Bivy has opened my eyes to other styles of lodging and I’m excited to find more places that are similar throughout the Country and World!
My Experience-
Eastside Guesthouse and Bivy in Bishop, Ca USA
With that being said, let me tell you about my experience! I recently stayed at a “Guesthouse & Bivy” which is similar to a Hostel but MUCH better! I actually stumbled across this place by accident. We had planned to go camping but once we arrived at our campground there were no spots available. Stressed about no lodging, I immediately turned to “Google” for some assistance. I just happen to find this “hidden gem” by luck!
I was so intrigued by the idea of a Bivy. I also loved the photos that the guesthouse. With the current global pandemic lodging has changed and there are new restrictions. Due to this we had a whole bunkhouse to ourselves.
My situation- Every year we venture to the Eastern Sierras in California near the Nevada border. The campground that we love is on the creek. It is first come, first serve so that can be risky especially with driving so far, but that’s part of the adventure right?! This is the first time in years that NOTHING was available! Due to COVID19 many campgrounds are closed and those that are open have become extremely hard to get into.
Eastside Guesthouse and Bivy
When I called in I was greeted and lodging arrangements were easy to make. I was informed that due to covid19 we would have a room to ourselves. Currently due to local guidelines and State Laws
This establishment did not disappoint! When we arrived I was pleasantly surprised. This lodging option is new to the area. I have traveled to the Eastern Sierras for over 30 years and never seen anything similar to this. It is a very unique property.
Large parking area (Free parking), a huge beautiful green grassy area with trees surrounded by cute little bungalows. There is also an open air communal area which houses the office, kitchen, dinning and lounge area. I loved this concept! *They have roll up doors and large windows that they open for fresh air.
We arrived late so we had self check in- Each room has a locked key pad for safety. On the way to our room I was blown away by how clean and cute the property was. I couldn’t wait until morning, so we could explore and enjoy!
This was our 6th stop on our road trip and by far the cutest place we stayed.
The Rooms-
We stayed in one of the guest bunk houses.
Details of the room: There was 6 bunks in the room, storage under the bed for personal items and a private restroom with a shower, toilet, mirror and sink. Toilet paper and towels are provided as well as hand soap and shower items.
The beds were comfortable and they provide clean sheets, pillow and a thin duvet cover for the blanket. There was also a bottle of water and a fresh bath towel on our bunks. The bunks each had a night light and USB port as well as a curtain for privacy.
The rooms have windows for fresh air, as well as Air conditioning to help keep Cool during the warm months. The rooms were tastefully done and the property was clean and fresh. This is a newer property and stylish. I really like how they designed not only the rooms but the whole property. Very well thought out.
On this trip it was just my Husband, Myself and My Younger Son. This was a fun and unique experience for us. We also reserved another room for my Sister and her children. We were all on a Family Road Trip together.
This Guesthouse and Bivy does offer other accommodations such as a single room with a full bed and they also have an Apt available that has its own private bathroom, living room and kitchenette.
The Grounds-
The property was so cute and very well planned out. I loved everything about it. There was a huge grassy area to run and play, they even have lawn games available.Lots of trees, a swing and hammocks to relax on and each room has an outdoor seating area for you to unwind and enjoy an evening cocktail or coffee alone or with a friend.
There is deck to sit and enjoy the outdoors and enjoy a meal. They have a small pond on the property that runs off of the nearby creek. There are tables and chairs available to sit and enjoy the evening breeze in several areas of the property. Whether you want to have a quiet private night or meet some new friends, there are a lot of opportunities to enjoy both.
Eastside Guesthouse is also very well located off of the main road. Very close to the popular bakery, stores and restaurants.
Not only is there a hammock to chill on and numerous little spaces to socialize but they also have free bike rentals and board games.
There is also laundry service available for an additional fee-
The Kitchen-
The community kitchen is great! Very well equipped and provides a place to store, and prepare your meals. You will also find a comfy couch and fireplace in the communal area. Each morning they make freshly ground coffee from a nearby Roastery and some days they even do a custom “pour over”. The coffee was so good that I bought a bag to bring home, as well as purchased one of their signature coffee mugs.
They also offer community Yoga on certain days.
The Crowd-
I loved the vibe there! I wanted to point this out because alot of people tend to ask me about properties that I have stayed at. My family is very open minded and appreciate and love everyone. The crowd here is very diverse which we love.
Everyone is Welcome – Solo travelers, Families, Couples and they are LGBTQ friendly.
I really wish that we were not dealing with extreme social distancing at the time because this would have been an amazing opportunity to really engage with others. We did meet some wonderful people but I would have loved to shake hands, hug and be free as we normally are.
Speaking of Social Distancing- I did notice that they were very careful with sanitizing and cleaning up if this is a concern of yours during your travel adventures.
Hand sanitizer and they throughly clean each room and kitchen.
Bishop, California
Bishop is world famous for its scenery, hiking, fishing, climbing, hunting, bakeries, and for its mules. Every Memorial Day Bishop hosts Mule Days complete with the worlds largest non-motorized parade down Main Street.
Bishop has always been a great place to visit. You can fish lakes, creeks and hike all in one place. You can also mountain bike, Cycle, Climb and tube down the river. During the Winter months they do get a light Snow fall and during the Summer it is warm. Bishop is the gateway too many other tourist spots such as June Lake, Mammoth, Mono Lake, Bodie, Bridgeport and a short drive to Yosemite or Reno and Tahoe.
In the past few years many have discovered Bishop and it has been a top destination to visit. This small town is sure to please the “adventurist’ in you!
Want to learn more about Hostels?
This is a great article
https://www.hostelworld.com/blog/what-is-a-hostel/
Overall Experience-
All in all I would say we had a great Summer Road trip and I am so glad that I stumbled upon this place. I can’t wait to go back next year and enjoy the property. We may even take a trip in the Winter time and enjoy the cooler weather. Bishop is. great place year around.
Make sure to check out my other blog posts. I currently am working on a blog post about Road Tripping, Cool Road trip attractions along the 395, Adventures in Tahoe and How to social distance travel. COMING SOON!
Make sure to follow me on FB and also on IG. I have so many great photos on my social media accounts.
www.linktr.ee/chasingthesunshineblog
