Overrated Hostels

Hostels aren't always the best deal. Do you want to sleep on a mattress with 30 other kids sharing one bathroom? Sometimes the price is worth it but it definitely isn't worth it in Croatia. I found it hard to believe during the off season anyone would choose a hostel when people with private accommodations are begging for you to stay at their apartments or homes. It's not like you're sharing the place with them. Usually you rarely see the owners because they have their own place. They just come in to clean yours.

I made the mistake not to take a room with one of the women who met me at the bus station and went on into the old town of Dubrovnik to stay at the Lonely Planet recommended hostel. I really wanted to stay with the people I had stayed with the previous two times but they don't normally take borders. I just lucked out the first time by word of mouth. Nensi and Tio both work so I knew they wouldn't be at home and since I didn't know I was coming to Croatia I didn't have their number on me. I didn't want to wait on their doorstep so I went to the hostel.

This hostel cost 30 bucks the most I have ever paid. In New Zealand the next highest, never cost more than $20 but they were lavish. The kitchens were huge, most of the time there were several ovens. The same with the bathrooms which usually included several toilets and sinks.

This hostel said breakfast and internet was included. Well, there was one computer which five people were always waiting to use. Unknowingly I joked, "What we get toast?!" Yeah it was toast. Wonder Bread would be considered high end compared to this. Someone else said it reminded them of dry wall and that was a perfect description.

So unless you go to Croatia in July or August and even then check out private accommodations first. Actually do not go to Dubrovnik in July or August and even outside of those months the prices are comparable to Switzerland or Vienna, Austrian. I had some local man tell me that's where I should go if I didn't like the prices in Dubrovnik.