Solo traveller says they're done with hostels after nightmare experience

An anonymous solo traveler has taken to Reddit to declare they are done with hostels after a string of unsettling stays that ranged from crowded rooms to unclean facilities. In a post titled ‘I think I’m done with hostels as a solo traveller,’ the traveler describes growing fatigue with shared accommodations and the unpredictability of roommate turnover.

They write from a hostel in Morocco, describing it as “the worst hostel I’ve stayed in yet in Morocco” and noting a lot of the problems they’ve faced on prior trips. They recount staying in rooms where “random people” come and go at all hours, a roommate who stinks up the room with BO, unclean bedsheets, and cramped bathrooms. They also recall hearing others’ loud bodily noises and not getting rest, with a 24-hour travel day ahead to return home. They add that they’re counting down to sleeping in their own bed rather than another hostel night.

Readers on Reddit offered mixed reactions. Some travelers shared similar experiences, with one commenter saying they vowed never to use hostels again regardless of cost, while another described a stay where a girl’s phone rang at full volume after midnight as the tipping point. Others defended hostels as budget-friendly or social spaces, noting that quality varies and still offering value for meetups and communities. Several advised reading reviews carefully before booking, while some suggested seeking newer properties with better privacy, including capsule-style options.

The debate reflects a broader tension in travel culture between affordability and comfort. Hostels remain a mainstay for solo explorers seeking cheap lodging and social opportunities, but a bad night can sour a trip and push travelers toward private rooms or alternative arrangements. The post from Reddit serves as a reminder that experiences differ widely by property, location, and timing, and that few destinations offer uniform hostel standards. As the traveler in Morocco heads toward a long journey home, the episode underscores how personal comfort can shape travel choices even in the era of online reviews and widespread access to budget options.