The $12 hostel in Medellin that blew my mind

I always assumed cheap hostels meant dirty beds and no Wi-Fi. Last month I booked this place in El Poblado for $12 a night just to crash before a flight. It had a rooftop kitchen, lockers with charging ports, and the front desk guy walked me through bus routes that saved me $30 on transit. Now I'm wondering how many other budget spots are actually underrated like that. Anyone else find a gem that made you rethink the whole hostel stereotype?

2 comments

2 Comments

avery_jackson1mo ago

Heard a podcast last week saying the same thing about hostels in Asia.

jakejones1mo ago

That podcast was probably spot on. The wildest part is how different hostels are from one country to the next, even in the same region. Like in Vietnam you got these slick rooftop bars and private pods for like eight bucks, then you hop over to the Philippines and it's a fan in the corner, but the people are so friendly you end up staying a week longer than planned. The real trick is reading the reviews for the word 'family dinner,' because that usually means the owner cooks for everyone and it's the best meal you'll have all trip. Hostels basically became the new version of couchsurfing, but with a lock on your locker.