Hostel development history

Nowadays hostels in Russia are new and unknown type of residence. Many people think that hostels are unattractive dormitories for poor. However it is not like that.

First of all you should understand that these are not “dorms” we remember from Soviet Union times, these are new western trend. That is why many foreign tourists stay here – it is common thing in Europe and USA.

How did the first hostel appear?

Before young people who had not much money used to stay in cheap roadside motels, where they could get a bed for small price.

First European hostel appeared in 1909. In was founded by German school teacher Richard Sherman.

He used to travel outside the city with his students on weekends. Student’s families were quite poor, that is why they couldn’t stay somewhere for money. Sherman and his students spent nights at local school, which were empty during vacations. Thus the teacher got an idea of opening a cheap inn for young people, which he actually opened in a school building where he worked. Students helped him to clean space from tables and desks and put straw mattresses on the floor. In the morning this inn again was turning into school - straw mattresses were taken away and desks put on their places.

Later hostel moved into Alteny castle, where it is still situated nowadays.

Later hostel development

In 1920s hostels were opened in some European countries. After the 2^nd World War they became a common thing.

Hippie culture started developing backpacking – travelling with light baggage. Such people often changed their place, were unpretentious and pleased with the simplest night’s lodging. Hostels were ideal variants for them.

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Modern hostels – mini hotels, where you can get a private room or a bed in shared room. Nowadays these are not unattractive dormitories like in 1960s, but hotels with necessary equipment. 

Features of living in modern hostel

Different hostels provide different service. Usually all hostels provide Wi-Fi, shower, kitchen and a cupboard for personal stuff.

Otherwise these dormitories can differ. Some have libraries and work places, some have only small hall. If this service is important for you, clarify before reserving.

Price depends on the room – square, furniture, amount of people.

Common hostel provides rooms for 6-8 people. Sometimes they provide larger rooms with bunk beds. Up to 12 people can live in such room. Rooms may be both for male and female or separate.

Not only students who travel alone choose this type of residence, but also young families and friends. It would be comfortable for them to stay in 2-5-Bed rooms, which is more expensive, but they get an opportunity not to communicate with strangers.

Facilities are usually public and located in the end of the corridor. Guests can use shower, toilet, laundry and kitchen.

Equipment and dishes on the kitchen are free and guests can use them. Food should be kept in refrigerator in a named package. On the package you should write your name, room and check-out date. Respect your neighbors and do not touch without permission their food and personal dishes.

There are hostel rules, which guests should follow. Some rules are more strict then they used at the beginning of hostel development, some on the contrary make indulgence for guests.

Hostel rules:

• No smoking in the building. In 1950-60s it would sound funny, smoking cigarettes and marihuana was common. Nowadays USA, Europe and Russia are for healthy way of life. That is why smoking in corridors and rooms is prohibited;
• You can come back to your room anytime, but do not disturb your neighbors. In Soviet Union dormitories used to be a “curfew”, after which the doors closed until the morning and guests who were late had to wait on the street. Now situation is different. You can walk in the city until deep night, hostel works day and night;
• Do not bring strangers. This had been prohibited since last century – even if they are your friends, nobody likes strangers from the street. Remember this and meet your friends during the day;
• Keep everything clean. It is not hard – wash the dishes and throw away the garbage, clean the walls in shower, clean your shoes before enter.