Ultimate Guide to Staying in Colorado Hostels When You're Over 30

Ultimate Guide to Staying in Colorado Hostels When You’re Over 30

October 28, 2023March 7, 2024Colorado, Colorado Road Trips, Colorado Ski Trips, Digital Nomad, Hotels and Hostels in Colorado, Uncategorized Michelle@SquareState

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I love staying at hostels and remember my first time staying in one sometime in my twenties while backpacking through Europe. How cliche. And, if I’m being honest, those first hosteling experiences were nice but a little like what you would imagine. A little bit wild, skewing towards a younger demographic and clean enough to avoid bedbugs…just barely. As American staying in hostels as an adult seems a bit-unnerving. But, I’m here to tell you that there has been some noticeable and significant changes to hosteling. Why I continue to stay in hostels and my ultimate guide to staying in Colorado hostels when you’re over 30 years old.

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Cowtown Denver

Are You Too Old to Stay in a Hostel

No. You’re not too old to stay in a hostel. But, you should do your research before booking. In fact, as previously mentioned, I have noticed in recent years that there is an increasing number of hostelers who are much older than 20 years old LOL! I do think there are some best practices to embrace when deciding to stay at a hostel.

Practical Considerations

There are some practical steps that I take to make sure I have an enjoyable time whenever I stay at a hostel. Here’s a list of a few things that I do to avoid being annoyed by the other guests.

Bring ear plugs-If you’re not a heavy sleeper, you must bring ear plugs. I’m a heavy sleeper and I still bring them.

Noise cancelling ear buds-These are wonderful to use as well.

Your favorite toiletries mini sized-Don’t assume that there will be products that are ideal for your skin and cleanliness needs. Usually the soap, shampoo, etc. have no scent to them and are neutral to accommodate all types of people. Also, I’ve found that these products always dry out my skin and no shampoo/conditioners are available for Black or curly hair.

Flip flops–The bathrooms at the places I stay are cleaned daily. I’m not taking any risks though when showering.

Eye mask-Sometimes a light gets turned on when you’ve gone to sleep-a eye mask keeps you from noticing.

A lock–Some hostels have digital locks, others still have lockers that rely on physical locks. Always bring a lock for your belongings.

A swimsuit-Most of the new places have a hot tub. Plan accordingly.

Best Practices

Just because I’m at a hostel and love to meet new people doesn’t mean that I’m sharing all my business.

Use your discernment-Never second guess if you have a bad feeling about a person or place. Trust your gut.

Don’t share all of your business-This is a best practice for life in general. Avoid sharing your personal details:
- Address
- Where you work
- Anything that could compromise your safety.
- How much money you have and flashing any cash, etc. around

Sleep on the top bunk-If you’re in a shared room. I always request a top bunk in a mix-sex room. But, I very rarely stay in them.

Bring a sheet-If you’re sleeping on the lower bunk and there isn’t a curtain you can put the sheet up as a curtain. Just pick one up from your local thrift store (wash it) and you’re good to go.

Speak with the staff-If you’re a solo traveler, it’s always a good idea to “check-in” with the staff in the event that something happens.

Don’t constantly bring up your age-It’s irritating and unnecessary (unless you meet someone-then share your age!)

Bring contraceptives-We’re adults. People meet people. That’s all I’m going to say.

Be open to adventure-Some of my best experiences at a hostel is when I’ve gone on adventure with other guests.

Travel Insurance-Check your insurance coverage and pick up some additional travel insurance

Hostel and Hybrid Boutique Hotels in Colorado

What exactly am I referring to? There are traditional hostel properties that are built to be communal in nature. Then there are the smaller, typically locally owned with unique features that make them stand out.

Western states definitely edge out the East when it comes to have a wide range of options to choose from. Colorado has a number of these places to stay and I’ve shared a large number of them and noted which town they are in as well. Just click on the link to check out the space and the features of each hostel or boutique hotel listed.

Whether you’re traveling to Breckenridge for the ski season, heading to Boulder to watch some college football (CU Boulder) and Coach Prime or are on a solo woman’s trip-there are some great places to stay here in Colorado.

Here’s the ultimate Guide to staying in Colorado hostels When You’re Over 30 list of hotels and hostels that I would say “yes” to. I will continue to add to this list.

Denver

Hostel Fish

Ember Hostel

11th Ave Hostel

The Acoma House

Espadin Lohi

Sonder Osage

Boulder

Basecamp Boulder

Breckenridge

The Bivvi
- I stay here often

Gravity Haus Breckenridge
- I used to have a Gravity Haus membership and have stayed here several times.

Stay Amigo
- This was the first place that I stayed during the COVID pandemic. I opted for one of the airstreams. Love this place.

American Classic Inn

Silverthorne

The Pad
- Truly lovely space and a nice focus on environmental impact. Immaculate space.

Telluride

The Bivvi Telluride
- One of the first places that I stayed during the COVID pandemic. Beautiful space and it has two hot tubs LOL!

Vail

The Bunkhouse

Gravity Haus Vail

Winter Park

YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch
- When I was a kid I went to Camp Chief Ouray which is held at the YMCA. This fall I was there for a retreat. This facility continues to impress. I would also like to try out the yurts sometime next summer.

Gravity Haus Winter Park
- I used to have a Gravity Haus membership and have stayed here because of that. Really cute hotel and great location.

One of the cabins at the YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch facility in Granby, Colorado

Who Stays at Hostel/Hotel Hybrids Now and Why?

It may surprise you to hear that in recent years I’ve noticed that the people who stay at the hostels has begun to skew older than before. I have some theories as to why that is.

The Economy and Cost of Living-We’re all dealing with the pressures of inflation. Things have gotten expensive. Also, not everyone has the patience or interest to travel hack with their credit cards. For many hostel enthusiasts, hostels are a cost effective way to visit another town. I’ve met all types of people ranging from broke college students to people on business trips who opted to book a hostel vs. a hotel that caters to a business clientele.

Travelers Looking for a Welcoming Global Community-I’ve noticed that there are a lot of people traveling solo. They may be coupled up, married or single but for whatever reason they’ve decided to enjoy an experience on their own. Hostels are one the easiest places to connect with community and make new friends and acquaintances within 15 minutes of meeting.

Hosteling and Boutique Hotels-Have become a very noticeable class of accommodation that is addressing a need in the market that regular hotels aren’t able to meet. Hostels and hybrid hotels catering to a similar market and demographic are being built with this in mind. The facilities are so much nicer than they were before.

How I Pick A Great Hostel

Let’s be clear, I refuse to stay in a sketchy place so over the years I’ve developed a list of must haves for any place that I’m staying. I’m going to share my list below as part of this ultimate guide to staying in Colorado hostels when you’re over 30. You don’t have to stay in a hell hole.

Safety-The place must feel safe and if I look at any review that eludes to it being unsafe-I won’t stay there.

Great staff-They don’t have to be perfect, but if they are kind and welcoming that hospitality adds to the experience of the place that I’m visiting.

A combination of shared rooms or single rooms-Sometimes I just need my own space. I often will book a shared room for several days at the beginning of a trip and then my own room for a couple of days at the end of my trip. It’s a great way to stretch my money and have a longer vacation.

Breakfast whenever possible-I’m not looking for a heavy cooked breakfast, but it’s always a plus when there is food and coffee available first thing in the morning and that cost is included in the daily rates.

A hot tub-There’s nothing like soaking in a hot tub looking at a beautiful view.

Access to transit-Car free travel is a value for me. I have no interest in driving in an area or city that I’m unfamiliar with. So, being able to take the bus, train or car share to where I’m staying is hugely important.

A Fireplace (if possible)-I truly enjoy sitting in front of the fireplace and relaxing with a glass of wine (sold by the hostel) while hanging out with new friends.

Don’t laugh but I also pay attention to the “vibes” when I check in. If anything feels off or wrong-I’m booking a different place. This has never happened.