Hostels in Paris range from basic accommodations, just a bed in a dorm-style room with a shared bath down the hall, to private rooms with full bathrooms. Some highly rated hostels have gender-segregated floors, free breakfast, a restaurant, bar or lounge and free Wi-Fi.
Although they are still called youth hostels, most of today's hostels don't require guests to be under a certain age. A few still only allow guests between18 and 35; one such is the Peace and Love Hostel, which usually means it's a party location, and sleeping there is a rarity. Hostels, like hotels, do not allow guests under 18 to stay without an adult.
Generally, the further away from the city center, the less expensive the room. HostelWorld.com shows that as of October 2009 beds in a dorm-style room started at around $25 per night and went up to about $50 per person per night for a private room. Rates are higher in July and August.
The main benefit of staying at a youth hostel in Paris is the cost for single travelers. Many people also find the sense of community that a hostel affords is a major benefit. Travelers from all over the world can meet and share stories in the community rooms and dorms.
The biggest drawback of staying in a hostel anywhere is the lack of privacy and the noise. Paris can be especially noisy as there are so many things to do 24 hours a day. When staying in a hostel, earplugs are a must, and lovers should get a room.
