USA Rail Pass for just $299 (1/10-1/17/25)

[Bob Dylan]

What's it like to visit a hostel as a retirement age man in America? Do you get any weird reactions or are they welcoming to you? Do you see many Americans your age? I know hostels exist here but I don't know anyone who visits them and it seems super niche here.

I've stayed @ HIs all over the US, and find them excellent as Ed says.

There is mix of Young, Middle Aged and Seniors like me, and people from all over the World stay @ these jewels.

Some even have Private Rooms for reasonable prices, and Dorms for Males and Females where you share the Bathooms.

All include a Free Breakfast, and use of the kitchen if you wish to prepare your own meals.

 

[Bob Dylan]

I must admit, the idea of hostels never entered my mind until I started reading your posts here. Now I am a tad intrigued, especially as I see the costs of traditional lodging skyrocket. I have always joked that I wouldn't stay anywhere that has plastic drinkware, but am beginning to open my mind a bit. It's not like I NEED a large, plush room in which I might spend maybe 10 hours in a day, although I note that private rooms can be somewhat pricey in hostels as well. Just as if I would travel to Europe I would never do a couchette, you will not find me in a dorm at my age. Like many things, I suspect this requires a great amount of care and research. But generally you know what you are getting with a Marriott, Hyatt or Hilton.

Most Hostels have Private Rooms with their own batheoom @ reasonable prices.

The one in Chicago on Congress is especially nice, and usually half of what Windy City Hotels charge!