​Many of Croatia’s most popular cities, including Dubrovnik, aren’t as cheap as you might expect, which is why hostels are a budget-friendly way to stay somewhere central. Hosteling International (or HI) is one of the more well-known hostel chains out there, but the experience definitely varies between locations. In this review, I’ll cover the HI Hostel Dubrovnik, giving you my honest thoughts on the pros and cons about this hostel based on my recent experience staying here.

What’s It Like Staying at the HI Hostel Dubrovnik?
Of course, the staff are often the first impression you get of a hostel, and the one here was definitely a highlight. Mostly made up of Argentinians, the staff here were very welcoming and friendly. Another perk about this hostel is its location, and I would argue it’s the biggest advantage to staying here. The hostel is a 20-minute walk to Old Town Dubrovnik, the port where the ferries are located, and the bus stop for those traveling in from other cities. Additionally, the hostel is just a 10-minute walk to Bellevue Beach, and it’s only 10 minutes walking from the airport shuttle bus stop.

Something to consider is that this is an older hostel, so it doesn’t have the convenient amenities you might find at newer hostels, such as privacy curtains, charging outlets, and lighting at dorm beds. However, the rooms are equipped with shared power strips that have three outlets so you can still charge your phone. 

Towels are 2 euros, and unfortunately, it’s not a deposit that you get back. I also wasn’t a big fan of their shower set-up. It’s very college-dorm-like, so there’s no place to change in private unless you change in the toilet stall. Although they had places to hang your clothes while you shower, the floors outside the showers would flood easily, so you had to hope your nice clean clothes didn’t fall on the ground. This was also the only hostel I’ve been to where you had to make your own bed, which doesn’t seem like a big deal until you’re stuck with a top bunk.

As far as the crowd, it definitely skews very young, so I wouldn’t recommend this for those over 30 if you’re looking for people closer in age to hang out with. Overall, I think this hostel is great for the location, but I wouldn’t recommend it for more than two nights as it’s not the most comfortable option out there.

HI Hostel Dubrovnik Prices
The cost of staying at the HI Hostel Dubrovnik is largely dependent on the time of year you stay here. For two people and two nights during summer, I paid 142.56 euros, which is equivalent to roughly $163. That’s generally higher than people might expect for a hostel, but it’s also during Croatia’s busiest travel season. You’ll likely see lower prices in the fall through spring.

Pros About This Hostel

• Friendly staff
• 20-minute walk to Old Town Dubrovnik, ferry port, and bus stations
• 10-minute walk to Bellevue Beach 
• 10-minute walk to airport shuttle bus stop
• Easy to find
• Air conditioning in bedrooms
• Large common area and patio

Drawbacks to Consider

• Older hostel
• No personal charging outlets, privacy curtains, or lighting at beds
• Towels are 2 euros to purchase, not rent
• Younger demographic, so not as great for those 30+
• Small showers that tend to flood easily
• You have to make your own bed

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "hi hostel" mean?
HI Hostel just means Hosteling International Hostel. HI is the shorthand abbreviation for the Hosteling International chain of hostels around the world.

What problems is Dubrovnik facing?
I can’t speak to local politics or economic circumstances, so I would say some things that might be considered problems could be rising costs and high tourism. Summer is always busy around Europe since that’s when people often do the most traveling there, and for cities like Dubrovnik, summer can be easily busy with travelers looking to enjoy nearby islands and swimming in the Adriatic.

How much do hostels cost in Croatia?
The cost of hostels in Croatia will depend on factors such as the time of year, how many nights you stay there, the type of room you pick, and the city you stay in. You can expect higher prices in popular cities like Split and Dubrovnik during the peak summer travel season.

Whether you’re an LA local or just visiting, I’ll share with you the best ways to spend your summer in LA LA Land. These LA travel recommendations include off-the-beaten-path ideas and some LA staples that you may haven’t thought of. 

1. Visit the Getty Villa Museum
You may not associate Los Angeles with Rome or Greece, but you can escape to these places right in the City of Angeles. Okay, well sort of! The Getty Villa Museum, located right off the Pacific Highway just north of Santa Monica is reminiscent of the architecture and aesthetic you can find in those European destinations. It’s also one of the most popular museums in the LA area with both indoor and outdoor areas. While the artifacts are fascinating for those who enjoy history, the venue itself is a work of art. Tickets are free, but you have to pay $20 for parking. Because the Villa Museum is so popular, it can be tricky to book. They are open daily from 10am-5pm except for Tuesdays. You have to book a reservation in advance and your tickets will be emailed to you. Getting in on a weekend can be difficult, so if you’re able to, try and book a time slot during the week instead.

2. Catch a Dodgers Game
Baseball is back, and here’s your chance to see the World Series champs (humble brag) in their home stadium. Dodgers Stadium overlooks Elysian Park on the East side of Los Angeles City, which means it also has some incredible views. Of course, ticket prices are dependent upon multiple factors such as where you sit, but you can definitely find some budget-friendly deals. Just don’t forget to order yourself a Dodger Dog while you’re there!

3. Go Paddle Boarding 
Here’s a way to enjoy the water, get active, and explore at the same time. LA’s coastal neighborhoods such as Long Beach and Marina del Rey offer paddle boarding that you should definitely consider taking advantage of. Long Beach is my personal recommendation. Once you’re on the board, paddle your way around waterfront homes and boats as you navigate the canals.

4. Hit the Beach
Of course, no trip to Los Angeles – or California for that matter – is complete without a visit to the beach. Santa Monica is a great option because you have the beach, a paved trail to go biking or roller blading, the famous pier, and shops at the 3rd St. Promenade all right there. Other great beach spots include Will Rogers State Beach and Malibu. If you’re looking for a day trip from LA, the beaches in Orange County are even better! Huntington Beach is where you’ll catch plenty of surfers, while Laguna Beach has a great local town to explore in addition to a pretty beach area.

Whether it’s your first time in West Michigan or you’re visiting friends and family, when you go is a pretty important factor. Midwest winters can be brutal, and while Spring and Fall have their perks, the best time to travel to Michigan is in the Summer. So I’m going to break down just why summers in Grand Rapids are the best so that you can make the most of your time there.

1. The Weather
First things first, Summer weather in Michigan is ideal. It’s the sunniest, warmest time of the year, which means you can comfortably spend more time outdoors. Rather than being holed up inside because of a snow storm, you can go out for a nice afternoon bike ride or have an outdoor lunch on your family’s backyard deck. Granted, you can expect some humidity and nighttime mosquitoes, but we could probably agree that this is much better than trudging through 7 inches of dirty, slushy snow in 20-degree weather.

2. There’s More to Do
Anyone who thinks there’s nothing to do in Grand Rapids probably hasn’t been there in the Summer months. Because of the warmer weather, there are way more activities in the area and places you can enjoy. First, there are the major outdoor events like the Festival of the Arts and the Coast Guard Festival. Then, spend an afternoon or evening at a Whitecaps baseball game. Or take the family for a beach day at one of the many gorgeous beaches along Lake Michigan. You can also visit nearby towns like Saugatuck that come alive in summer, with lots of great local shops and eateries. You’ll also see outdoor seating at restaurants downtown, making the city feel more vibrant than it does in the colder months. 

3. Longer Days
Summer also means longer days, and while this isn’t unique to just Michigan, the days are exceptionally longer here than in areas like Los Angeles. During summer in LA, you can expect sunsets around 8:00 p.m., but in the Midwest, the sun may set as late as 9:30-9:45 p.m. The extra sunlight is great for your mental health, as many experts say that time outdoors and in the sun boosts serotonin levels. Plus, you’ll feel that you have more time and energy to do things with the extra daylight.

4. People are in a Better Mood
People in the Midwest are very friendly throughout the year, but there’s something about the summer that makes people there even more relaxed and happy. And I get it! After being cooped up during a long Winter, it probably feels amazing to get outside and enjoy summer. There’s a great, friendly energy that I love about Michigan summers, and you’ll likely notice it for yourself too.