Paris Hostel vs. Couchsurfer - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**NitemareHippieGirl** · 04-13-2008, 05:42 PM

I'm trying to figure out where to stay with my 2-3 nights in Paris in June, most likely June 26 & 27. I'm having trouble figuring out which hostels are worth checking out, most of the reviews seem somewhat negative. Not to mention that they seem to be a lot more expensive than I was hoping. Which is why I'm considering emailing some of the cool chicks on Couchsurfer.

Has anyone couchsurfed in Paris? Any recommendations/advice.
Are there any super cool hostels I should definitely check out, despite the price. I got 50 Euro for Christmas and my grandmother is going to send me a nice check for the trip, so I'll have a little bit extra to spend on hostels. Any pointers?

**Elizabeth** · 04-14-2008, 05:12 AM

Are you going on a long tour (like 1 month or more) or is this just a quick city break? If your doing a whole tour of Europe I'd go for Couchsurfing, but if you're just going to Paris for 2-3 days and then back I'd go for a hostel. The thing about couchsurfing is that for most hosts you have to follow their schedule (ie they leave for work at 9...so do you and you cant get back in until they come home) unless they're cool and give you a key. If it was just my two or three day break I'd rather get a hostel and be able to come and go as I please. On the other hand if you get the "party" host, so to speak, they probably take you out and show you a really good time...esp if its a weekend. Just do "order by experience" when you search and usually they are at the top. You can tell by their profile and their references. Don't be afraid if its a guy if they have a lot of references.

**blinkchick2134** · 04-14-2008, 08:32 AM

I totally encourage couchsurfing as opposed to hostels. You'll get a more personal, resident-like feel for the city. I haven't done CSing in Europe but the advice lizz gave is great. I'm sure you can have the pick of the host litter with a big city like Paris!