Staying at a Hostel
Use these phrases to navigate staying at a hostel, from requesting a specific bed to asking about shared rules and making new friends.
Key Phrases
Hola, tengo una reserva para una cama en un dormitorio compartido.
neutralHello, I have a reservation for a bed in a shared dorm.
Standard greeting at the reception desk.
Querría saber si es posible cambiar el dormitorio por una habitación privada.
politeI would like to know if it is possible to change the dorm for a private room.
Uses the conditional 'querría' for a soft, polite request.
Si la litera de abajo está libre, me gustaría dormir ahí.
neutralIf the bottom bunk is free, I would like to sleep there.
Use this at reception when they are assigning beds.
Me pido la litera de abajo, si no te importa.
casualI call the bottom bunk, if you don't mind.
Very informal; only use this with a roommate you just met.
¿Es necesario que traiga mi propio candado para la taquilla?
neutralIs it necessary that I bring my own padlock for the locker?
'Taquilla' is widely used in Spain; in Latin America, you might hear 'casillero'.
¿Podrían prestarme un candado para guardar mi mochila, por favor?
politeCould you lend me a padlock to store my backpack, please?
A polite request if you forgot to bring one.
¿Puedo dejar mi comida en la nevera si le pongo mi nombre?
neutralCan I leave my food in the fridge if I put my name on it?
Standard way to ask about kitchen etiquette.
¿Sería posible usar la cocina compartida después de las diez de la noche?
politeWould it be possible to use the shared kitchen after ten at night?
Use this if you are asking for an exception to general rules.
Oye, ¿sabes si hay agua caliente en las duchas ahora mismo?
casualHey, do you know if there's hot water in the showers right now?
'Oye' (hey/listen) is a very common way to get another guest's attention.
¿A qué hora empiezan las horas de silencio en el hostal?
neutralWhat time do quiet hours start in the hostel?
Direct and polite enough for any staff member.
¿Me podría explicar cuáles son las normas sobre el ruido nocturno?
politeCould you explain to me what the rules are regarding night-time noise?
A formal way to ask if you want to be extra careful not to disturb others.
¿Qué excursión me recomiendas que haga mañana?
casualWhat tour do you recommend that I do tomorrow?
Using 'tú' with young hostel staff is generally completely acceptable.
Me gustaría reservar el tour del que me hablaron por la mañana.
politeI would like to book the tour that I was told about in the morning.
Helpful when following up with a different receptionist.
Hola, soy nuevo en el hostal. ¿Está libre este asiento?
neutralHi, I'm new at the hostel. Is this seat free?
A natural, non-intrusive way to join people in the common area.
¿Tienen planes para esta noche? Me gustaría salir a tomar algo.
casualDo you guys have plans for tonight? I would like to go out for a drink.
'Tienen' is the plural 'you' (ustedes) in Latin America and the Canary Islands.