How safe are hostels in Paris? My son will be in France - Belleville area, to attend a weeklong workshop and is looking for an inexpensive place to stay. He has never traveled alone before and the workshop does not provide housing. Any info on places to stay, would be greatly appreciated. He will be there the first week of July.
It will depend on the hostel, but my D stayed in one a few months ago and had no problem. Google “hostel France Belleville” and lots pop up, along with reviews. Here is one I found: http://www.lespiaules.com/
I can’t speak specifically to Paris hostels but hostelbookers and hostelworld are hostel booking sites. Both offer reviews and ratings for things like safety. My kids have used both sites in the past and have found the rankings/reviews to be helpful in pinpointing places to stay.
The hostel I stayed in in London had secure doors that could only be opened via a button that reception had so they had complete control over who came in and out.
Most hostels have 24/7 coverage at reception and a buzzer type mechanism to only allow in some people. Most/All rooms will have key only or keycard only access.
If you’re very concerned I would pay more for a better hostel that has better security. But most are very safe. As safe as or sometimes even more safe than hotels.
For preparations, it’s more important that he have a good plan for safeguarding his belongings. And when traveling around Paris it might be best to have a money belt or neck bag for passport, credit cards and money. He should be prepared against pickpockets which is the bigger concern for a tourist in Paris. Although Belleville is not a heavy tourist area so probably the pickpocket gangs are focused on other areas in town. But he needs to be aware if sightseeing in the City.
Not Paris, but my D and friend were robbed while sleeping in their beds in a hostel in Rome … by the manager…
Wow…that’s horrible!!! Were they able to file a report against the manager?
My D has had good experiences with St. Christopher’s hostels in Paris (near Gare du Nord and I think there is at least one more in Paris) and in London.
Air BNB?
I think (hope) he found a decent hostel. There weren’t airbnbs that were good for his needs in that area. I’ve been going over safety tips and sending him articles to read. Thanks so much for all of your help!