We are wondering about youth hostels for housing for my 18 y.o.son's 2 week internship in Washington DC late this spring. He is not quite as provencial in experience as am I, but close. He turned 18 in December and this internship will finish out his senior year in high school.
I have absolutely no idea what the scene at a youth hostel might be. Our three biggest concerns are personal safety, security of possessions, and not bringing bed bugs home. He is more comfortable with adults than with kids his own age and I think a dorm-type situation might be a little challenging - but he will be very busy with the internship, and if last year was any indication, won't be at the hostel for much more than to sleep, shower and change clothes.
He has the option of staying at the parkour gym where the internship is, sleeping on a mat in the gym. He is inclined to do that except that he is concerned about getting enough sleep - people are often working out and practicing at the gym up until 1 a.m. and he will have to be up, showered, and his stuff out of the way by 6:30 am. My boy does like his 8 hours of zzzz's and knows he doesn't function well without enough sleep.
We are both wondering which option is best for him.
I'm sure there are any number of catter's who stayed in hostels in their youth. What can you share from your experience that might be helpful?