Don't we all just love travelling and exploring on a budget? When preparing for a trip we carefully plan our itinerary, create packing lists and decide on transportation options. However, one essential aspect we must consider before setting off is finding suitable accommodation. Finding affordable, comfortable and clean places to stay can often take time and effort. That's why budget-friendly hostels are an excellent choice for travellers who want to save money on accommodation. Here are five hostel chains in India you should keep in mind.

Zostel

A chain of branded hostels, Zostel started in 2013 and is a favourite among travellers. It believes in providing guests with a warm and homely atmosphere that can facilitate socialising. Apart from that their aesthetic is also one of the reasons why Zostel is popular among backpackers and solo travellers. It has dormitory-style rooms as well as private rooms with comfortable bunk beds, as well as game and lounge rooms. What is unique about Zostel is that it organises fun events like movie nights, game nights, city tours, etc., to promote guest socialisation. Zostel accommodations are affordable with the prices of dorm beds starting from INR 300 per night. The brand is present in over 60 destinations in India and Nepal and operates three categories of properties—Zostel hostels, Zostel Homes and Zostel Plus.

Moustache Escapes

Moustache Escapes runs hostels, homestays and boutique stays across 20 destinations in India. The hostel chain aims to provide its customers with a great social experience. It has multiple community spaces such as rooftop terraces, common rooms and outdoor seating areas where one can meet new people and socialise. The hostels have options such as dorm-room, female-only rooms and private rooms. All rooms have basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, clean washrooms and comfortable beds. Whether you're travelling solo or as a group, the Moustache Hostel chain is an excellent option if you're looking for a comfortable and affordable stay.

The Hosteller

The Hosteller chain operates numerous hostels in all major tourist destinations in India. It offers dormitory-style rooms and amenities such as laundry rooms, shared kitchens, common areas, Wi-Fi, etc. Every day they also organise many activities such as karaoke nights and forest walks. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The brand currently has a massive collection of 57 hostels.

goSTOPS

goSTOPS is a hostel brand established in 2014 by Pallavi Agarwal and Pankaj Parwanda. It offers accommodations for backpackers in India and has a presence in 29 key tourist destinations across the country. The company has welcomed over 500,000 travellers across its 32 properties and provides over 3,000 beds. It is a great option for young travellers in the age range of 18-30, including solo travellers, groups, backpackers, digital nomads and individuals seeking unique lodging options. The brand aims to cater to the cultural preferences of Generation Z by providing them with a distinctive accommodation experience.