Encyclopedia Britannica Website: "hostels are great"

9 Things NOT To Do When In a New Country
http://www.britannica.com/blogs/2009/07/9-things-not-to-do-when-in-a-new-country/

The website says hostels are great, while advising not to spend all day in your hostel:

Yes, hostels are great. We all know the amazing benefits and it can be comforting to be around other travelers and your fellow countrymen to vent, empathize and share general travel highs and lows. But don’t let this be all you do. Get out. You are traveling to discover new places and people.