Planning a week off, booked a bed at a hostel on Arbuznaya. Reading the reviews - they often put people of different genders in the same room, is that actually normal for Kazan hostels or should I look for a hotel instead?
This happens in hostels, yeah, but not everywhere and not always. If it bothers you, the easiest thing is to write to the owner/manager before you arrive and ask for a women's dorm or at least clarify who else will be living there. A lot of hostels are fine with requests like that, especially if you ask in advance and not a day before arrival. There are plenty of options on Arbuznaya - if they don't agree, you can always stay somewhere else. In 2026, people are already used to these kinds of things, a hostel owner just wants their guest to be satisfied.
To be honest, if you need a guarantee of comfort and privacy, a budget hotel would be safer. Kazan has plenty of affordable options where you can stay for the same price per night. Plus you have two kids at home - a vacation is rarely carefree, you want to get some decent sleep somewhere at least. One hostel is not like another, the Arbuznaya area is nice, but better read reviews specifically about women's dorms or write to the owner directly.
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