I agree, it totally depends what you're after, and how much you value your privacy. It's like the difference between staying in shared hostel dorms vs. private

I agree, it totally depends what you're after, and how much you value your privacy. It's like the difference between staying in shared hostel dorms vs. private hotel rooms when you're travelling. I've just been travelling for the past 6 or so weeks, mostly in hostels, and although I've missed having a private room, the money I've saved by being in shared dorms (not to mention the people I've met) has made it totally worth it. For me of course :).