Working on the road can be tough and it is made even more challenging when you can’t find a good environment to do your work in. I’ve been to a few places that have the whole package but, for the most part, I need to put up with at least a few inconveniences at each place I go.

Here is a list of the things that I look for in a hostel I plan to work in:

• Free and reliable wifi - This is obviously the most important thing. Working offline is possible but I find I get a lot more done when I am able to go online, especially when I need to do research for a site.
• Affordable - Finding a cheap place is important but I would be willing to pay a bit more if the cheapest place in town didn’t have a good working environment. Being able to afford a single room is another great advantage because it allows me to work hidden away to avoid distractions and so I don’t feel like a massive geek because everyone always sees me on the computer.
• Large tables at a comfortable height - Spending a lot of time hunched over low tables or trying to cram all of my stuff onto a tiny, circular table has made me appreciate the places that have nice, big tables at a height that doesn’t cause me to slouch.
• Comfortable chairs - Having spent the past two weeks working while sittle on a wooden stool, I have a new appreciation for seats with backs, arm rests and maybe even a little bit of padding to keep the ass happy.
• Quiet during the day - I like hostels that clear out during the day because it allows me to work in a quiet place and, more importantly, eliminates the distraction of talking to people.
• Lively but with limits - After working all day it’s nice to have people around to have a drink and a chat with but it’s important that the party doesn’t rage on until 3am.
• Other things to do - Working all days is ok, and sometimes I even work at night but when I want to get away from the computer, it’s nice to actually have things to do. This could mean a nearby beach or be as simple as the place having a pool table or bikes for rent.
• Friendly staff members - If my intention is to stay in a place for a while, it’s nice to have people around who don’t move on every couple of days.

When I find a place that has all or more of my important factors for working I usually get a lot of work done at the expense of doing travel stuff and I often stay for much longer than expected. I think, having been doing this for over a year now, I know how rare a great working hostel can be and I try to take advantage of them as much as possible when I stumble across them.

What sorts of things are important for you in your accommodation choices for getting some serious amounts of work done?

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