Inside the Party Hostel | How Volunteering Works

Life Behind the Scenes | Becoming a Volunteer at Our Party Hostel

Over the years, I’ve seen countless travelers come through these doors—some just passing through for a few wild nights, others looking to stick around and become part of our big, loud family. One question we hear a lot is, “How do I join the team here?” Let me tell you: there’s no secret handshake. It mostly boils down to availability. We have volunteers rotating in and out every month—some stay ages, some fulfill the bare minimum. But if the timing’s right, and you’re the right fit, that’s usually all it takes.

I’ll give you an example. Not too long ago, we had a guest who spent a few nights partying with the staff. A couple of our long-term volunteers were about to leave, so we needed new blood. We saw that this guest clicked well with everyone, so we sat them down for a casual chat: “Have you done anything like this before? Are you comfortable in a fast-paced, customer-facing role? Do you mind cleaning up the occasional spilled drink?” They answered with a smile and some good stories—and bam, they were in.

Party Hostel Vibes (and Then Some)

Now, to be crystal clear: not all hostels are the same. Some want soft music and early nights. That’s not us. We throw events every single day, run pub crawls nonstop, and pride ourselves on being 24/7 social. If you prefer quiet corners and minimal interaction, you might find our environment overwhelming.

We’re also loud - really loud. Music plays often, and people drift in and out day and night, often powered by jet lag, new friends, and the confidence that tomorrow’s bus is definitely later than it is. It’s not the place for families with small children or anyone hoping for a silent reading nook. Our guests tend to be younger and out for a social time, but staff still need to keep the atmosphere respectful and safe.

Balancing Work with the Party Scene

But here’s the thing: staff aren’t just partying all day. When you’re on shift or leading a pub crawl, the managers expect you to be professional. Greet new arrivals at reception with a friendly smile, help them settle in, answer their questions—and maybe do it while nursing a mild hangover, sure, but the key is that it gets done. Our managers are laid-back, yet they’re firm about the standard of care we provide for guests.

That means you can’t show up unfit for your shift or ignore your responsibilities because you stayed out too late. It’s all about balance. We certainly encourage you to have fun - that’s why most of us came here - but you need to know when to rally and handle your job, too.

People Skills Trump All Else

One thing that’s crucial for any volunteer here is basic social skills. You don’t have to be the life of the party or the friendliest extrovert in the room, but you do need to read the room and treat guests well. If you’re on reception, for instance, you’re the first face they see—so if you’re grumpy or standoffish, it sets a negative tone right away. And that’s not cool.

Most people who wander in are here for a fun, social experience. They’re traveling alone or in small groups, maybe celebrating something, maybe just exploring. Either way, they want good vibes and a sense of belonging—and we try to deliver that from the second they step up to the front desk.

Thinking About Joining Us?

If this all sounds like your kind of chaos—and trust me, it is chaos—let’s talk. You can find us on Instagram @krakow.animals.crawl or email us at info@krakowanimalscrawl.com. Ask us about volunteering, mention your travel dates, and share a bit about yourself. We’ll let you know if we have room and whether our brand of nonstop parties and random 4 a.m. adventures is something you’ll love or loathe.

Just remember: we keep the party going every day, and the guests expect the same. If you’re ready to juggle that with actual work responsibilities, you might just become one of the crew. It’s not your typical travel gig—it’s louder, wilder, and more intense. But if you’re up for the challenge, we’d love to have you.