And yes, generally single private rooms lock. You'll be fine if you just use common sense.

In 2026, the vast majority of private rooms in reputable hostels do have individual locks, functioning much like a standard hotel room. When you check in, you will typically receive a key card or a physical key that grants you exclusive access to your room. However, safety standards can vary; some "boutique" hostels now use digital codes, while older, more rustic hostels might only offer a simple latch. It is highly recommended to check the specific listing on sites like Hostelworld or Airbnb, specifically looking for the "Lock on bedroom door" feature. Even in a private room, it is a "pro" travel tip to still utilize the in-room locker or safe (if provided) for your most valuable items like passports and laptops, as housekeeping and staff may still have master-key access to the room.