If you’ve ever wondered what a hostel is and what the difference is between a hostel and a hotel, then this article is for you! 

To start, hostels and hotels have a lot of things in common.  There are lots of rooms with beds, bathrooms and often a restaurant or bar, but that is where the similarities end.  

Often people make bookings with us at the hostel, simply because they see a lower price than what they would pay otherwise, to stay at a hotel or an Airbnb.  So they make a booking online without reading the description of the room and property and then show up at the hostel expecting a private room with bathroom, TV, air conditioning.  It’s awkward for everyone, to say the least!  

This leads us to the first big difference between a hostel and a hotel  … the price.

Prices are Lower at Hostels

Prices are almost always lower at a hostel than they would be at a hotel.  This is a big plus for budget travelers and backpackers.  The low prices are what drives young people to make trips to places that would otherwise be inaccessible.  Coupled with cheap flights and an inexpensive bed, it’s a great way for young people to start exploring the world.

Booking sites like Hostelworld.com, Booking.com and Expedia.com offer many options catered to travelers on a budget.  Catering most directly to backpackers, gap year students and groups, Hostelworld.com offers thousands of locations worldwide.  It provides lots of photos of properties along with ratings and reviews.

Hostels Offer a Social Environment

Another big difference between a hostel and a hotel is the environment.  You should expect a hostel to be more social than a hotel.  Relatively more attention is paid to the public spaces, including lounge areas, TV rooms, patios, shared kitchens, swimming pools … in a hostel than it is in a hotel.  

It only makes sense because the public spaces in a hostel are where travel stories are exchanged, meals are made and shared and connections are made that often last a lifetime.

Different hostels have different rules when it comes to parties and quiet hours.  Some hostels are 24/7 party time!  While others are much low-key and have ‘quiet hours’ while being more about socialization rather than getting wasted.  For that reason, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the photos that are displayed on the public websites for clues about what to expect at the hostel so that you don’t end up surprised when you arrive in the middle of what seems like a college residence during frosh week. 

The last thing you want is to be up all night listening to loud music while you wait for your 430am taxi to the airport.

Hostels Offer Beds While Hotels Offer Rooms

The type of rooms and the variety of sleeping arrangements that are possible at a hostel are more varied than what is offered in a hotel. 

Shared dormitories are the staple of a hostel.  This arrangement allows people to sleep together in a room in different, usually bunk-style beds.  It sounds crazy to someone who’s never stayed in a dormitory, but it works well, as long as you’re fine with the odd noise from late arrivals.  

Often females feel more comfortable sharing a dorm with other females, which is totally possible in many hostels.  Look for the ‘Mixed-Dormitory’, for the cheapest shared room.  

A ‘Female-Only’ or ‘Male-Only’ dormitory bed is usually a bit more expensive than the Mixed-Dormitory, but often well worth it, especially if you’re tired of all those messy boys!

Expect Lots of Interaction With The Staff and Other Guests

With lots of shared spaces comes lots of opportunity to mix with other guests and staff at a hostel.  Hotels certainly can’t compete with hostels for the level of interaction.  Hostel staff are almost always available to offer great advice and local tips on great bars and restaurants in the area.  

Hostels are a much more casual environment than a hotel, so expect staff to be friendly and ready to chat and dressed much less formal than at a hotel.   

Hostels may seem like the best choice for young travelers on a budget, but what about the rest of us?

Fortunately, you can find hostels that offer private rooms.  This is a great option if you are a couple, a little bit older, a remote worker or student looking for a private space while you work along with a social environment. 

Often private rooms can be had for cheaper price than what a similar room would cost in a hotel.  That way you can enjoy the best of both worlds.