What’s the Difference Between a Hostel and a Hotel?
Before heading out on your great adventure, you may be asking yourself, what’s the difference between a hostel and a hotel? Well, I’m here to help you figure that out! Not only have I stayed in hostels around Europe, but I have also stayed in one during San Diego Comic-Con in the United States, so I’ve got all the hostel tips. I’ve also stayed in my fair share of hotels, so I’m well-equipped to inform you of the differences between the two and tell you exactly what hostels are like!
What’s the Difference Between a Hostel and a Hotel?
When I mention that I’ve stayed in hostels, the first question I get is, what is the difference between a hostel and a hotel? The second question is, usually, are hostels safe? Don’t worry. I’ll answer both. The answer to the first one is that a hostel is most commonly described as a budget-friendly accommodation focused on sharing social experiences. What do I mean by social experiences? Everything from pub crawls to group visits to local attractions to food tours and movie nights. They can even be region-specific, like surfing classes or pasta making. It depends on which hostel you stay in. Some are more unique in their offerings, while some are more basic. If you’re traveling solo, this is a lovely way to meet others who may be in the same boat. They also usually offer discounts on attractions, so it’s a great way to save a few bucks!
Of course, sharing a room sometimes falls under those social experiences, depending on whether you’re in a dorm room or a private one. Now, there are private rooms that I have stayed in that are more like hotels, but the dorm rooms are usually shared. I’ve had great experiences sharing a room and not-so-great experiences (only once). It’s really the luck of the draw with whom you wind up. However, when it’s a good match, or you at least get along amicably, then it can be great. I’ve gotten to talk to people from all over the world this way.
A hotel, on the other hand, can be found at a range of prices. You can find everything from budget-friendly to top-of-the-line 5-star experiences. They also usually aren’t as social. Hotels are usually more private experiences as you won’t usually be going to a pub crawl or visiting a museum with your fellow hotel stayers. With a hotel, you aren’t usually sharing spaces like bathrooms or bedrooms as you may be in a hostel, which can be really nice if you’re a light sleeper or feel uncomfortable sharing space with strangers.
Hotels are also usually wider in terms of their range of ages. Hostels are typically younger people’s places, though I’ve seen this change a bit over my 10+ years of hostel stays. Lastly, hotels usually offer an array of amenities such as a pool, sauna, room service, spa, restaurants, airport pickup, and more. I’ve definitely found myself at enough poolside bars to know how much I enjoy a bit of luxury now and again.
Conclusion on the Difference Between Hostels and Hotels
When thinking about the difference between hostels and hotels, the first thing that comes to mind is hostels are more about people, while hotels are more solitary. If you’re comparing the differences between hostels and hotels, you may want to consider if this sounds good to you. Not everyone is a people person, and that’s absolutely fine! The other key difference is price!
What’s it Like Staying in a Hostel for the First Time?
The first time I booked a hostel in Europe, I wasn’t sure what to expect as I had only stayed in hotels. I thought to myself, ‘What are hostels like?’ And honestly, I can tell you staying in a hostel for the first time was a blast! The first hostel I stayed in was the Generator Hostel in Dublin, Ireland. I made friends with some of the other girls in my shared room at that hostel, and I still talk to them to this day—and it’s been over ten years! Obviously, this isn’t always the case. But in my experience, I’ve found that people staying at hostels are warmer and more open to conversations with strangers than my experiences in hotels. I can even help you with some tips to make friends when traveling solo!
Youth Hostel Dublin, Ireland: Generator Hostel
Generator Hostel was a real treat! I’d give it an A-, only because the wifi was limited in the rooms, and I could hear the music from downstairs late at night. Not so bad that it disrupted my sleep, but I noticed it. The beds were comfy, security was top-notch, and it was in a prime location in Dublin’s city center! All the things you should look for when picking a hostel. The breakfast wasn’t much to write home about, but there’s a grocery store right across the way. As well as a few cafes so you’re not short on options for food.
Hostel tip: The Brazen Head is an excellent place to eat nearby! Good food and cheap!
Looking for things to do in Dublin?: Check out How to Spend 2 Days in Dublin for Cheap
AMENITIES for the Generator Hostel in Dublin
Hostel Tips for An Awesome Stay
Now that you’ve learned the difference between a hostel and a hotel, you may be wondering about some hostel tips so that you can do your best to ensure an awesome stay! Don’t worry—I’ve got you, as I’ve stayed in numerous hostels and have all the deets! Below, you’ll find out exactly what hostels are like!
Location, Location, Location
The first of my hostel tips is location, location, location! It’s always the most crucial factor in choosing where to stay, whether a hostel or a hotel, making it a non-issue when looking at the difference between a hostel and a hotel.
You’ll want to be central to the area you’re visiting and have good public transport routes nearby. When I stayed at Comics Guesthouse in Rome, it was the best centrally located hostel I could find. It was close to a metro stop and just about as central to what I wanted to see as I could get budget-wise. I was traveling solo, and Rome is EXPENSIVE! It also wasn’t far from the bus route I had a pass for with the Omnia Card. It was a little North of the stop. However, it wound up working out just fine.
When thinking of the difference between a hostel and a hotel, most places in the world will have more hotels. So if you definitely need to be near someplace, then a hotel is probably going to be your best bet. However, if you can be more flexible, a hostel may be a better choice.
How Much is it to Stay in a Hostel?
You may be all in for hostels because they can be cheap. It makes perfect sense! As a budget traveler, I get it! The most significant difference between hostels and hotels is that the former is usually a hell of a lot cheaper. However, let me make some suggestions when thinking about a hostel vs. a hotel for your next trip.
Searching for cheap hostels is totally understandable. However, one of my top hostel tips is cheap doesn’t always guarantee a great experience. Sometimes, it’s worth it to pay a bit more to feel safe and comfortable. When I went to Paris, I stayed in one of the cheapest hostels in Europe I could find. However, it ended up giving me a load of problems. The last thing you want on your vacation is issues.
On the other hand, in a place like Paris, where everything is pretty expensive, if it’s super important to you to be close to the Eiffel Tower (or another landmark), then do it! YOLO! I usually try to sit somewhere in the middle. I don’t go for the most luxurious accommodation I can find, but I don’t go for the bottom of the barrel either. This way, I save money and feel good about where I’m staying.
Youth Hostel Paris, France: Young and Happy Hostel
The Young and Happy Hostel in Paris was a nightmare hostel compared to my other hostel experiences. Unlike its name, it was anything but. I booked it because it sounded like a halfway decent place at a decent price and in a suitable location. None of the places I researched looked like winners, so it was a choice of convenience.
I stayed in a private room this time since my Aunt requested it. The walls at the Young and Happy Hostel in Paris are paper-thin, you can and will hear everything. Hopefully, you’ll be lucky enough to have quiet neighbors, unlike me. There is a small spiral staircase to the rooms. No elevator, so be careful going up and down. As a general note, this is more common for European hostels and hotels. The showers have one button, ON, so if it’s hot, it’s hot, if it’s cold, it’s cold. There was a night that they ran out of toilet paper, not fun. The bathrooms and showers were filthy from everyone tracking in dirt from their shoes, which is understandable. But they should have someone checking the bathrooms at regular intervals to clean up and maintain the bathrooms. Our room faced the street, which was nice for a view. But not so lovely when the glass didn’t stifle any of the sounds. On my last night, the fire alarm went off at 12:15 am! Ugh!
On a small good note, the staff was courteous, and they included free breakfast—the only hostel I stayed at during this trip that did. However, the Young and Happy hostel Paris management needs to put some money into this place to improve its necessities. Of all the hostels in Europe I’ve ever stayed at, it was the worst.
Edit: I have since searched out of curiosity, and there are now more options available than when I went. So if you’re looking for a cheap hostel in Paris, I’d advise you not to pick this one.
Looking for things to do in Paris?: Check out Your Itinerary for a Weekend in Paris
AMENITIES for the YOUNG AND HAPPY HOSTEL in Paris
Are Hostels Safe?
This is one of the first questions you should be asking. Are hostels safe? Again, this really depends on which hostel you pick to stay in, just like hotels, making this not a difference between a hostel and a hotel, as there are always safer and less safe options.
I’ve stayed in some that had terrific security. And then I’ve stayed in some that were less so. This is something you should read the reviews on whatever hostel you’re looking at to better understand for whatever hostel you’re thinking of staying at. They will give you the best indication of what other travelers thought about that hostel’s security since it varies by location.
Don’t only look into asking, ‘Are hostels safe?’ but also the area in which they are located. For instance, when I was in Paris, I made sure to pick something that was not in the red light district. A friend had told me how she had felt unsafe there, so I stayed clear of it.
Hostel tip: You can ask about particular locations around the world in Facebook Groups like Girls Love Travel.
Some places are less safe than others; that’s just the reality of the world. Looking into a particular location may make you change your mind entirely about whether you want to stay in a hostel vs a hotel. Once again, answering the question of ‘Are hostels safe?’ is more challenging since it depends on the particular one you’re talking about.
Are Hostels Clean?
Going back to my stay in Paris above, although it was safe, it wasn’t all that clean. On the other hand, I have had some extremely clean hostel rooms, such as the YHA Stratford-upon-Avon hostel. This varies from hostel to hostel, so always make sure to check the reviews of the hostel you’re thinking of staying at on a site like Hostelworld or on Google.
Do Hostels Provide Towels?
Yes and no. This is something that depends on your particular hostel. I’ve had towels provided for free, and sometimes I’d had to pay a small fee. I’ve even had a hostel ask me to leave them a review in exchange for a “free” towel. Check the website and reviews of whatever hostel you’re looking to stay at for a definitive answer. Even if they don’t provide a towel, I usually will just pay them for one as I don’t want a towel taking up a bunch of space in my bag, so having to pay a small fee, I think it’s worth it.
Do Hostels Provide Linen?
While I’ve never been to a hostel that didn’t offer linen, it is always worth checking. I’ve been charged a small amount for linen, but it is usually free. This is one of the big differences between a hostel and a hotel, which is that basics like linen are not unequivocally provided.
Also, feel free to use my hostel tips for packing!
Does the Hostel Offer Amenities or Activities?
Always check the amenities before booking a hostel! These include things like WiFi, breakfast, lockers, laundry facilities, luggage storage, and more. A place with amenities that really speak to you may also influence where you stay as well. Need wifi while working remotely? A place that only has it in common areas may be a turn-off.
Some hostels offer activities such as walking tours, pub crawls, food tours, movie nights, bicycle tours, and other fun and sometimes free experiences. And make sure to take full advantage of whatever your hostel offers, as it’s a great way to save money and meet fellow travelers. While I was in London, the YHA Oxford Street hostel I was at had a massive list of activities they planned, such as a visit to the Shard, walking tours, and pub crawls. This varies by location and hostel but is something to look into, as mentioned previously.
This is one of the more significant differences between a hostel and a hotel. Hostel tip: if you’re a solo traveler, participating in these social activities can help cure some of that loneliness.
Getting Food at a Hostel
One of my favorite hostels I’ve ever stayed at was the YHA London Central. It had a kitchen area where you could get pizza, a drink, and other food at night. When you return from a long day of touring around, the last thing you want to do is find someplace to eat. So this built-in restaurant was perfect! The menu was limited, but it was good!
If you don’t find a place that has food in the evenings (most have breakfast), then make sure there are local eateries around the hostel. You’ll likely be tired after walking around all day, so it’s nice to know there are places around to eat. You may also want to check if they have a grocery store nearby. I did a lot of grocery shopping in Austria, Germany, and Slovenia. It helped save some money instead of going out for every meal.
Since many hotels have restaurants, it’s less of a factor in deciding between hostels and hotels. However, hostels are probably cheaper.
Youth Hostel London: YHA London Central Hostel
YHA London Central Hostel is the Ritz Carlton of European hostels and cheap to boot! I give it an A+! The only thing I disliked was that the wifi didn’t work in most of the rooms, but it did work in the main lounge. I stayed in a female suite here as well. The beds at YHA London Central Hostel are comfy, the room was clean, and there are plenty of activities for visitors. Everything from pub crawls to walking tours are available.
My favorite thing about this youth hostel in London was that they served a great breakfast and pizza; they also do drinks. Ask about discounts on London attractions; I saved a few pounds that way. It’s incredibly close to everything; I should have known that by the name! I walked nearly everywhere. Security is a top priority here, so I felt super safe as a female traveler.
Nearby Attractions: The Sherlock Holmes Museum is one mile away
Looking for things to do in London?: Check out Your Essential Itinerary for 2 Days in London
AMENITIES for the YHA LONDON CENTRAL HOSTEL in London
Check the Reviews
I’ve mentioned reviews in this post but cannot overstate their importance, as they are one of the few things that aren’t a difference between a hostel and a hotel. Reviews can come in different forms. They can answer questions like, are hostels dangerous in that area you’re looking into? Or are they safe? You can check websites like Hostelworld for ratings, user feedback, and reviews. You can also search for blog posts to get first-hand accounts and hostel tips. With blogs, you’re also likely to get more detailed feedback.
Just be aware that the blogger may have received compensation for writing the article. When I approach companies to stay at their hostel, I always note that I will remain honest with my readers even if the stay is free. On that note, I’ll leave you with the final hostel experience I’ll share for this post.
Youth Hostel Cotswolds: YHA Stow on the Wold
I was in England for a friend’s wedding. The wedding took place in a gorgeous little English town called Stow-on-the-Wold in the Cotswolds. During my few days in town, I stayed at the YHA Stow-on-the-Wold hostel. I had chosen YHA as my Stow-on-the-Wold accommodation because I had adored their London location, and I still do. So, what I’m about to say is solely about the service at the YHA Stow location.
I had checked in the night before the wedding. My friend, the bride, had even dropped off a welcome bag for me that was waiting at the front desk. So the lady at the front desk knew full well I was there for a wedding. I checked in with no issues. I received a room key, my room number, and a front door code. I even filled out a card with all my contact info that’s required at YHA hostels. I went out for dinner and returned to the hostel later that night. I punched in the front door code, went to my room on the top floor, and slept well.
The next day, I got dressed for the wedding. Getting ready a little too quickly, I sat downstairs in the lobby to connect to the Wi-Fi before I headed out. I even said goodbye to the front desk lady on my way out. I attended the wedding and had a marvelous time. After a long night of celebrating the bride and groom, I got back to the YHA Stow-on-the-Wold hostel around 2 a.m. And here is where the trouble begins…
I punched in the front door code—red light. I tried again, figuring I punched it in incorrectly—red light. Again, I tried, but it was dark; maybe I hit the wrong number? Red light. After a few more tries, I checked around the door for an emergency contact number. Nothing. I found zero helpful information—nothing for emergencies. I checked my phone for a voicemail or email with a new code. Nothing. I had filled out the card. If the code had changed, I should have gotten a message, right? Wrong.
Luckily, I had a friend staying down the street that was nice enough to let me sleep on their couch. Thank goodness! Had I not known someone in town, I would have been sleeping against the hostel door. It would have been extraordinarily *fun* in a dress and heels in the wet and cold.
The next morning I went to talk to someone at YHA Stow-on-the-Wold about the situation. I went in with a cool head, though honestly, I was incredibly frustrated and upset. The same front desk lady that had checked me in was there. I told her the situation to which she replied that the code changes on Friday and Sunday nights. The wedding was on Friday. I had not been informed of this. I understand the need to change the code for safety, but to not notify your guests is careless. She said that they have a sign on the back of the door. I checked this sign after my conversation with her. It is a small sign that anyone could have easily missed, so why wasn’t I told this when I checked in?
Keep Your Guests in the Know
She said, ‘They could not keep up with that.’ Can’t keep up with letting your guests know that the front door to the hostel they paid money to stay in would change its code?!? Ridiculous! Not making sure your paying guests have access is unacceptable. She said she tried to call me, but the call didn’t go through. I do not control the phone company, so that can’t be my fault. I had also listed my email address on that card I filled out when I checked in, so there was another way to get a hold of me. They also have access to email because I asked if they could print my boarding card, and they told me to email it to them. To put a cherry on top of all that, the front desk lady even mentioned that when she saw me leaving, she thought to herself, ‘Oh, I hope she has the code.’ Well, say something, lady!
In Review of YHA Stow-on-the-Wold
After this incident, I informed an employee of YHA I had been in contact with about my stay in London and Stratford-Upon-Avon (which were lovely, by the way). She was understanding and sympathetic to my situation. Even going as far as to talk to the manager of the YHA Stow-on-the-Wold location and got my night refunded. I believe this was all a case of mismanagement on the part of YHA Stow-on-the-Wold. So I still highly recommend YHA, just not this location.
Edit: this location is now permanently closed, so my sole purpose in keeping this section of the post up is just a warning. Hotels usually have 24-hour reception, so this likely wouldn’t have happened at a hotel, making it a key difference between a hostel and a hotel.
Looking for something to do in the Cotswolds?:
Discover JRR Tolkien’s Mythic Trees in Avebury, England
Visit Stonehenge for a Day Trip
The Difference Between a Hostel and a Hotel
So, did I answer your question? Should you stay in a hostel or a hotel? Did I give you a good idea of what hostels are like? It all depends on the particular place to me. Which is precisely like picking a hotel: Some are good, some are bad, making this not a difference between a hostel and a hotel.
Obviously, I had much better experiences at the hostels in Dublin (Generator), London (YHA London Central Hostel), and Stratford-Upon-Avon (YHA). The hostels in France (Young and Happy Hostel) and the Cotswolds (YHA Stow-on-the-Wold), not so much. So, my most important hostel tip is to thoroughly research a hostel before booking.
So, are you more of a hostel or hotel person? In the comments below, let me know if you have any questions.
Header Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash
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