The first thing we are going to do to discover the meaning of the term hostel is to know its etymological origin. In this case, we have to emphasize that it derives from Latin, specifically from "hospitalis" which can be translated as "department for visitors." A word that, in turn, emanates from the noun "hostes", which is synonymous with "guest".
Hostel is a concept that refers to an establishment that provides hospitality services .
A hostel has a lower category than a hotel . It may be an inn , an inn or a hostel , although the definitions are imprecise and the meanings vary according to the context and the region.
It can be stated, however, that a hostel is a place where a traveler can spend the night and enjoy certain comforts. As an essential feature, the hostel provides access to a bed to rest and a bathroom , which can be private or shared.
Breakfast is another common service provided in hostels. Regarding the infrastructure of this type of site, it can include common use spaces such as a kitchen , a living room or a games room.
By offering fewer services than a hotel and of poorer quality, hostels are an economical accommodation option . They are often chosen by young people who are willing to give up comforts in exchange for paying a low price for lodging.
In addition to enjoying a cheaper price, many people choose a hostel when staying in a city they visit because it allows them to benefit from these other advantages:
-In hostels there is usually a closer and more personalized treatment, since fewer visitors stay there due to the number of small rooms they have.
-It is considered that, sometimes, it can be used to meet new people from other corners of the world who also stay at the hostel.
-Many of the hostels can be found in historic areas of cities and in buildings of great value. Hence, it is a great way to get to know the center of the city you are in in depth.
On the contrary, there are those who reject staying in a hostel because of the disadvantages it presents. We are referring, for example, to the fact that it is usually worse soundproofed than a hotel, sometimes there is no choice but to share a bathroom with guests from other rooms, it does not offer as many services as a hotel, it does not have as many staff to attend to requests and needs of your clients…
In certain cases, the word hostel is included in the name of an establishment that, in reality, is a conventional hotel. Thus, for example, a four-star hotel with a spa and swimming pool can be called Hostal del Bosque Encantado or Hostal de la Colina and not be a hostel in the most accepted sense of the concept .