What is a Hostel? Everything You Need to Know

What is a Hostel?

A hostel is a type of shared accommodation where travellers (usually) rent a bed instead of a private room. Unlike hotels, hostels prioritise affordability and community, making them ideal for social travellers, backpackers, and budget-conscious adventurers.

A Brief History of Hostels

The concept of hostels dates back to the early 20th century, when the youth hostel movement was founded in Germany. The idea was simple: provide affordable accommodation for young travellers, particularly students, to encourage cultural exchange and exploration.

The Birth of Youth Hostels

In 1912, a German schoolteacher named Richard Schirrmann opened the first youth hostel in Altena Castle. His goal was to create a network of low-cost lodgings where young people could stay while hiking or traveling. These hostels were basic, often requiring guests to do chores in exchange for a bed.

The Evolution

Over the decades, hostels expanded across Europe and beyond, with organisations like Hostelling International (HI) creating a global network. 

Originally, many youth hostels had age restrictions (often 18-35) and required membership for discounted rates. Today, most hostels have dropped these requirements, welcoming travellers of all ages and backgrounds, but you can still find discounts for members in some places.

Modern Hostels

While the term youth hostel is still used, most hostels today cater to a diverse range of travellers, including backpackers, digital nomads, and even families. 

Some have evolved into boutique hostels, eco-friendly hostels, and even luxury hostels, offering a wider variety of experiences while maintaining affordability and a sense of community.

Hostels have come a long way since their humble beginnings, but their core mission remains the same: providing budget-friendly accommodation and fostering connections between travellers.

Who Stays in Hostels?

If you’re unsure whether hostels are the right fit for you, you might be surprised! Hostels welcome a wide range of travellers, and I’ve written a full guide on who can stay in a hostel to help clear up any confusion. Here’s a short recap, though:

• Budget Travelers – Anyone looking to save money on accommodation.
• Solo Backpackers – A great way to meet fellow travellers.
• Digital Nomads – Many hostels now offer coworking spaces and fast WiFi.
• Students – Affordable lodging for those on study or exchange programs.
• Families & Older Travelers – Some hostels cater to families or those over 40 (yes, hostels aren’t just for 20-something backpackers!).

Key Features

• Dorm-style sleeping arrangements (but private rooms exist too!)
• Common areas for socialising
• Shared kitchens & bathrooms (depending on the hostel)
• Budget-friendly prices

Different Types: Which One is Right for You?

Not all hostels are the same! Choosing the right one can make or break your stay.

🛏️ Budget/Backpacker 

These hostels are no-frills, cheap, and perfect for solo travellers or those on a strict budget. Expect dorm beds, shared facilities, and a casual atmosphere where meeting people is easy.

🛏️ Party Hostels

Love nightlife? These hostels are social hubs packed with events, pub crawls, and an energetic crowd. I avoid these like the plague…

🛏️ Co-Living & Digital Nomad

Designed for remote workers, these hostels have coworking spaces, strong WiFi, and a quieter atmosphere. Some even offer long-term stay options.

🛏️ Luxury

Want hotel-like comfort on a budget? Luxury hostels combine stylish design, private rooms, and high-end amenities while keeping the social vibe intact. These seem to be the future of hostelling!

🛏️ Boutique

Think stylish decor, thoughtfully designed spaces, and upgraded amenities like privacy curtains, premium bedding, and cozy lounges. These are great for travellers who love a bit of comfort without the hotel price tag.

🛏️ Eco-Friendly

These hostels focus on sustainability, using solar power, recycling programs, and eco-conscious practices. Perfect for travellers who care about reducing their footprint. Staying in hostels is in general more sustainable than hotels, but these ones take it up a notch.

🛏️ Female-Only

Offering a safe and comfortable space for women, these hostels provide added privacy and security, making them ideal for solo female travellers.

🛏️ Hybrid Hostels

A mix between a hostel and a hotel, these places offer both dorm beds and private rooms, attracting a diverse range of travellers.

Types of Hostel Rooms & Sleeping Arrangements

Hostels don’t just have dorm beds! Many offer private rooms or even unique sleeping arrangements.

Dorms come in different sizes and I find the sweet spot for me is less than 6 beds in one room. I prefer 4. I’ve stayed in a few with 10 or more beds, but I feel these lack the communal feeling you often get in smaller rooms. And I think they make for better sleep because there are less people coming and going!

Different types of rooms you might find in hostels:

Mixed Dorms

Shared with all genders, cheapest option. The bigger the room (as in more beds), the cheaper it will be.

Female-Only Dorms

More privacy, safer for solo female travellers. I prefer these, because I think it lessens the chances of having a snorer in the room!

Private Rooms in Hostels 

More expensive than dorms but still cheaper than hotels (in most places, but not everywhere!).

These can be double rooms, family rooms or you might be even able to book an entire dorm for your group!

Capsules / Pods

Semi-private beds for a quieter experience. One of the nicer pod hostels I stayed at (Edinburgh) had maybe about 20 pods in one room,  but you really couldn’t tell!

Themed Rooms (Tents, Cabins, Unique Stays)

Some hostels offer different accommodations.

How is a Hostel Different from a Hotel?

Hostels and hotels serve different types of travellers. If you’re wondering which one is best for you, I’ve covered all the details in my full comparison: Hostel vs. Hotel: What’s the Difference?

If you want to learn all there is to know about hostels, check out my ultimate guide.

Common Misconceptions About Hostels (And the Truth!)

❌ Myth: Hostels are only for young backpackers.
✅ Truth: While some hostels cater to young travelers, many welcome people of all ages, including families and older travelers.

❌ Myth: Hostels are dirty and poorly maintained.
✅ Truth: Most modern hostels are just as clean as budget hotels—some even cleaner. It all depends on the hostel you choose (and who you happen to share it with!)

❌ Myth: Hostels are unsafe.
✅ Truth: Most hostels have secure lockers, keycard access, and 24-hour reception. As with any accommodation, reading reviews and using common sense helps.

❌ Myth: You have to share a room with strangers.
✅ Truth: While dorms are common, many hostels offer private rooms, so you can get the hostel vibe without sacrificing privacy.

❌ Myth: Hostels are always noisy party spots.
✅ Truth: Some are, but many are quiet and work-friendly. Boutique, eco, or co-living hostels often focus on relaxation rather than partying. You just need to choose the right one for you.

❌ Myth: You can’t get a good night’s sleep in a hostel.
✅ Truth: While dorms can be noisy, many hostels offer small dorms or private rooms. Plus, earplugs and eye masks work wonders! I have those always on hand, but you can see what else I recommend to bring here.

❌ Myth: Hostels are just a cheaper version of hotels.
✅ Truth: Hostels focus on community and social interaction, which sets them apart from hotels that prioritize privacy and service.

❌ Myth: Hostels are only for solo travelers.
✅ Truth: Couples, families, and even small groups can stay in hostels. Many offer private rooms or family-friendly dorms.

❌ Myth: You have to socialise all the time in a hostel.
✅ Truth: Hostels have common areas, but no one forces you to chat. You can choose when and how much to socialise.

FAQs: What You Might Want to Know

More Than Just a Cheap Bed

Hostels aren’t just budget accommodations—they’re communities. They bring together travellers from all walks of life, offering social connections, local tips, and experiences hotels simply can’t match. 

Sure, you might deal with the occasional snorer or missing food from the shared fridge, but the friendships, stories, and spontaneity make it all worth it.

If you’re unsure about hostels, start with a well-reviewed one or book a private room. You might just find they become your favorite way to travel (like I did)!