Hostel vs Hotel – Will It Be A Thing Of Luxury or A Budget Stay?

One common question that is asked by travelers is should I stay in a hostel or hotel. If you are a solo traveler and want to meet new people then hostels are a good option. On the other hand, if you are a couple a hotel is properly the better option. The difference between the hostel and hotel can be summed up as.

Hostels are great for traveling on a budget, meeting new people, and hopping from place to place, you should be aware that you will be sharing a room and toilet with other people. While hotels offer a bit more luxury if you are willing to spend a little bit more where you get a private room.

In this post, we will go through the differences between Hostel and Hotel. Let’s get started!

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Hostel Vs Hotel

We are going to try and compare some of the differences between hotels and hostels that may help in your decision to go from one to the other. Most hostels and hotels can be booked with booking.com and Agoda.

Always check the reviews on booking.com, Agoda, and TripAdvisor before booking.

Hostels

You might think that using a hostel is something that college students do while they are traveling. However, using a hostel is not just for the college crowd and now includes people of all ages and backgrounds.

If you are a traveler on a budget, staying at a hostel can be a great way to meet people who can add to your travel experience.

In saying that, staying in a hostel is not everyone’s cup of tea. Many travelers would prefer to spend the money on a traditional hotel. Hostel traveling is best suited to those traveling alone or too young people traveling in groups.

Hostels are not recommended for families traveling with young children. Many hostels do not accept children under a certain age.

Points To Consider About Hostels

• Most hostels are set up like dormitory rooms with bunk beds with lockers arranged in each room. The dormitory rooms may sleep 4 to 18 people. Each guest is assigned a specific bed upon check-in.
• Some dormitory rooms are gender-specific while others are not, it depends on the country and the hostel. Make sure to ask about this before you book or check in as this can be an issue for some people.
• The bathrooms in hostels are generally shared but this can differ from hostel to hostel. Some rooms contain a shared bathroom and shower, while other hostels will have shower and bathroom facilities located in the hallway. If you would prefer not to share a bathroom with strangers, make sure you ask before booking.
• Hostels also usually have access to discounts and coupons for local area attractions and restaurants and they can provide information on the best restaurants and hangouts around.
• Price is by far the biggest appeal of staying at hostels. Hostel prices can range from $3 in Cambodia to $25 in the USA.
• A benefit of staying in a hostel is that you will meet people who have similar interests.
• Another benefit of staying in a hostel is that the staff is extremely accommodating and knowledgeable about the local area.

While not everyone will find a hostel appealing and the accommodations of a local hostel are simple at best, they can be a wonderful option for the budget-minded traveler.

After all, the goal of travel is to get out and see the world, and hostel travel lets you save money on lodging so that you can do just that.

Hotels

Hotels are more luxurious than hostels. Will a hotel there are amenities available from the private bathroom, fitness center, mini bar, private room, and more but you great the general idea.

If you are traveling for an extended period staying in hotels can add up. To avoid completely blowing the budget, look for offers on booking.com and Agoda and try to stay in 2 and 3-star hotels as they are generally cheaper.

Points To Consider About Hotels

• Private room.
• Private bathroom.
• Good for families as hostels generally don’t allow kids.
• Some Hotels may upsell local area attractions and restaurants.
• Hotels are not the cheapest option. There are offers regularly on booking.com and Agoda that are great for discounts. Hotel prices can range from $7 in Cambodia up to $250+ in the USA.
• Another benefit is security, less likely that your stuff gets robbed.

Always check the reviews on booking.com, Agoda, and TripAdvisor before booking. If you want to travel in luxury then the hotel is for you.

Hotels generally provide private en-suite rooms, with conditioning, cable TV, telephone, and internet as well as access to the hotel bar.

Wrapping Up

Choosing between a hostel vs hotel comes down to a few simple questions.

• You do not mind sharing the bathroom and sleeping in a room with strangers?
• Am I on a tight budget?
• Would I be comfortable with leaving my belongings in a room with strangers, even if my belongings are locked away in my locker?
• Do I want to meet new people while I am traveling?

If you are answering mostly yes to the above questions, then a hostel may be a great option. On the other hand if mostly no then a hotel may suit. It is up to you and what you are comfortable with.

And that’s it for now! Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if you go too. I’d love to know if this blog post about hostel vs hotel has helped you. Again feel free to leave a comment or if you have any suggestions

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