I think Jessica and Alex made a good point, and we made slight changes to the blog post in order to avoid confusion.

But I also think that the concept of hostels has changed and the image of hostels as just dorms is a little out of date now. You can find modern, funky and classy hostels now and not only for young people. With the current economic climate, families, couples, and travellers on a city break are looking for budget accommodation, which can include hostels. The term ‘flashpacking’ or boutique hostels that have sprung up really reflect this trend. I think the people that look for hostels or hotels might be different, but both of them are looking for comfort and good value.

Best ,

sonia

Yes, Jessica, this is/was my impression of hostels, but then I heard about hostels with family rooms too! Hostels seemed to be undergoing a sort of silent evolution, and as this article points out, and this is also the point of the article – hostels are becoming closer to hotels – but as long as you do not have expectations which are too high, and low prices do not generally lead to high expectations, then you may end up with more than you bargained for – but in a positive way!

And I used to think that hostels were for younger people too, but, again, I’ve heard that older people are more than welcome in some places too, and not just in Italy. Other countries seem to define hostels very loosely – which adds to the confusion!

“They vary immensely, so while the generalizations I’ve made are pretty standard, the budget traveler should really compare what they’re getting for the price in every single case to make sure they’re comparing apples with apples.”

In other words, ‘hostels’ is a slightly confusing definition – but most, I think, would agree that ‘hostels’ are synonymous with low cost accommodation, even if nowadays budget prices do not always mean basic facilities. Perhaps hostels should adopt a sort of ‘star’ type system!

Not a surprise all this discussion, remove the ‘s’ from hostel, and which word do you end up with?!

All the best,

Alex

A hostel distinction isn’t about ratings, though – it’s about the kind of accommodation you’re getting. True hostels offer primarily dorm-style rooms where you pay for a bed – not the whole room – and will, therefore, potentially be sharing rooms with strangers. Most hostels these days include sheets, pillows, & blankets with the price of the bed, but many still either make you bring your own towel or rent/buy one. Most have some kind of common area where guests can be social & meet other travelers – whether it’s a bar, TV/lounge room, or coffee shop.

While some hostels still have age restrictions (the most common I’ve seen are ages 18-35 only allowed), most have done away with them. So while the name “hostel” still conjures up images of “youth hostels,” they’re not just for young people anymore.

I’ve stayed in, visited, & reviewed many hostels in Venice, Florence, & Rome, and written about hostels all over the world as well. They vary immensely, so while the generalizations I’ve made are pretty standard, the budget traveler should really compare what they’re getting for the price in every single case to make sure they’re comparing apples with apples.

The hostel/hotel difference is something I’ve never really thought about – until you guys started chewing the subject over.

Actually, the least hostel like hostel of the hostels above calls itself a hotel.

I’ve always associated hostels with ‘youth hostels’, a few of which I’ve stayed in in the UK – but not in Italy. For me, if the name is ‘hostel’, I think cheap no-frills accommodation – but at least one of the hostels/hotels above looks to be surprisingly good for a hostel/hotel – but I think it is the exception rather than the rule.

I imagine, although I have not checked this out, a ‘hostel’ is a hotel without the facilities to obtain a star rating, or it is simply basic bed and no frills accommodation – which is what I would expect if I were to be on the hunt for hostels and not hotels. If I got more for a bargain price, I’d be a happy traveler!

Interesting point you make though – these comments should help a few people understand that hostels are not generally hotels, and vice versa. At least I hope so!

All the best, and thanks to both of you for taking about this!

Alex

So if someone who has little or no previous experience with staying in hostels stays in a budget hotel that calls itself a hostel (in order to attract more backpacker business) and then later chooses a genuine hostel expecting the same level of service/amenities, they’re going to be disappointed and think the hostel isn’t any good – when in reality it was their expectations that were off-base to begin with. That’s all.

I agree, I think many of the questions could be resolved by research and educating yourself before you travel, but when budget hotels call themselves hostels that (in my opinion) is misleading and isn’t helpful even to the people who are doing proper pre-trip research.