geography

definition of hostel

There are different types of establishments for the accommodation of guests or tourists. The best known is the hotel, but there are also others such as the hostel, the motel, the pension or the hostel. Although they all have something in common (a room is rented at a certain price and the client has services at their disposal), each type of establishment has its peculiarities.

If we had to use a term to define these establishments we would say that it is a youth hostel

A hostel is a type of hotel for young people. Generally, in hostels the clients are young travelers of different nationalities who are looking for an exchange of experiences with other travelers. It could be said that a hostel is a meeting place and cultural miscegenation. One of its characteristics is its location, since they are usually located outside urban spaces and in areas close to the natural environment. This location encourages outdoor activities and relationships among travelers.

The hostels have affordable prices and the rooms are usually shared with other guests and for this, bunk beds are used and not conventional beds. In them there are normally no individual bathrooms but they are shared by the clients. The room model is quite austere and lacks the communities typical of a hotel (for example, the television or the refrigerator).

Most hostels are part of a network of youth associations and are generally non-profit international federations.

What type of customer might a hostel be interested in?

The hostel is not designed for the elderly, businessmen or families. In these establishments, the vast majority of clients are very young (under 30 years old) who are looking for a multicultural space in which it is possible to practice languages, meet people or play music outdoors. The hostel client is looking for something more than a place to sleep and rest and what he wants is to have a personal experience.

Hostels clients do not hire a room with an organized package but rather go alone or as a couple and driven by an adventurous spirit. In popular parlance they are known as backpackers.

Although these establishments have a number of advantages, it should be noted that they are not recommended for those looking for a quiet place without noise. In hostels there is activity and dynamism and a certain hustle and bustle and they are designed for a specific type of client.

Photo: iStock - portishead1

$config[zx-auto] not found$config[zx-overlay] not found