This article covers the most important differences between hotel and hostel accommodation. Read on to find out more about why these two types of lodging differ.
To sum up, basically, hostels differ from hotels insofar as the sleeping accommodation will typically be shared in a hostel whereas, in a hotel, you will be able to book your own room.
Of course, some hostels also offer smaller, private rooms – as opposed to dormitories – but this isn’t the only distinguishing factor when deciding whether to book a hotel vs a hotel.
Now, let’s get into the main differences.
Appearance
Overall, hotels are better-looking and better-maintained buildings than hostels which operate on lower margins. You can usually tell from the outside but it is the inside that really counts.
Most hotels have better-kept interior décors and other visual features, like better lighting, art and plants.
Amenities
Hotels offer superior facilities compared to hostels. If you want your own bathroom, a room safe and services like wake-up calls, then you’ll need to book a hotel. Many hotels also have other facilities, such as dry cleaning, spas, swimming pools and more besides.
Privacy
Having your own room is so important if you prize private sleeping arrangements. Maybe you want your own double room to share with a partner? Perhaps you’d like your own toilet and shower or maybe you want a room of your own to work in? Whatever your particular priorities, you’ll only get them in a hotel.
In case you were interested in deepening the experience in a hotel, we prepared an article about types of services in a hotel.
Experience
Hostels can be fun and a great place for travelers to meet others in cities they don’t know. However, few people talk about the time they’ve spent at their hostel, only what they’ve done outside of it. On the other hand, a hotel offers a better stay, thanks to the staff, the rooms and, in many cases, the quality of food you can find on the premises.
In case you were interested in deepening the experience in a hotel, we prepared an article about types of services in a hotel.
Target Customers
Hostels target people who are on vacation with a budget. This typically means catering to younger adults and lone travelers. As such, they can sometimes be boisterous, less restful places to stay. Hotels deal with everyone from business travelers to family groups, adults only hotels and, therefore, tend to operate in a more upmarket sector.
If you want to know more about the last group of hotels, we devoted an entire article about the definition of adults only hotels.
Activities
Some hostels recommend guided tours and can tell you where to head for an activity. By contrast, hotels tend to have excursions and other pursuits that are organized from site, so it is much easier to get involved if you stay at a hotel.
Working
Want to work from your laptop or spend some time finenessing your travel blog (remember we have an article about how to keep a travel journal) and social media posts? If so, you’ll find a calmer environment and (usually) better WiFi if you stay at a hotel.
Safety
With your own room, you and your belongings will be more secure in a hotel. Hostels aren’t unsafe but sleeping in a dormitory with strangers can make some people understandably anxious.
Also, hotels have room status codes, which ensure the guest relaxation and peace.
Not only do you get a place of your own to stay for a workcation or a holiday, these hotels are ideal for exploring a city for a day or two with a backpack. Offering the private use of facilities with the locational benefits of many smaller hostels, it is little wonder why Catalonia Hotels & Resorts are favored by families, backpackers looking to meet up with like-minded travelers and business people alike.
Catalonia Hotels & Resorts
Whether you want to book an upmarket resort hotel for a vacation at affordable rates or would prefer city center accommodation – such as in the heart of Berlin just minutes’ walk from Museum Island, for example – Catalonia Hotels & Resorts has plenty of options. Ideal for all types of travelers, there are suitable hotels throughout Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Not only do you get a place of your own to stay for a workcation or a holiday, these hotels are ideal for exploring a city for a day or two with a backpack. Offering the private use of facilities with the locational benefits of many smaller hostels, it is little wonder why Catalonia Hotels & Resorts are favored by families, backpackers looking to meet up with like-minded travelers and business people alike.
We hope you enjoyed this article. In summary, booking hotel accommodation means you’ll be able to enjoy the main difference between hotels and hostels – your own room. Doing so means avoiding the potential of being inadvertently disturbed by other guests coming and going in a shared dorm. Now it’s up to you.
