A hostel is a lower-priced inn of sorts that offers basic, shared accommodations. Typically, a hostel features a large room with separate beds, a shared bathroom, and a communal kitchen. Some hostels have private rooms, but the lower-cost ones generally offer bunk beds.

Hostels feature dorm-like spaces for sleeping, often with bunk beds. Each visitor is provided a bed and a space to store their personal items. The rest of the space is shared, including the bathrooms, showers, kitchen area, and common area for mingling with others.

The main difference between hostels and hotels is that hostels provide dormitory-like settings in which to stay, whereas hotels are individual rooms for more privacy. However, there is more of a community feel in a hostel as opposed to the solidarity of a hotel room.

Hostels are hospitality businesses that have shared rooms and spaces. The meaning of a hostel is that you only pay for your bed, and share the rest of the room's space with other people you don't know. Due to this "co-habitation" set-up, the prices for this type of stay are much more affordable.