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.

A hostal is similar to a guest house or hotel, but a hostel (with an "e") is a youth hostel. In Spain the actual name given to a youth hostel is Albergues Juveniles.

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.

Hostels vs Hotels 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.