1. : inn. 2. : an inexpensive lodging facility for usually young travelers that typically has dormitory-style sleeping arrangements and sometimes offers meals and planned activities. called also youth hostel.

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.

A hostal is similar to a guest house or hotel, but a hostel (with an "e") is a youth hostel.

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.