What’s the difference between a hotel and a hostel?

Here in the Philippines, hostel accommodations aren't that big of a thing. If you try to search for places to stay at, there'll be a few hostel options but the search engine will mostly show you either a hotel or a condo unit for rent. But when you're looking for places in other countries, you can see options besides the two - a hostel, for example. Since many people are not very familiar with it, sometimes they end up paying for more expensive means or just choosing to stay in a mediocre type of accommodation because of unfamiliarity. Kudos to you if you don't!

This week, atmnl will share with you the difference between a hotel and and a hostel, especially if you're flying outside the country sometime soon!

The line separating the two has become fuzzy, particularly in Asia. Many people fear that hostel rooms are crammed with bunk beds and 10-somethings queuing for shared bathrooms. Some are interchanging it with a brothel (which is really horrible ((Google it if you don't know what it is 😝))) or a mixed dormitory type (like what we see a lot of here in the Philippines).

European travelers tend to be much more familiar with the concept of hostels and some long-term travelers on very strict budgets also use this type of accommodation.

Although hostels are finally catching up in many countries, they still tend to target a younger, outdoorsy crowd rather than travelers of other ages. Perhaps this is because older generations are familiar with its known setup which is the standard style of accommodation, consisting of bunk beds in a shared room with little to no privacy. Something that goes along the lines of hearing your neighbor's snore, or seeing strangers walk around in their underwear. 

But because of the increasing number of more sophisticated travelers who prefer privacy, many hostels found in popular tourist areas offer private rooms with private bathrooms. You may find fewer amenities in hostels that in hotels, such as the free buffet breakfast, spa, fitness gym, and a swimming pool. But if you can live without those, you'll pay much less than hotel prices and you'll get to enjoy meeting new people!

Opting to stay in a nice hostel rather than a hotel may change your entire trip experience. Travelers in hostels are frequently more interested in meeting other travelers because these places are known for their common areas. These encourage more lingering and socializing that how hotel lobbies tend to do.

For instance, luxury hotels won't let you lift a finger for laundry services or cleaning up leisure and dining areas. But in hostels, you have to do it by yourself, even if you're staying in your own private room with a private bathroom. 

Convinced yet? Here's a quick reminder:

Not all hostels are the same! The cheapest options can be very hot, noisy, and are sometimes crash pads for party-oriented backpackers - these are the kinds of hostels that then-people are familiar with. Before looking, do a little research and read reviews for (boutique) hostels.

Here are some of our top-rated hostels in Southeast Asia, based from reviews of different booking sites. These can also help you see what boutique hostels are. (Click on the images to visit each hostel's official site.)