Definition of a Hostel

[Hostels]

Originally Posted by ifij775

I agree with you about this. I think the HostelWorld "definition" is more of a marketing line.

Maybe I'm taking it too literally

The dictionary definitions do need to be changed though. I often get emails asking for assistance with starting homeless shelters and school housing...

[uktrail]

This is Hostelworld's definition of a hostel:

Quote:
Hostel: Budget, fun, sociable accommodation for people of all ages

I don't think that it's going to make it past the dictionary editors. Hotels can be sociable, fun and cheap also.

I'm happy with your definition on the wiki, but I disagree totally with your statement above. I can't imagine a hotel being sociable, fun or cheap, at least for a single traveller. I would take it as a definition of hotels that they provide as much privacy as possible. I can only imagine it if you stay there with a (self-contained) group, or if they organise a special activity (which I've never come across). Maybe it could be true in some other countries where the hotel concept may be different.

[Hostels]

Originally Posted by uktrail

I can't imagine a hotel being sociable, fun or cheap, at least for a single traveller.

The Sheraton probably isn't sociable, cheap, or fun for a single traveler, but I was thinking more along the lines of a budget hotel, maybe with a bar and pool. Or a backpacker-oriented budget hotel or guesthouse.

I think if the word "hostel" includes properties without dorms, it's going to make the word non-descriptive and non-hostels are going to try to capitalize on the popularity of hostels.

There are a lot of hotels on Hostelworld that are trying to pass themselves off as hostels. There are even a couple of places in the US that call themselves "hostels" even though they are more like long-term private room rentals. That's why I think the word "hostel" should only refer to dorm rooms, and backpacker hotels should be called backpacker hotels or guesthouses...

In my opinion their definition will just lead to more of this, where Hostelworld lists properties with "beds" going for $250 per night.

[ifij775]

Originally Posted by uktrail

I can't imagine a hotel being sociable, fun or cheap, at least for a single traveller. I would take it as a definition of hotels that they provide as much privacy as possible.

I agree. I have never stayed at a hotel I would describe as sociable or fun, with the only exception being Las Vegas where you have an entire amusement park in the hotel. However, that is far from typical.

[Hostels]

One more perspective on this definition:

Hostel: Budget, fun, sociable accommodation for people of all ages

Not all hostels are fun or sociable or even budget. I've seen dorm beds going for as high as USD $60 per night -- so I think "budget-oriented" is more descriptive. Some hostels still have age limits -- either minimum or, in a few cases, maximum.

IMO, fun, sociable and budget are signs of a good hostel, but not necessarily the defining features...

[aboriginalhostel]

Hostel: Budget, fun, sociable accommodation for people of all ages

I agree with the marketing part, especially as it's coming from HW, although I agree with the fact about hostels needs branding. IMHO, HW wants to attract older people into hostels which wouldn't work. Older generations are more picky about hostels, even if you have a posh hostel, hostel world is still a long distance from hotel world.

Originally Posted by Hostels

One more perspective on this definition:
Not all hostels are fun or sociable or even budget. I've seen dorm beds going for as high as USD $60 per night -- so I think "budget-oriented" is more descriptive. Some hostels still have age limits -- either minimum or, in a few cases, maximum.

IMO, fun, sociable and budget are signs of a good hostel, but not necessarily the defining features...

I agree with Josh, so it would rather be:

Community oriented accommodation for the budget minded travelers in a young and sociable environment.

[ifij775]

Originally Posted by aboriginalhostel

IMHO, HW wants to attract older people into hostels which wouldn't work. Older generations are more picky about hostels, even if you have a posh hostel, hostel world is still a long distance from hotel world.

I think your right, and I doubt many older people will be jumping on the hostel bandwagon any time soon.

[Hostels]

Originally Posted by aboriginalhostel

"Community oriented accommodation for the budget minded travelers in a young and sociable environment."

Do you think dorms are a requirement? "Community oriented dormitory accommodation..."?

When I'm traveling and looking for a dorm beds and I search for "hostels" and then get presented with properties that don't have dorm beds it's frustrating.

Example: This place appears to have recently added shared rooms, but it was previously running as a "hostel" with only private rooms. Not sure I would call anything without shared accommodation a "hostel". Maybe "guesthouse", "backpacker hotel", or something along those lines?

For me the 3 main differences that make a property a backpackers hostel are:

1. dorm beds
2. community-oriented with a common area
3. budget-oriented

Also to separate from other similar kinds of accommodation, though not necessary for a marketing definition:

• individual travelers accepted in dorms
• generally oriented towards short term stays (not yearly rentals, like for student housing)

Good hostels also are:

• fun
• sociable

Most hostels are youth-oriented, but I think age is becoming less of a factor. Maybe depends on the hostel & location?

(Related thread: Too Old for Hostels?)

[aboriginalhostel]

Originally Posted by Hostels

Do you think dorms are a requirement? "Community oriented dormitory accommodation..."?

When I'm traveling and looking for a dorm beds and I search for "hostels" and then get presented with properties that don't have dorm beds it's frustrating.

You are absolutely right...That puts me off as well and I bet we are not alone with this frustrating feature! Although BEs has the interest to keep them as hostels, otherwise they wouldn't be able to sell as many beds... :S

I agree about including dorms and communal areas, although I'd put it into a second, detailing sentence. IMHO it would be difficult to describe it into one sentence...

So how about this:

"Community oriented short-stay accommodation for the budget minded travelers - both for individuals and groups - in a young and sociable environment. Dormitory rooms and communal area is a must, however it could include hotel-standard private rooms as well."

[Plakian]

Getting there!

However, some hostels are too small or too busy to take groups. I will not take groups as they ruin the single social atmosphere.

Anyway, what is the definition of a group? To me it is 6 or more.

I would also question the word "young". I have a room now where the average age is over 60 - but they are all 'young at heart' and mix in marvelously with the youngsters; and the youngsters benefit from their experience.