Hostels Vs Hotels

[hlt_59]

Can anybody tell me what the difference is between a hotel and a hostel please? Do hostels have communial showers etc? I may be wrong but has there recently been bad reports of hostels? Any help appreciated!

[funkychicken]

also usually in hostels you get bunk beds, in hotels you get single, double etc

[annacwood]

Often, but not always bunk beds though.  In January I stayed in a wonderful Youth Hostel in Berlin where each room was decorated in a different style and we were in single beds (our room had 6 beds and as there were 5 girls in our group we were given that room as our own).    There was even a room for a couple - "The Honeymoon Suite" - just one double bed. 

We wre given sheets and had to make our own beds and strip them again at the end.  Showers were communal, but each shower was in a separate cubicle. 

We found the place to be safe, clean and friendly.  It's just not luxurious that's all.   :-)

[kaktus]

I think that it differs quite a lot. I've been in hotels where some rooms didn't have bathrooms and I've been in hostels where some rooms had their own bathroom, some where there were a shower but not a toilet etc. In my experience hostels have a different selection of rooms, ranging from domitories to single rooms! But in general I would say the above answers are correct.

[annacwood]

This site - http://www.visitcheltenham.com/ - may also help.  Not only does it tell you about my wonderful home town, BUT, if you click in the left hand menu bar on "Where to stay" and then "grading system" you can see very easily about the range of facilities to expect from different types of accomodation.  (Sorry Andy, but not all hotels offer evening meals, and some hostels do!  Otherwise your post seemed absolutely accurate as usual.  :-) As a rule, your comment about meals was right, there are just some exceptions!  Please don't be cross with me for saying this!) I concede "hostels" are not covered by the Cheltenham website.

[annacwood]

Sorry - "guest accomodation" does not always offer evening meals.  However, many people may mistake a guest house for a hotel.  Andy - you were more correct than I gave you credit for.  I am very sorry! *blushes* :-D

Tis true that some hostels offer a limited evening menu though! :-p

[hlt_59]

That's a great help thankyou! I may probably pay a bit more for a hotel I think because I like my home comforts!! Thanks a lot.