The Ten Types Of Hostels You’ll Find While Traveling [With Examples]

Hostels
Written By Taz Zaidi

The Ten Types of Hostels

Hostels have standard features (dorm beds, shared bathrooms, common areas, kitchen), but come in many forms. They range from small, family-owned guesthouses to global, corporate chains. As a guest, no matter your tastes or budget, you can easily find the right type of hostel for you.

In this guide, we’ll cover the ten different types of hostels (with examples).

These ten types include: budget, luxury, boutique, party, beach/jungle, historic/cultural, adventure, eco-friendly, uniquely-themed and youth hostels. Some hostels are a hybrid of multiple types. For example, budget hostels can be party hostels, jungle hostels are often eco-friendly, historic hostels can feel boutique.

altena-castle-first-youth-hostel.jpg

*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted hostel dorms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s hostel deals, click here.

The Ten Types of Hostels

Below each description, I’ve included 5 examples of each hostel type. To get a feel for which category a hostel falls under (if not on this list), check a listing’s property description, its guest reviews and photos on Agoda (the best place to find deals on hostels online).

*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted hostel dorms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s hostel deals, click here.

1) Budget Hostels

Budget hostels offer lower rates in favor of features.

They usually attract budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind no-frills accommodation with minimal features. Budget hostels often maximize profits by increasing the number of beds per room. Some lack common areas, while others remain vast and open.

In some parts of the world, budget hostel dorm beds sell for as low as $3/night, which is why many long-term travelers and backpackers prefer them as a way to prolong trips and save money, compared to hotels.

Budget Hostel Examples:

hostel-dorm-bedroom-two.jpg

2) Luxury Hostels

Luxury hostels cater to travelers seeking comfort.

Of course, what’s considered “luxury” will vary by traveler. But generally, luxury hostels have a modern, stylish interior - from their common areas to dorm rooms and bathrooms. Luxury hostels are sometimes also referred to as “design hostels”.

Luxury hostel beds often cost more than lower-end hotel rooms in the same destination. In metropolitan cities, luxury hostel dorm beds can cost $50+/night, and could easily surpass $100/night during major events like the World Cup, New Years, Carnaval, etc.

Luxury Hostel Examples:

luxury-hostel-bed-view-skyline.jpg

*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted hostel dorms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s hostel deals, click here.

3) Boutique Hostels

Boutique hostels foster a homely atmosphere.

They tend to be small, non-chain establishments with subtle or explicit themes, and detailed design within. Boutique hostels often have multiple room options (private and dorm). Some provide multiple amenities, while others are minimalistic.

Boutique hostels are ideal for travelers seeking relaxed hostel experiences (compared to the rowdiness found in many hostels with younger crowds). They’re also often more comfortable and provide better service, from breakfast to tours/advice.

Boutique Hostel Examples:

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4) Party Hostels

Party hostels foster a party vibe in their property.

While most hostels cultivate some social atmosphere, party hostels take things up a notch. They often host events or lead pub crawls, so having engaging staff is a key factor. Great staff can turn dull nights into memorable ones, and bring guests out of their shells. Some party hostels open their bar to locals and other travelers (non-guests).

If you’re not looking to party, it’s better to avoid party hostels (their dorms aren’t meant for early sleepers!). If not, you could find yourself frustrated by drunk bunkmates stumbling into your dorm at odd hours. Quality party hostels often have the most/best social atmosphere for solo travelers and backpackers.

Party Hostel Examples:

party-hostel.jpg

*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted hostel dorms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s hostel deals, click here.

5) Beach/Jungle Hostels

Beach and jungle hostels often share a similar vibe.

They’re often isolated - whether coastal, riverside, or tucked into the jungle. Many backpackers choose to stay in beach/jungle hostels longer than originally planned, sometimes even for months - due to their serene nature and often a very welcoming culture.

Beach/jungle hostels are where you’d find bungalows, treehouses or huts for rent. Such hostels may organize group classes, excursions or activities, such as surfing, trekking or yoga. Some simmer down at night, while others ramp up (even with full moon parties).

Beach/Jungle Hostel Examples:

beach-hostel-panama.jpg

6) Historic/Cultural Hostels

Historic/cultural hostels are great for architecture and history lovers, or any traveler who prefers a charming accommodation rather than a generic, standard form.

These hostels are often located in historic old towns, or anywhere architecture is unique and noteworthy. Modern hotels can disrupt the aesthetic of such areas, making hostels or guesthouses a better fit (they often don’t require as much renovation and maintenance).

Historic/Cultural Hostel Examples:

Altena Castle was the first youth hostel (now a museum)

Altena Castle was the first youth hostel (now a museum)

*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted hostel dorms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s hostel deals, click here.

7) Adventure Hostels

Adventure hostels help you experience the outdoors.

They’re usually located in areas known for adventure tourism. They very often organize daily or weekly activities, which could include guided treks, scuba diving, snowboarding/ski lessons and much more.

An adventure hostel can be a great place to meet like-minded travelers if you have an active hobby you’re passionate about. They’re sometimes less accessible than other hostels though - so research transportation options beforehand! Many only open seasonally.

Adventure Hostel Examples:

mountain-hostel.jpg

8) Eco-Friendly Hostels

Eco-friendly hostels aim to operate sustainably.

They employ methods such as efficient energy usage, waste minimization, composting and subsistence farming. They sometimes allow guests to volunteer, as a way to learn and/or develop skills related to sustainability, permaculture, etc. Some eco-friendly hostels are urban, while others are rural.

While not always luxurious, eco-friendly hostels tend to attract travelers who share certain core values - which can foster a strong community spirit. For example, a hostel promoting a plant-based lifestyle may also serve vegan or vegetarian food on-property.

Eco-Friendly Hostel Examples:

jungle-bungalow-hostel.jpg

*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted hostel dorms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s hostel deals, click here.

9) Uniquely-Themed Hostels

These can provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What makes these hostels so rare is the combination of creativity, fortuity, and preservation required for them to function. They usually lack the “mainstream appeal” due to their uniqueness, but are definitely worth checking out if you’re someone who enjoys the “unconventional” type of travel experiences.

Uniquely-Themed Hostel Examples:

Jumbo Stay Hostel inside a retired Boeing jet - EQRoy/Shutterstock

Jumbo Stay Hostel is a retired Boeing jet - EQRoy/Shutterstock

10) Youth Hostels

Youth hostels (generally) cater to younger travelers.

They’re well-suited for less experienced travelers, like university students or young adults on gap-year. For students seeking hostel discounts, read this guide.

Many youth hostels include “youth” in the name but don’t actually have an upper-age limit. As an older traveler, if you come across “youth hostels” that seem interesting, read their property descriptions to see if there is indeed an upper-age limit at these properties.

Youth Hostel Examples:

youth-hostel-entrance.jpg

*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted hostel dorms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s hostel deals, click here.

Conclusion

Hopefully you found this guide helpful.

No matter your tastes or budget, there’s a hostel type for you. Browse property descriptions, guest reviews and photos on Agoda to get a feel for which category (or categories) a property falls within. To learn more about hostels, explore our other guides below.

Enjoy your travels!

How To Find Discounts On Hostels In Your Destination

For great deals on a wide variety of accommodation (including hostels, budget hotels, resorts, apartments, homes, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and unique or alternative types), use the Agoda widget below. Just input your destination and dates, then browse the results! Or to go directly to Agoda.com, click here.

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Taz Zaidi [Author]
Taz Zaidi [Author]

Taz Zaidi is an American travel writer and the founder/creator of TRVLGUIDES.com. Connect with him on Instagram (@tazzaidi) or on his personal website, at tazzaidi.com.

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Taz Zaidi
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