A hostel is an inexpensive place to stay that provides basic sleeping accommodations, usually in shared rooms with bunk beds. Unlike hotels, where each guest or family gets a private room, hostels often have dormitory-style rooms where several travelers sleep in the same space, though some hostels also offer private rooms for a higher price.

Hostels are popular with students, backpackers, and budget travelers who want to save money while exploring new places. They typically include shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen where guests can cook their own meals, and common areas where travelers can meet each other. Many people enjoy hostels both for their affordability and for the opportunities they create to make friends with travelers from around the world.

Youth hostels were originally created in Germany in the early 1900s to give young people safe, affordable places to stay while hiking and traveling. Today, hostels exist in cities and towns worldwide, offering simple, no-frills accommodations for travelers who care more about the experience of their journey than fancy amenities.