Hostelry vs. Hostel — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 17, 2024
Hostelry generally refers to an inn or other lodgings, providing food, drink, and shelter, whereas a hostel primarily offers basic, budget-friendly communal accommodations.
Difference Between Hostelry and Hostel
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A hostelry is a traditional term for an inn or lodging that typically offers meals and drinks in addition to accommodation, whereas a hostel focuses on providing inexpensive shared sleeping facilities, often catering to travelers or students.
Hostelries are known for their broader range of services, including private rooms and sometimes even luxury options, whereas hostels usually maintain a minimalist approach, emphasizing cost-efficiency and shared spaces.
The clientele of hostelries often includes tourists, business travelers, and families seeking comfortable accommodations, whereas hostels predominantly attract backpackers, students, and budget-conscious travelers.
In terms of ambiance, hostelries can range from quaint, historically rich establishments to modern inns, while hostels often promote a social, interactive environment conducive to meeting other travelers.
Regarding location, hostelries are frequently found in both rural and urban settings, offering a more secluded or intimate experience, whereas hostels are typically located in urban areas, close to major tourist attractions or educational institutions.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An inn providing lodging, food, and drinks.
A budget-friendly accommodation with shared rooms.
Services Offered
Full range including meals and private rooms
Minimal services, often without meals.
Target Audience
Tourists, families, business travelers
Backpackers, students, budget travelers
Typical Environment
Varies from quaint to modern
Social, communal spaces
Location
Rural and urban settings
Usually urban, near attractions or schools
Compare with Definitions
Hostelry
An establishment offering lodging and dining to travelers.
The charming hostelry on the main road offers a warm bed and a hot meal to weary tourists.
Hostel
A budget accommodation with shared rooms and common areas.
The downtown hostel offers bunk beds at affordable rates.
Hostelry
A synonym for inn or small hotel.
They stayed at a hostelry that reminded them of a bygone era with its antique furnishings.
Hostel
Often has facilities like a communal kitchen.
Guests at the hostel often cook together in the large communal kitchen.
Hostelry
Often implies a rustic or historic setting.
The old hostelry has been welcoming guests since the 1800s.
Hostel
Aimed at young travelers or students.
The hostel hosts a lot of international students during the summer months.
Hostelry
Can be used interchangeably with 'hotel' in some contexts.
The hostelry had all the comforts one would expect from a luxury hotel.
Hostel
Emphasizes community and interaction.
The hostel's lounge area is a great place to meet fellow travelers from around the world.
Hostelry
May include a pub or restaurant.
The local hostelry is popular for its traditional Sunday roasts.
Hostel
May also refer to student accommodations in some regions.
He found a room in a hostel near the university campus.
Hostelry
An inn; a hotel.
Hostel
A supervised, inexpensive lodging place for travelers, especially young travelers.
Hostelry
(countable) An inn that provides overnight accommodation for travellers (and, originally, their horses).
Hostel
An inn; a hotel.
Hostelry
(uncountable) The art and skill of guest management at a commercial facility such as a hotel, inn, motel, bed and breakfast, or hostel.
The hostelry trade
A degree in hostelry and tourism
Hostel
To stay at hostels while traveling.
Hostelry
An inn; a lodging house.
Come with me to the hostelry.
Hostel
A commercial overnight lodging place, with dormitory accommodation and shared facilities, especially a youth hostel
A rundown hostel
Hostelry
A hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
Hostel
(not US) A temporary refuge for the homeless providing a bed and sometimes food
Hostel
(obsolete) A small, unendowed college in Oxford or Cambridge.
Hostel
(intransitive) To stay in a hostel during one's travels.
Hostel
(transitive) To lodge (a person) in a hostel.
Hostel
An inn.
So pass I hostel, hall, and grange.
Hostel
A small, unendowed college in Oxford or Cambridge.
Hostel
A hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
Hostel
Inexpensive supervised lodging (especially for youths on bicycling trips)
Common Curiosities
What types of services are typically offered in a hostelry?
Hostelries offer a range of services including lodging, meals, and sometimes bars or pubs.
What is the average cost difference between a hostelry and a hostel?
Hostels are significantly cheaper than hostelries, which offer more comprehensive services.
Do both hostelries and hostels provide internet access?
Yes, both typically offer internet access, though the quality may vary between locations.
Can families stay at a hostel?
While hostels are geared towards individuals and groups, some do accommodate families in private rooms.
Do hostels have age restrictions?
Some hostels might impose age restrictions, often to maintain a certain atmosphere or meet legal requirements.
Are there private rooms in hostels or are all accommodations shared?
While hostels predominantly offer shared rooms, many also have private rooms available for an additional cost.
Is it common for hostels to organize social events for guests?
Yes, many hostels organize social events like tours, dinners, and games to foster a communal atmosphere.
Are hostels safe for solo travelers?
Yes, hostels are generally safe for solo travelers and often have security measures in place.
Are pets allowed in hostelries or hostels?
Policies on pets vary; some hostelries and hostels might allow pets, while others do not.
How do the amenities in hostels compare to those in hostelries?
Hostel amenities are usually basic compared to hostelries, which may offer a range of amenities from spas to conference rooms.
What is the historical significance of hostelries?
Historically, hostelries served as essential resting spots for travelers and merchants, offering food, drink, and shelter.
Can you find hostelries in city centers?
Yes, while many are in rural settings, you can also find hostelries in urban areas, often in historic districts.
How do hostelries differ from motels?
Hostelries typically offer more services and have a historical or quaint charm, whereas motels provide basic roadside accommodations.
What kind of food services are available in hostelries?
Many hostelries have full-service restaurants and may offer local cuisine and specialties.
What is the typical duration of stay that hostels and hostelries cater to?
Hostels are generally geared towards shorter stays, while hostelries can accommodate both short and longer visits.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
