12 Types of Hostels: Find Your Ideal Hostel Now

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When you think of the word, “hostel” do you automatically think of a stinky, dirty dorm room?

You’re not the only one. Lots of travelers think that hostels are just for youth, are akin to college dorms, or are unclean.

But, that’s simply not true.

These days, there’s a hostel for just about everyone—whether you are a backpacker, 50+ traveler, clean-freak, or just looking for a unique experience.

In this article, we’re going to describe 12 types of hostels so that you can find your ideal hostel!

12 Types of Hostels

There are over 10,000 hostels in Europe alone, and over 15,000 worldwide. With all those hostels to choose from, there’s certain to be a hostel type just for you!

Here are some types of hostels to search for.

1. Budget hostels

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Aren’t all hostels cheap?

Yes, hostels are typically cheaper than staying in hotels. This is because you’ll rent just a bunk—not an entire room.

But, not all hostels are made alike. Some are even more basic than others: enter the budget hostel.

Budget, or cheap hostels are your most basic, no-frills type of hostel.

In these hostels, you can expect plastic mattresses, dormitories filled with beds (think 14-16), and zero lockers. While sheets are more or less standard in hostels these days, budget hostels may charge extra to use their sheets, so bring your own sleep sack.

They likely offer little to no common space (or at least not the type of inviting area you might enjoy). So, these are usually just for sleeping, not for lounging, journaling, cooking, or meeting others.

Since they are cheap, you’re likely to find a lot of students in budget hostels.

All in all, the budget type hostel is ideal if you really want to save money and don’t mind super basic accommodations.

2. Activity hostels

A type of hostel that fits wonderfully with travelers who are looking for experiences where they stay are activity hostels.

Activity hostels are centered around certain themes like digital nomad hostels, women-only retreat centers, or solo traveler hostels.

A bonus to staying in activity hostels is that they are perfect for finding people just like you!

Plus, accommodations, events, and classes will be arranged for your liking.

For example, digital nomad hostels offer coworking spaces and (hopefully) good Wi-Fi. (If you’re worried, bring your own TravelWiFi device.) Women-only retreat centers may offer luxurious handmade soap, yoga classes, or nights out on the town.

In other words, the owners of activity hostels desire for like-minded people to come to their place. They’ll orient everything around making hostelers feel safe, welcome, and productive.

3. Party hostels

Party hostels are exactly what they sound like: they are all about providing an outlet for people to go out and have a good time, drink, dance, and meet other people.

Sometimes, this means that the hostel itself has a bar and live music late into the night, such as at Mayan Monkey Hostel in Tulum.

Other times, party hostels arrange for people to go out together and party. The popular Sant Jordi Sagrada Familia is a mix of both.

In any case, you can party all night long—or until the bars close.

For me personally, this is exactly the type of hostel I try to avoid. My ideal hostel is one where I can get a good night’s sleep before venturing out, all day every day!

Whether you’re looking for a party or trying to avoid it, look for keywords like these to alert you to whether it’s a party hostel or not:

• Free shot with stay
• Bar open until 2 am
• Live music
• Pub crawl

Insider Tip: No matter what type of hostel you prefer, check the reviews when booking a hostel. The descriptions and pictures may tell one story, but reviews will tell another!

4. Unique hostels

Unique hostels—like party hostels—aren’t for everyone.

At this type of hostel, the property IS the stay. Much like cruise ships are the destination, not the ports they visit, if you really think about it.

Want to stay in a unique hostel?

Here are some suggestions:

• Pipe House Playa Grande in Tamarindo, Costa Rica is a unique hostel situated near the beach.
• Cinco Tulum Beach & Glamping: Set in the national park and steps from the beach, each glamping tent features a king size bed and it’s own lounge area. If you’ve never glamped (the glamorous version of camping) before, this could be the perfect type of hostel to book!

Since the unique hostel is the stay, it might be more expensive than your typical stay. But hey, you’re in it for the experience, right?

5. Eco conscious hostels

For those interested in eco-friendly living, there are a number of eco conscious hostels (aka eco hotels, eco hostels, eco-friendly hostels, etc.) to stay in all around the world.

Eco conscious hostels not only run off sustainable practices (in part or in whole) but they are often educational and offer an experience, not just accommodation.

For example, the Alter’hostel in Lyon, France operates a communal compost system, collects rainwater for their plants, and installed environmentally-friendly toilets. They also offer tons of activities, bike rentals, and more.

What a great way to enjoy the city while also participating in sustainable living!

Even more eco conscious is the Bodrum Ecofarm Camp & Hostel in Bodrum, Turkey. On this farm, enjoy a fresh breakfast, fruit and nuts from the garden, and lots of relaxing activities steps away from the sea.

What’s better than once in a lifetime experiences, friendly neighbors, and cheap accommodation that’s eco-friendly?

Very little, we think.

6. Historic hostels

History buffs will marvel at any number of historic hostels around the globe.

Just as the name suggests, the historic hostel type gives you the opportunity to stay somewhere that’s steeped in history.

Castles, old firehouses, and newspaper offices are just a few places that come to mind.

Let’s check out a few more…

In Dubrovnik, Croatia, for instance, the Hostel Angelina Old Town is located in a 400-year old building inside the city walls!

The Kex Hostel in Reykjavik, on the other hand, is located inside an old biscuit factory. Even better, much of the hostel is furnished with salvaged materials and found objects giving this hostel in Iceland the industrial-chic feel.

Lastly, BUNK Hostel Utrecht aims to be keep the spirit of church alive with lots of community events as an old sanctuary turned backpacker’s hostel.

Whatever hostel you choose, we are sure you’ll have fun stepping back into time!

7. Quiet hostels

By this point, you’ve heard all about the lively experiences you can have in a hostel.

If you’re an introvert, you might be ready to call it quits on the hostel search.

But, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered…

For those seeking solitude, there’s a hostel type for you, too: quiet hostels.

Quiet hostels or “hybrid” hostels fit right in the gap between traditional student hostels and budget hotels.

For example, I never heard a peep from my neighbors when staying at this centrally-located hostel in Madrid. (I still always bring ear plus, just in case! See more essentials in my hostel packing list.)

But, how can hostels be quiet?

Well, they usually offer smaller room sizes. You can find private rooms, doubles, triples, or quads at these types of hostels, with or without shared bathrooms

They might also be family-run (or have that feeling). 

Quiet hostels may or may not offer shared amenities and likely don’t offer some of the more communal aspects that some hostels thrive on. Basically, they are set up for you to rest, not to interact with others.

This type of hostel is great for families, those over 50, and really anyone who wants a quiet, calm stay.

8. Adventure hostels

Adventure hostels, like activity hostels, are centered around activities for adventure travelers. These hostels offer not only great rates, but access to ski, surf, and other popular outdoor adventures.

Whether it’s a stay at the Adventure Hostel Interlaken (the adventure sports capital of Europe) or the Take Hostel Conil in Cádiz, Spain (perfect for water sports enthusiasts) adventure hostels give wonderful access to whatever activity you’re up to on your vacation.

Also, these hostels are great for groups, but we particularly love them for solo travelers. Don’t have a friend that likes to ski? Head to the hostel, and meet other ski fanatics with whom you can travel and ski with for years to come!

If you’re ready for an adventure, this might just be the type of hostel for you!

9. Youth hostels

Youth hostels only allow people between the ages of 18-26 (typically) to stay and use their facilities.

The goal of youth hostels is to provide safe, supervised, and affordable housing for younger travelers.

If you’re a young traveler, perhaps traveling on your own for the first time or with a group of friends, you might feel comfortable starting out at a youth hostel.

There, you will stay with staff who are used to catering to the younger crowd and can answer any questions and quash any fears. In my experience, these hostels are clean, offer tours or other group activities, and are well-organized, too.

Or maybe it’s not you who’s worried about staying in a room with strangers—it’s your parents. Let them know about youth hostels, and it might ease their mind.

Another great thing about youth hostels is that you’ll be around other people who are in the same boat as you. So, you can be nervous together and perhaps make some friends with whom you can explore.

Lastly, these hostels tend to be inexpensive. This gives students and other young professionals to experience the world within their budget.

Hosteling International is a great resource for youth travelers. (Send the link to mom, too!)

10. Luxury hostels

Perhaps you weren’t expecting to see luxury hostels on the list.

Luxury hostels (sometimes referred to as design hostels) can cost more than a budget hotel room.

So, why stay in one?

The advantage to staying in a luxury hostel is all about the details—luxurious decor, artisanal soaps, shampoo, and clean, fluffy comforters abound.

Plus, you’ll still get the communal aspects of staying in a hostel, perhaps with free yoga classes, pools, on-site cafés, or similar.

The Selina Tulum in Tulum, Mexico advertises a 4-star stay complete with a restaurant, bar, and shared lounge. Oh, and did we mention its beachside?

In addition to amenities, you’ll find other like-minded travelers to swap stories and adventure with.

All these aspects make luxury hostels a win-win for us!

11. Pod hostels

Originating in Japan and made popular in Asia, pod hostels are turning up around the globe.

Pod hostels are just what they sound like: tiny, individual capsule rooms.

In other words, at pod hostels, you book your own pod instead of a bed or room.

Not all pod hostels, or capsule hotels as they are also called, are futuristic looking portals with locks. Some are simply hostels with wall dividers or curtains like the Decklodge in Peniche, Portugal. They all serve the same function: to give guests a private area to relax, sleep, even read at night (!) without disturbing other guests.

Another example is the St Christopher’s Village in London. It’s a good choice for backpackers who want some privacy, yet love to socialize. This hostel offers Japanese-style capsule beds. Each pod comes equipped with USB power points, electric plugs, and reading lights.

Not only are you afforded some privacy at pod hostels, but may also sleep soundly at night knowing you are safe and sound from pickpockets inside your pod! (Just because you are staying in a pod doesn’t give you license to make noise, though. You can still hear people in the pods nearby.)

Please remember to be respectful of others, no matter what type of hostel you stay in. See our must-know hostel tips and etiquette.

12. Cozy or homey hostels

Hosts really make you feel at home in cozy or homey type hostels.

Now, these can overlap with quiet hostels, hybrid hostels, or even historic hostels. They may also be called guest houses or B&B’s. (What differentiates hostels from typical accommodations, for example, is the shared facilities.)

The point is, these hostels really do feel like a home away from home.

They are often homes that have been converted into hostels.

For example, I’ve stayed at several converted brownstones in Madrid, Spain. Each room in the home is rented separately, and guests share the hallway bathroom. (You really have to wonder what the kids think about mom and dad converting their family into a hostel, don’t you?)

La Casa Encantada is a an restored, early 20th century colonial house. Stay in this home to experience staying in a home, history (it was once a school), and all that La Palma, Spain has to offer!.

In the town of Nicosia, Italy, the Sicilian Mountain Oasis is run by a family, and is a bucket list stay, for sure!

If you’re ready to book your home away from home, look no further!

No matter the type of hostel, have fun!

Through this article, we hope that you’ve discovered there is a type of hostel out there for you!

Of course, don’t forget to add travel insurance to protect your trip. It can cover injury, theft, and trip interruptions. See more details on why we think travel insurance is a must.

In the end, whatever your ideal hostel is—cooking with locals, a cheap backpacking hotel in Barcelona, or a family room (Check here for family travel planning!)—have a wonderful experience.

Looking for your ideal hostel? You may also like…

Check out some of our articles on hostels:

• 10 Tips for Staying in Hostels: Our Best Hostel Tips
• Hostel Essentials: Hostel Packing Guide
• Hostel Experience: What to Expect When Staying in a Hostel for the First Time

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