¿QUÉ ES UN HOSTAL? Diferencias con un hotel y con un hostel. HOTEL vs HOSTAL y HOSTEL vs HOSTAL

Summary

This video introduces viewers to a unique type of accommodation in Spain: hostals, which differ from hotels and hostels. The hostal featured offers affordable rates, with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms, making it a popular choice for travelers looking for comfort in central locations. Almudena, the hostal manager, explains that hostals provide many of the same amenities as hotels, such as 24-hour reception, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi, but at lower prices. She also clarifies the difference between a hostal, which offers private rooms, and a hostel, which has shared dormitories.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hostels in Spain are a unique form of accommodation, often confused with hotels or hostels in other countries.
• 😀 Hostels are typically smaller than hotels, usually occupying a single floor of a building, with lower prices than hotels.
• 😀 Many hostels offer amenities similar to budget hotels, such as 24-hour reception, air conditioning, heating, and free WiFi.
• 😀 A private bathroom in each room is a common feature in most modern hostels, a recent improvement to meet guest needs.
• 😀 Hostels cater to travelers seeking affordable lodging in prime locations, such as central Madrid, without the need for transport.
• 😀 Many travelers confuse hostels with 'hostels,' which are establishments offering shared dormitory-style rooms with communal bathrooms.
• 😀 Hostels provide private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, while hostels typically involve shared rooms and shared facilities.
• 😀 Hostels offer various room types, including single rooms, double rooms, triple rooms, and family rooms.
• 😀 The central location of hostels allows guests to walk to major attractions, providing a convenient and cost-effective option.
• 😀 Hostels are an excellent choice for those seeking privacy at a lower cost than hotels while staying in desirable urban locations.

Q & A

What is a hostal in Spain?

A hostal in Spain is similar to a small, family-run hotel or a budget hotel. It offers basic amenities like 24-hour reception, air conditioning, heating, and free WiFi, and usually provides private bathrooms in each room.

How is a hostal different from a hotel?

Hostals typically have smaller rooms and usually occupy only one floor of a building, unlike hotels which may occupy entire buildings. Hostals are also more affordable and often located in prime city-center locations.

What are the typical services provided by a hostal?

Most hostals offer services such as 24-hour reception, air conditioning, heating, free WiFi, and private bathrooms in each room. These services are often comparable to those provided by budget hotels.

What kind of rooms can you expect in a hostal?

In a hostal, you can find various room types including single rooms, double rooms (with two beds or a large double bed), triple rooms, and family rooms.

Are hostals cheaper than hotels?

Yes, hostals are generally more affordable than hotels, offering budget-friendly options for travelers while still maintaining a high level of comfort and private amenities.

What is the key difference between a hostal and a hostel?

The key difference is that a hostal offers private rooms with their own bathrooms, while a hostel rents beds in shared dormitory-style rooms with communal bathrooms. Hostels are more focused on budget travelers and social experiences.

Why do people prefer to stay in hostals in city centers?

Hostals are often located in central areas of cities, which makes them convenient for travelers who want to explore the city on foot. Staying in a city center means that most major attractions and amenities are within walking distance, saving on transportation costs.

Can you stay in a hostal for a long period?

Yes, many hostals offer long-term stays. Depending on availability and policies, they can be a good option for travelers seeking extended stays in city centers, especially for those on a budget.

Are the rooms in a hostal private?

Yes, all the rooms in a hostal are private, and guests have access to a private bathroom. This sets hostals apart from hostels, where the rooms and bathrooms are shared among guests.

What is the most important feature of a hostal?

The most important feature of a hostal is the balance it offers between affordability and comfort, with private rooms, essential amenities, and often great locations in the heart of the city.