Hostels:

Hostels provide budget-oriented accomodation where guests can rent a bed,sometimes a bunk bed in a dormintory and share a bathroom, lounge and sometimes a kitchen. Rooms can be mixed or single-sex, although private rooms may also be available. Hostels are generally cheaper for both the operator and the occupant; many hostels employ their long-term residents as desk clerks or housekeeping staff in exchange for free accommodation.
An effort could be made to distinguish between establishments that provide longer term accommodation (often to specific classes of clientèle such as nurses, students, drug addicts, arrested persons subsequently bailed to await trial and homeless people where the hostels are sometimes run by Housing Associaltions and charities) and those offering short term accommodation to travelers or backpackers.Within the 'traveller' category another distinction can be drawn between hostels that are members of hostelling international (HI), a non-profit organization encouraging outdoor There are several differences between hostels and hotels. Some major advantages of hostels include:
Hostels tend to be budget-oriented. Rates are considerably lower, and many hostels have programs to share books, DVDs, and other items.
For those who prefer an informal environment, hostels do not usually have the same level of formality as hotels.
For those who prefer to socialize with their fellow guests, hostels usually have more common areas and opportunities to socialize.
Activities and cultural exchange for the young and independently operated hostels. Hostels for travellers are sometimes called backpackers' hostels, particularly in Australia and New zealand (often abbreviated to just backpackers).Independent hostels are not necessarily affiliated with one of the national bodies of Hostelling International, Youth Hostel Association or any other licensing body.
The term "youth" is less often used with these properties. These unaffiliated hostels are often called "backpackers' hostels" and can be more or less expensive. Unlike a hotel chain where everything is standardized, these hostels can be very diverse. They usually do not require a membership card. Being privately-owned, these hostels can offer the latest technology and services for guests. One of the first US hostel chains to promote this new "socialized hotel" was Banana Bungalow in the early 1990s. Youth Hostels have since become places to meet people rather than just accommodation.