Hostal facts for kids

A hostal is a special type of place where you can stay, very common in Spain and many Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas. Hostals are usually cheaper than regular hotels. They often have a bar, restaurant, or cafeteria where guests and even local people can buy food and drinks.

When you stay at a hostal, you typically get a private bedroom. Sometimes, they even offer apartments that you can rent for a short time or for longer stays. Bed sheets and towels are usually provided. However, if you rent an apartment for a long time, you might be considered a resident. In that case, you might not get daily cleaning services or fresh towels. Guests sometimes share a bathroom with others, but many rooms also have their own private bathrooms.

Hostals are very popular in Spain. You can also find them in Mexico, Central America, South America, and even in California. They are often run by families and are independent businesses. This means they are usually very connected to the local community around them.

Some places are called Hostal-residencias. These are very similar to hostals, but they usually do not have a cafeteria or any other place where guests can eat.

Hostals vs. Hostels: What's the Difference?

Even though the word hostal sounds a lot like hostel, they are actually different kinds of places to stay. A hostel usually offers shared rooms, often with bunk beds, where you stay with other travelers. This is called dormitory-style accommodation.

On the other hand, a hostal is typically a family-run pension (a small, private hotel or guesthouse). It usually offers private rooms. This type of lodging is mostly found in Spain and a few other Spanish-speaking countries.

Hostals in Mexico

In Mexico, the word hostal is often used as the Spanish word for hostel. This means it's a cheap, hotel-like place that usually has one or two dormitory rooms with bunk beds. It might also have a few private rooms that you can share with others. These places are great for backpackers, young travelers, or anyone traveling on a small budget. Sometimes, regular hotels might even add the word hostal to their name to try and attract more customers.

Star Ratings for Hostals

Hostals are officially rated with stars, from one to three stars. This is different from hostels, which usually do not have a star rating system. Hotels, however, are rated from one to five stars.

See also

In Spanish: Albergue para niños