What is a "hostel"?

What is a "hostel"?

Catharine Hamm (Travel Editor, LA Times) gives expert video advice on: What are the advantages of staying at a motel?; Are bed and breakfast rates comparable to hotel rates?; What are the advantages of a bed and breakfast? and more...

A hostel is a lower priced accommodation often found in Europe and Asia, although sometimes in the United States. A hostel is a shared bathroom and a dormitory style experience. It's generally for budget travelers. The prices generally tend to be less in a hostel. It's a convivial group. It's a like-minded group, but you're going to be staying in proximity to all of these people because it is dormitory and you are sharing facilities with them.