Hostal
Encyclopedia
A hostal is a type of lodging
found mostly in Spain
and Hispanic America
. Hostales tend to be cheaper than hotel
s. They normally have a bar and/or a restaurant/cafeteria where drinks and food are sold to guests and locals alike.
Accommodations typically include private bedrooms, and sometimes apartments, available for either short or long term rent. Linens and towels are usually provided, unless it is a long term apartment rental in which case the guest is considered a resident and does not receive cleaning and other services. Guests sometimes share a common bathroom, but a number of rooms with en suite bathrooms may also be available.
Hostales are common in Spain and are also found in Mexico
, Central
and South America
and California
. They are often family-run, independent businesses, with a strong involvement with the local community.
Hostal-residencias are the same as hostales, but in general without a cafetería or other place where you can eat (exceptions exist, though).
, the two words refer to different types of accommodation. Hostel refers to properties that offer shared accommodation, typically in dormitories, while hostal refers to a type of family-run pension
typically common only in Spain and a few other Spanish-speaking countries. Confusingly, the word hostel will sometimes mistakenly be spelled hostal in some Latin American countries when hostel is what is meant.
While there is no 'official source' for the following information: in the local terminology in Cancun, Mexico 'Hostal' would be nothing more than the Spanish translation for 'Hostel
', making them one and the same.
Lodging
Lodging is a type of residential accommodation. People who travel and stay away from home for more than a day need lodging for sleep, rest, safety, shelter from cold temperatures or rain, storage of luggage and access to common household functions.Lodgings may be self catering in which case no...
found mostly in Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
and Hispanic America
Hispanic America
Hispanic America or Spanish America is the region comprising the American countries inhabited by Spanish-speaking populations.These countries have significant commonalities with each other and with Spain, whose colonies they formerly were...
. Hostales tend to be cheaper than hotel
Hotel
A hotel is an establishment that provides paid lodging on a short-term basis. The provision of basic accommodation, in times past, consisting only of a room with a bed, a cupboard, a small table and a washstand has largely been replaced by rooms with modern facilities, including en-suite bathrooms...
s. They normally have a bar and/or a restaurant/cafeteria where drinks and food are sold to guests and locals alike.
Accommodations typically include private bedrooms, and sometimes apartments, available for either short or long term rent. Linens and towels are usually provided, unless it is a long term apartment rental in which case the guest is considered a resident and does not receive cleaning and other services. Guests sometimes share a common bathroom, but a number of rooms with en suite bathrooms may also be available.
Hostales are common in Spain and are also found in Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, Central
Central America
Central America is the central geographic region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmian portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast. When considered part of the unified continental model, it is considered a subcontinent...
and South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
and California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. They are often family-run, independent businesses, with a strong involvement with the local community.
Hostal-residencias are the same as hostales, but in general without a cafetería or other place where you can eat (exceptions exist, though).
Difference from hostels
Though the word hostal is similar to hostelHostel
Hostels provide budget oriented, sociable accommodation where guests can rent a bed, usually a bunk bed, in a dormitory and share a bathroom, lounge and sometimes a kitchen. Rooms can be mixed or single-sex, although private rooms may also be available...
, the two words refer to different types of accommodation. Hostel refers to properties that offer shared accommodation, typically in dormitories, while hostal refers to a type of family-run pension
Pension (lodging)
A pensione is a family-owned guest house or boarding house. This term is typically used in Portugal, France, Spain, Italy, other Continental European countries, in areas of North Africa and the Middle East that formerly had large European expatriate populations, and in some parts of South America...
typically common only in Spain and a few other Spanish-speaking countries. Confusingly, the word hostel will sometimes mistakenly be spelled hostal in some Latin American countries when hostel is what is meant.
While there is no 'official source' for the following information: in the local terminology in Cancun, Mexico 'Hostal' would be nothing more than the Spanish translation for 'Hostel
Hostel
Hostels provide budget oriented, sociable accommodation where guests can rent a bed, usually a bunk bed, in a dormitory and share a bathroom, lounge and sometimes a kitchen. Rooms can be mixed or single-sex, although private rooms may also be available...
', making them one and the same.