I'm curious to know the history of these terms and if there are any specific descriptions to distinguish 'Hostels' and 'Youth Hostels'.
2007-09-09 18:16:59 · 3 answers · asked by the_surfie_guy 1 in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Other - Europe
Basically the names are now used for the same thing, but if a writer makes a difference, youth hostels are mostly part of Hosteling International, till a few years back known as YHA, the international Youth Hostel Association.
http://www.hihostels.com/
The word hostel is then for all hostels not within HI, and that are many, of different quality.
2007-09-09 18:45:13 · answer #1 · answered by Willeke 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Youth hostels used to be specifically for students and young people, and had an upper age limit.
However, as they became more popular (and hostelers realized the income potential), they opened them up to everybody.
2007-09-10 01:31:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The terms "hostel", "hostelry", and "youth hostel"
hostel - initially a place to stay provided by employers for their employees, and similar institutions.
hostelry - an inn
youth hostel - a place for young people (now no age limits) to stay while experiencing the freedom of the road
2007-09-10 01:25:49 · answer #3 · answered by Ken B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋