As we did in Iceland, we decided to stay at a hostel/guest house on the island. When looking for them, I started to question the difference in between them, and so I decided to look into what they are and on what occasion we should use them over one another.
 |
| A dormitory room at a hostel in Torshavn, Faroe Island |
The idea and the network of hostel was founded by a German elementary teacher, Richard Schirrmann (1874-1961). While on his outdoor expedition with children, a storm put them in a danger and had to find a shelter. After being denied by farms, they were fortunate enough to be invited into a school, empty due to a summer vacation. Through this experience, he has decided, for the safety for children traveling, he would gather a network to prepare inexpensive accommodations throughout the country.
Although the definition of hostel is: a budget-oriented, sociable, shared accommodation for travelers, it is sometimes referred to the mentality of hospitality, and inter-cultural community of people who uses/owns this type of accommodation, rather than the physical structure and certain features. Facility usually is a dormitory type, both coed and separated in between 4 - 8 people, and sometimes has community space such as kitchen and living room.
Although the definition of hostel is: a budget-oriented, sociable, shared accommodation for travelers, it is sometimes referred to the mentality of hospitality, and inter-cultural community of people who uses/owns this type of accommodation, rather than the physical structure and certain features. Facility usually is a dormitory type, both coed and separated in between 4 - 8 people, and sometimes has community space such as kitchen and living room.
 |
| A guest house in Westfjords, Iceland |
Guest house, sometimes considered similar to a hostel, B&B, or inn, is an inexpensive lodging for travelers. Some guest houses has smaller rooms for a couple/few guests, as well as more common dormitory type rooms, and community space is also available.
After reading them, it was still difficult to differentiate these two types of accommodations, other than hostel encourages to have a membership for discounts, and each has their own network community. In my opinion, guest houses tends to have cozy atmosphere of a home, however, this could completely be wrong as I have only seen a few.
After reading them, it was still difficult to differentiate these two types of accommodations, other than hostel encourages to have a membership for discounts, and each has their own network community. In my opinion, guest houses tends to have cozy atmosphere of a home, however, this could completely be wrong as I have only seen a few.
 |
| Communal space at a hostel in Isafjordur, Iceland |
One thing they have in common, is that these are such great place to meet and exchange. Whether culture, food, information, laughter, or Facebook info for further friendship, these exchange can enrich the traveling experience, which cannot be achieved by following the guidebook/internet information. From a young solo traveler with no money, to a retired couple on their annual honeymoon, every type of people from all over the world come, stay, and share stories and info on his/her own must-sees, and you will likely not have an access to such an experience if stayed at a clean, private hotel room.
0 件のコメント:
コメントを投稿