For travellers, main benefits include the low cost of the accommodation compared to alternatives such as hotels, and the opportunity to interact more with other travellers (often from all over the world). Hostels are usually less formal and less expensive than hotels. They are most frequently used by young travellers. In the past many youth hostels imposed age limits, but today it is more common for hostels to accept guests of all ages. Despite the openness of modern hostels, the majority of guests are traditionally and overwhelmingly between the ages of 18 and 26[citation needed].
Hostels provide opportunities for multicultural enlightenment, and are an excellent way to make new friends in a foreign environment. There is more interaction between guests than in traditional hotels, and many hostels provide activities for their guests for a nominal charge or no charge at all. It is common to see people staying at a hostel for an extended stay of few weeks as they enjoy the atmosphere.
Hostels also may offer many amenities and facilities such as internet access, full kitchens, laundry, discounts to popular tourist activities, game rooms, dining halls, and sometimes bars. The local staff can be helpful in giving reliable advice about activities and nightlife.
