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Hostal is a Spanish word for a category of lodging. Hostales tend to be cheaper than hotels. They normally provide a bar and/or a restaurant/cafeteria where drinks and food is sold, to guests and locals alike.

Accommodations typically include private bedrooms, sometimes combined with apartments with the possibility to rent either short or long term. 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 may sometimes share a common bathroom, but also may provide a number of rooms with en suite bathroom.

Hostales are common in Spain and may also be found in Mexico, Central, South America & 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).

[edit] Difference from Hostels

Though the word hostal is similar to hostel, 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 possibly a few other Spanish-speaking countries. To add to the confusion, the word hostel will sometimes mistakenly be spelled hostal in some Latin American countries when hostel is what is meant.

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