When planning a trip, one of the most important decisions is accommodation . When choosing accommodation, we must consider our preferences in terms of price and quality, since, depending on these parameters, we will have different types of stays available .
In this article, we will highlight the differences in stays between a hotel and a hostel and highlight the Check-in Scan when managing guests .
By 2025, the digitalization and automation of processes such as check-in, reservation management, and communication with authorities have become key factors in improving the guest experience in both hotels and hostels. Specialized platforms, such as Check-in Scan , facilitate these processes, reducing bureaucracy and increasing security.
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The differences between a hotel and a hostel mainly reside in the privacy of guests and in the price , since, in the hotels the rooms are completely private and in the hostels they can be shared as well as other common areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and bathrooms and rest areas.
On the other hand, hotels are usually greater sizes with a greater offer of available services and greater number of rooms than hostels.
While hotels are generally regulated by stricter regulations regarding safety, accessibility, and minimum services throughout Spain, hostels have more flexible regional regulations. This allows hostels to offer more affordable options and, in many cases, integrate more quickly into local communities.
A hotel is an accommodation option that will always provide extra comfort during the guest's stay. Hotel rooms, in general, tend to be larger than those in hostels and as a requirement to have hotel status, the rooms will always be private , never shared. These may or may not have a private bathroom .
Classification of quality in regards to hotel services is usually done using stars (from 1 to 5), although there is also a range of diamonds or letters.
Among the different hotel classifications, there are also big differences in the services offered : from themed hotels to super-luxury hotels.
Hostels are accommodations that do not meet the requirements to be considered a hotel, although the vast majority of them offer services similar to those of hotels.
Hotels, especially those rated three stars and above, tend to offer advanced technological services, such as electronic locks, virtual assistants, and home automation systems to improve comfort and security. Hostels, while historically simpler, are also incorporating these technologies to compete in an increasingly digital market.
The requirements that hostels must meet are the following:
The classification of the hostels is also done using stars (from 1 to 3). The price for the stay is usually cheaper than in hotels, although this depends on many factors (supply, demand, location, services offered...). 
According to the Hotel Tourism Situation data for May 2024 from the INE , the Hotel Price Index rose on average by 8.1% in May compared to the same month in 2023. The differences between prices depending on the category of each hotel are notable:
In 2025, it's also important to consider that season, location, and sustainability policies significantly influence prices. For example, hotels or hostels that implement eco-friendly practices or have sustainable tourism certifications may charge higher rates, in line with the growing demand of conscious travelers.
This is another differential advantage between a hotel and a hostel. Hotels usually have a much larger useful area than a hostel, they are also usually higher buildings, several floors, being able to house a greater number of rooms and a mix of services greater than a hostel.
Hotel categorization also involves the offer of a mix of services much greater than a hostel. Hostels usually offer accommodation and half pension or full pension or can even have private parking or agreements with some private parking in the area. However, hotels, in addition to having all of the above, can also offer other types of additional services such as sports zone (with Olympic pool, paddle tennis, basket etc
Hotels and hostels are establishments with great differences, but the most important similarity they share is that they are accommodations that have to deal with the presence of guests and, therefore, must manage their personal data to send them later. to the authorities.
With the Check-in Scan you can perform a check-in online and automatic of the guests . Simply scanning the identity document and providing the firm, the information can be sent to the relevant authorities automatically.
Try our demo now and verify the identity of your guests, integrate with the PMS , OTA or Channel Manager and send the travelers' data to the available authorities .
Furthermore, flexible management and a personalized approach are factors that differentiate hostels and hotels. Hostels can offer a more communal atmosphere, with shared spaces that encourage social interaction, while hotels often prioritize exclusive services and privacy, catering to guests seeking greater comfort and personalized attention.
