Today, as in the past, hostels are similar to hotels in that they offer a place to sleep, relax and eat. Hotels, however, segregate people in private rooms and at private tables, while hostels bring them together in an informal atmosphere. They are a place where people of different nationalities and social backgrounds can interact. The popular myth that hostels only offer dormitory-style accommodation is just not true. As well as the individual travellers, hostels often accommodate school and recreational groups.
Hostels usually offer cooking facilities and the larger hostels frequently have restaurants.
While some hostels have closure times, all BC Hostels are open throughout the day, and none have an evening curfew or a midnight closure. BC Hostels offer a smoke-free atmosphere for the comfort of our guests. Prices tend to be lower in rural areas and more expensive in urban areas. However, when you compare this to the cost of hotels the value of hostels becomes very clear. If you are on a really tight budget, consider choosing a hostel outside the city and commuting.