They provide dormitory-style accommodations with separate quarters for males and females. Most hostels also have self-service kitchens or cafeterias, dining areas, secure storage and common rooms for relaxing and socializing with other travelers from around the world. Some have laundry facilities, travel libraries, and concierge service. Some even have such unexpected amenities as hot tubs, swimming pools, and barbecues. Most major urban hostels have 24-hour access .
Hostels offer unbeatable savings on overnight lodging .
Many hostels, especially in major urban areas, are handicapped accessible. Some hostels are in wonderful historic buildings which have been renovated and readapted for hostel use. Stay in a lighthouse on the California coast, a historic building in Pennsylvania, a castle in Germany, a chalet in Switzerland or a ship in Sweden. Hostels are open to all ages , except in Bavaria, Germany, where the age limit is 26 unless you are a youth group leader or head of a family. Individual travelers under 18 years of age may be asked to provide written parental permission in order to check in at many hostels.