Hey gang.

I know nothing of hostels. Here in the states they seem to be less expensive alternatives to hotels.
I will be travelling with my wife, and we would like a private room. I notice many6 hostels have this option (even ensuite, making for all the more private, all the better). BUT, with the prices working as such (that is, "PER PERSON") I am paying twice for the one room. This makes a hostel more expensive than a comperable hotel.

So what gives? Why is it cheaper for two people to share a hotel room, than to stay in a hostel?

Generally in my experience the private rooms at hostels are for people who desire a little alone time if you get my drift. Dude if your not gonna be bangin your wife everynight then just go with regular bunks. I met plenty of people who slept with their girls on the double bunks and were totally cool. There are a lot of times as well when I was traveling that I was the only one in the room.

Hi and welcome to TravelPunk... now let's see if we can satisify some of your hostel-related curiosity.

First, in regards to double rooms: Check the hostel web site and booking information carefully. Many hostels have rooms with a double bed, where you'll pay a single price for two people. If you're unsure of their pricing scheme, call the place or send them an email to find out what's what.

Second, in regards to value compared to hotels: For couples or groups, sometimes hotels do work out to be cheaper than a hostel, especially in cities where hostels are expensive (Dublin comes to mind...) or off-season hotels can be found on the super-cheap. However, other things can bump up hotel costs like taxes, "hospitality charges" (i.e. more taxes), and other fees that aren't mentioned until you get your bill. It all depends on the city/country, of course.

Finally, the overall appeal of hostels: Certainly, we'd all love the luxury of a full-service hotel if we could afford it. However, some of us *can* afford it, but go the hostel route not just for the economy, but for the backpacker community of it all. Sharing a bathroom or a kitchen or lounge may not be everyone's cup of tea, but for many others, it's a great way to meet new people, share some common ground, and simply be more social. You meet people from all over the world, and you can get insights into towns from long-term residents that no hotel concierge would let you in on... It's just a different style of travel. You definitely give up privacy and peace and quiet, but you gain a whole bunch of other stuff.

If you're still unsure, you might want to give a hostel a try, just for a couple of nights, or perhaps one domestically just to see if it's the right "scene" for you and your wife. Or, you can find smaller, more B&B-like hostels (depends where you're going) that are kind of a cross between backpacker central and a private home.

^ well he said it all.

If I am traveling with my someone special I usually don't opt for a hostel, but I have done both. Staying in a hostel as a couple works fine. Just depends on what type of experience you're looking for. Camping can also be a good option :cheers:

Done and done.
I appreciate the prompt replys. Frugality is of course very important, and so if we could get a nice hostel that WILL allow two to stay in a private room for the same price as an individual we will certainly be interested in that route. The wife is not as adventurous as myself, and the idea of staying in a room with strangers is right out (I had to conive the idea that a shared loo is all right).
The reason for the confusion is due to the fact that EVERY price quote I have seen online is per person, no mention anywhere on any hostel on sharing a room's price between two people. However, you mentioned contacting a hostel directly (via e- or tele) and this will be my route for research in the months to come. Thank you all again.