What’s the real difference?
Hosteling.US vs. Hostelworld
The Big Picture
You’ve probably heard of Hostelworld — the global booking giant that’s been around since the early 2000s. They’ve helped millions of travelers discover hostels, and for that, they deserve credit.
But if you’re booking a hostel in the U.S., there’s a better way — one that keeps more money in the hands of the hostels you love and helps travelers like you find authentic, community-driven stays.
That’s where Hosteling.US comes in.
We’re not another corporate OTA.
We’re a movement to bring hosteling back to its roots — affordable beds, meaningful connections, and zero middlemen draining the soul (and savings) from the experience.
Why It Matters
When you book through Hostelworld, up to 20% of your money disappears into corporate pockets overseas.
When you book through Hosteling.US, that money stays where it belongs — with small U.S. hostels.
That means:
More beds renovated.
More local staff hired.
More epic traveler events and community dinners.
It’s not just a booking. It’s a vote — for connection over corporation.
The Real Hosteling Difference
We’re travelers first. We’ve slept on creaky bunks, traded stories over cheap beers, and learned that the best nights start with “f*ck it, I’ll book it.”
We built Hosteling.US because U.S. hostels deserve a homegrown platform — one that actually understands what makes them special.
We’re here to:
Champion independent hostels and their wild, wonderful communities.
Inspire more Americans to discover the art of hosteling.
Make it cheaper, easier, and more human to explore this country.
For Travelers
Hosteling.US helps you find real hostels — not “boutique hotels with bunk beds.” Every property listed is vetted for vibe, affordability, and authenticity.
No hidden fees. No corporate markup. Just the road, a bunk, and new friends waiting on the other side.
👉 Find your next hostel: Explore U.S. Hostels
The Bottom Line
Hostelworld helped define hostel travel. But Hosteling.US is redefining it for the next generation.
This isn’t just about saving money — it’s about saving what makes hostels magic.
If you believe in adventure over algorithms, community over commission, and real travelers over travel tech giants — you already know which side you’re on.
