What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hostal
Example
We stayed at a hostal in Madrid during our trip. [hostal: noun]
Example
The hostal had a communal kitchen and shared bathrooms. [hostal: adjective]
guesthouse
Example
The guesthouse we stayed at in Bali had a beautiful garden and swimming pool. [guesthouse: noun]
Example
The guesthouse owner was very friendly and gave us recommendations for local restaurants. [guesthouse: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Guesthouse is more commonly used than hostal in everyday language, especially in English-speaking countries. However, hostal is more commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hostal and guesthouse?
Guesthouse is generally considered a more formal term than hostal, which is often associated with a more casual and informal tone.
