‍One thing is certain: Accommodation in Berlin should be as central as possible to avoid long distances, but still cheap enough to fit within the budget. But: Should you and your class rather book a hostel or a youth hostel? In the following, you will find out the different advantages and disadvantages of hostels and youth hostels. We've also collected a few tips for you to make preparing for the school trip as easy as possible.

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Are hostels and youth hostels the same?

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Youth hostels and hostels have different reputations and even the names suggest a difference. But does it even exist? The short answer: Yes. While youth hostels sound like a wooden bed, hostels are reminiscent of long-distance travel and backpacking. But the terms are not protected and the prejudices are no longer correct. Hostel is basically just the English translation of Youth Hostel. However, there are still similarities and differences between the two accommodation options.

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What are the similarities between hostels and youth hostels?

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Both hostels and youth hostels are generally rather cheap compared to other accommodation and are therefore aimed primarily at young people. In addition to single and double rooms with private bathrooms, which are often occupied by supervisors on school trips, there are larger dormitories in which several individual guests or even groups can be accommodated. Shared bathrooms with shower and toilet are also frequently shared here. Both accommodations also usually have common areas where you can find sofas, soccer tables, pool tables or a reading area.

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What are the differences between a hostel and youth hostel stay?

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Despite the many similarities, there are quite a few differences between a classic hostel and a typical German youth hostel.

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Image & target group

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The names alone already convey a different image, so we associate different things with hostels and youth hostels, which in turn appeals to a different clientele.

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Hostels are particularly aimed at international young adults who are traveling on a budget. These are often individual travelers such as backpackers or rather smaller groups of young people.

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Youth hostels, on the other hand, are more appealing to school classes, youth groups and families. This is also reinforced by personnel and activities.

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Staff & activities

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Youth hostels are usually run by professional educators, very different from hostels. This educational approach is also reflected in the institution's events and activities. Great emphasis is placed on offering other sports and leisure activities in addition to the individual program of the classes.

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Hostels may be less educational in terms of requirements, but they are usually well connected when it comes to leisure programs or also offer their own activities and events.

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rations

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Classic youth hostels and hostels often differ when it comes to food.

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Youth hostels have the advantage that breakfast is usually already included in the price. Before the daily program starts, you can have a hearty breakfast in the common dining room. There is often a buffet that also takes into account individual food preferences and allergies (vegetarian, vegan, gluten or lactose-free, etc.). Many youth hostels also offer dinner and the option of taking a packed lunch with you on the go.

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Hostels, on the other hand, are usually self-catering accommodations that provide communal kitchens for guests but do not operate their own catering. Although this is good for individual travelers who only have a small budget available, this type of catering is rather impractical for a school class. You should therefore clarify in advance whether your accommodation offers meals and whether it suits your needs in this regard.

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booking

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A big difference is also apparent when booking accommodation.

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Youth hostels require a youth hostel pass to stay overnight. The membership fee for all accompanying persons over 26 years of age is 22.50€ per contribution year. For young people under 26 years of age, it costs just €7 per year. However, there are special regulations for schools; a DJH membership for a calendar year costs between 16 and 36€ depending on the federal state - it is even free in Bavaria! It is best to ask the school management whether your school already has this membership status.

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Hostels, on the other hand, do not charge an annual fee.

Tip: Since hostels are usually aimed at individuals or small groups, it is particularly important to make it clear when booking that this is a school class. As a result, it cannot happen that a free bed in the dormitory is rented out to a backpacker traveling alone.

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‍Which hostels and youth hostels are there in Berlin?

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Youth hostels

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Berlin has a variety of youth hostels that are perfect for school trips and offer you both comfortable and affordable accommodation. The capital city portal Berlin.de lists seven of these youth hostels for school trips, which cover a wide range of offers and locations:

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The centrally located YMCA Youth Hostel Berlin is only 12 minutes from central Berlin, similar to the Youth Hostel Hauptbahnhof And the JUgendgästehaus St.-Michaels-Heim.

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For a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Youth Hostel Berlin am Wannsee or that Waldhotel am See Berlin-Schmöckwitz on...

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... while the Berlin-Ostkreuz Youth Hostel And the Berlin International Youth Hostel are an excellent choice for students who want to explore the diversity and cultural life of the capital.

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hostels

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The selection of hostels is significantly larger. 73 hostels are listed in Berlin, including the Industriepalast Hostel in Friedrichshain, the Amstel House Hostel centrally located at Berlin-Tiergarten and the Acama Hotel & Hostel in Berlin-Kreuzberg.

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Also popular for school trips are the A&O hostels in Berlin. They score particularly well due to their price and central location in Berlin-Mitte.

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More accommodation for school trips in Berlin

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That Aletto Hotel Potsdamer Platz Is a popular accommodation for school trips in Berlin. Thanks to its central location, all important sights and many cool activities are quickly and easily accessible. This is exactly how the Meininger Hotels at Central Station, Alexanderplatz and the East Side Gallery offer perfect opportunities to stay centrally and cheaply in the capital. The same applies to the Smart Stay Hotel in Berlin City, which is specifically designed for large travel groups and school classes.

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Another recommendation is that Generator Hotel, which offers the perfect starting point for an interactive city rally through Berlin. With the outdoor escape game SchoolRallye, students can learn something about escape and espionage in the times of the GDR. During the digital scavenger hunt, the students help antique dealer Siegfried escape to the West and learn in a playful way about the history of Berlin in times of division into East and West, about the Berlin Wall and spying methods used by the StaSI - and all of this simply on a smartphone with the SchoolRally app. Book your SchoolRally event here now and easily learn more about the time of the GDR in East and West with puzzles Berlin.

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Find out more now about the most interactive way to explore the city and learn about the Berlin Wall & time in the GDR and here Book SchoolRallye!

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