Hostels & PGs Glossary

A

Access Card: A card issued to guests that grants them access to their room or dormitory, as well as other common areas of the hostel or PG.

Accommodation: A place where guests can stay overnight, such as a hostel or PG.

Adjoining Room: Two rooms that are connected by a door, allowing guests to move between them without having to go into the hallway.

Airport Transfer: A service provided by some hostels and PGs that involves transporting guests to and from the airport.

Allocation: The process of assigning rooms or dormitories to guests upon check-in.

Amenities: Refers to the features and services provided by a hostel or PG, such as Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, common areas, and meal services.

Arrival Time: The time at which a guest is expected to arrive at the hostel or PG. Guests may be required to provide an estimated arrival time when making a reservation.

B

Backpacker: A traveler who carries all of their belongings in a backpack and stays in budget accommodations such as hostels.

Banquette: A long bench or seat that is typically found in common areas of hostels or PGs.

Bedding: Refers to the sheets, blankets, and pillows provided by the hostel or PG for guests to use in their room or dormitory.

Bellboy: An employee of a hostel or PG who is responsible for carrying guests' luggage to their room or dormitory.

Boarding House: A type of accommodation that provides meals and lodging for long-term guests.

Booking: The process of reserving a room or dormitory in advance.

Bunk Bed: A type of bed that is raised off the floor and has another bed beneath it, allowing two guests to sleep in the same space.

C

Cabana: A small, simple dwelling that is often located near a beach or pool area.

Capsule Hotel: A type of accommodation that provides guests with a small, enclosed space to sleep in.

Check-in: The process of arriving at a hostel or PG and registering as a guest. This includes providing identification, payment, and signing any necessary paperwork.

Check-out: The process of leaving a hostel or PG after completing your stay. This includes settling any outstanding bills, returning any keys or access cards, and ensuring that the room or dormitory is left in good condition.

Common Area: An area of the hostel or PG that is shared by all guests, such as a lounge, kitchen, or dining room.

Concierge: An employee of the hostel or PG who assists guests with various tasks, such as booking tours, making restaurant reservations, and arranging transportation.

Cooperative Housing: A type of accommodation that is owned and managed by a group of residents who share in the decision-making and upkeep of the property.

D

Dormitory: A large room in a hostel or PG that contains multiple beds and is shared by guests. Dormitories may be single-sex or mixed, and may offer bunk beds or single beds.

Double Room: A room in a hostel or PG that is designed to accommodate two guests.

Dressing Table: A table with a mirror and drawers that is typically found in guest rooms.

Duplex: A type of accommodation that is a two-story apartment or room.

E

Electric kettle: A small appliance used to boil water, commonly provided in hostel or PG rooms for guests to make tea or coffee.

Ensuite: Refers to a room or dormitory that has a private bathroom attached to it.

Extended Stay: A type of accommodation that is designed for longer-term stays, typically for a month or more.

F

Front Desk: The reception area of a hostel or PG, where guests check in and out, and can receive assistance with various tasks.

Full Board: A meal plan offered by some hostels and PGs that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

G

Guest: A person who is staying at a hostel or PG.

Guesthouse: A type of accommodation that is similar to a hostel, but typically offers private rooms rather than dormitories.

H

Host: The owner or manager of a hostel or PG.

Hostel: A budget accommodation option that typically offers dormitory-style rooms and shared facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms, and lounges.

Housekeeping: The service provided by the hostel or PG to clean and maintain guest rooms and common areas.

I

Inclusive Rate: A rate that includes all necessary expenses such as taxes, fees, and utilities.

Internet Access: Refers to the ability of guests to connect to the internet while staying at a hostel or PG.

J

Jacuzzi: A type of bathtub that includes jets that create a massaging effect.

K

Key Card: An electronic card or fob that is used to access a guest's room or dormitory.

L

Laundry Facilities: The equipment and space provided by the hostel or PG for guests to wash and dry their clothes.

Lockout: A designated time when guests are required to leave their dormitory or room so that cleaning can be done.

M

Meal Plan: A package offered by some hostels and PGs that includes meals in addition to lodging.

Mixed Dormitory: A dormitory that allows both male and female guests to sleep in the same room.

Motel: A type of accommodation that is similar to a hotel, but typically offers fewer amenities and lower rates.

N

Night Audit: The process of reviewing and reconciling financial transactions that occurred during the previous day at the hostel or PG.
No-show: A guest who fails to arrive for their scheduled reservation without canceling or providing notice.

O

Occupancy Rate: The percentage of available rooms or dormitories that are currently occupied by guests.

Online Booking: The process of reserving a room or dormitory through a hostel or PG's website.

P

Pension: A type of accommodation that is similar to a bed and breakfast, but typically offers a more informal setting.

Private Room: A room in a hostel or PG that is designed to accommodate one or two guests and typically includes a private bathroom.

Property Management System (PMS): A software program used by hostels and PGs to manage reservations, check-ins, and other administrative tasks.

Q

Quadruple Room: A room in a hostel or PG that is designed to accommodate four guests.

Quality Assurance: The process of ensuring that a hostel or PG meets certain standards of cleanliness, comfort, and safety.

R

Receptionist: An employee of the hostel or PG who is responsible for greeting guests, managing reservations, and providing information.

Refund Policy: The policy outlining the terms and conditions under which a guest can receive a refund for their stay.

S

Shared Bathroom: A bathroom that is shared by guests in a hostel or PG.

Single Room: A room in a hostel or PG that is designed to accommodate one guest.

Social Space: Common areas in a hostel or PG where guests can interact, such as lounges, kitchens, and outdoor areas.

Staff: The employees of a hostel or PG who are responsible for maintaining the property, providing customer service, and other tasks.

Staycation: A type of vacation where a person stays in their local area and explores nearby attractions.

Suite: A type of room in a hostel or PG that typically includes separate sleeping and living areas.

Superhost: A title given by Airbnb to hosts who consistently receive high ratings and positive reviews from guests.

T

Tourist: A person who is traveling for leisure or pleasure.

Towel: A cloth used to dry oneself after bathing or showering, typically provided by the hostel or PG.

Triple Room: A room in a hostel or PG that is designed to accommodate three guests.

U

Upgrade: The process of moving a guest to a higher level of accommodation, such as a larger room or one with more amenities.

Urban Hostel: A type of hostel located in a city or urban area, often designed to cater to younger travelers.

V

Vacancy: An available room or dormitory in a hostel or PG.

Valet Parking: A service offered by some hostels and PGs where a staff member parks a guest's car for them.

W

Wake-up Call: A service provided by the hostel or PG to wake a guest up at a specified time.

Weekly Rate: A rate offered by some hostels and PGs for guests staying for a week or longer.

Wi-Fi: A wireless network that allows guests to access the internet while staying at a hostel or PG.

X

Y

Z

Zoning Regulations: Laws and regulations that govern the use and development of land in a specific area, including the location and operation of hostels and PGs.