A hostel is a cheap, social way to travel; an alternative to a hotel. Most hostels are "bunk" style, with several bunks in one room. The traveler will pay a small fee to "rent" a bunk for the night, possibly sharing the room with travelers he or she has never met before. Most hostels also provide a storage locker in the vicinity of the bed. Some provide meals or free/discounted tours.
There are "chain" hostels with locations all over the world and there are smaller, local hostels (usually only found in very large cities or cities with a high tourist rate).
San Francisco is home to a great deal of hostels, all over the city.
A List of Hostels in San Francisco
- Elements Hostel — 2524 Mission Street
- Dakota Hostel
- Globetrotters Inn
- Hosteling International
- Union Square Backpacker's Hostel
- USA Hostels
- Taylor Hostel
