Just as there are numerous hostels throughout Germany, so there are diverse types of travellers to be found within their walls. For ages, the only backpackers one would find in a hostel were those who were travelling extensively, usually for several months on end. Families on weekend getaways, city visitors, hikers and cyclists, art enthusiasts, party-goers, tour groups, student field trips, couples enjoying a romantic weekend or those looking to relocate - these are just a few examples of the various reasons and occasions for an overnight hostel stay. What does each type of traveller have in common? They all seek reasonably priced, centrally-located accommodation and with an easy-going and uncomplicated communicative atmosphere.
Family-friendly
Required:- guest kitchen
- facilities for children (e.g. cribs)
Must offer at least 2 of the following:
- suitable rooms for families – including toilet/shower & located in a quiet area
- price conscious
- hostel & rooms are stroller accessible (including necessary storage area)
These hostels are especially suitable for families:
Active hostel
Required:- located near hiking trails or bicycle routes
- offers outdoor activities to guests
Must offer at least 2 of the following:
- provide materials and information by trained personnel (which is also on the website)
- bicycles
- table tennis or other outdoor facilities
- walking tour or fitness centre rebates
These hostels offer something special for active people and outdoor enthusiasts:

Art hostel
Required:- 70% of the rooms are individually designed with artistically-designed furniture, decoration, etc. and demonstrate a unique artistic design concept
- the hostel offers daily activities, events, exhibitions, etc. in the fields of music, visual arts and/or theater
Must offer at least 3 of the following:
- at least 70% of the features in the common areas demonstrate a creative and artistic design intent which cannot be found in a standard furniture store
- each room is attributed to the artistic and creative direction of the hostel
- hostel expansion/remodeling has been completed by those who devote themselves to artistic work on a full- or part-time basis
- at least 60% of rooms are available on the website and meet the criteria of a design hostel
- the website, flyers and any other advertising media must also embody the hostel´s creative and artistic direction
These hostels are artistically decorated and have a close connection to local arts and culture:

Business Friendly
Required:- W-Lan accessibility throughout the building
- private rooms with a wardrobe and work space
Must offer at least 1 of the following:
- beds in private rooms are made upon arrival
- early breakfast offered
These hostels are especially suitable for business travelers:

Eco-Hostel
Required:- the hostel makes use of green energy or its own generated electricity
- there are waste prevention/recycling measures in place
- uses environmentally-friendly products in daily operation, such as recycled paper and eco-certified cleaning agents
- water consumption is regularly measured and recorded and measures to help reduce consumption are in place (central flow or aerators installed on all taps/basins, rainfall shower heads, stop-flushing buttons, regular inspection of taps for drips and/or calcification), use of water-saving equipment (e.g. dishwashers or washing machines)
- energy reducing measures taken (including use of energy saving lighting with timers or motion detectors and use of energy-saving equipment such as refrigerators, modern LED TVs with standby modes)
Must offer at least 1 of the following:
- the building heating system consists of modern condensing heating or use of pellets or the following measures are in place: power off heating when windows/balcony doors open, installation of individual temperature guages (automatic shutdown in case of non-use), thermal insulation (not older than 15 years)
- the CO2 emissions produced by the hostel is recorded and can be formulated to help reduce CO2 emissions. Continuous measures to reduce CO2 emissions must be met or compensation may be offered to the guest
- products used by the hostel are at least 50% locally-produced or of organic quality. Suppliers and service providers, in particular, the laundry, are located within a 100km radius of the hostel
These hostels are particularly eco-friendly:

Fun Hostel
Required:- a bar
- offer at least twice-weekly activities for guests
Must offer at least 3 of the following:
- nightclubs/entertainment district is located within a 1km radius
- pool table
- foosball table
- karaoke
- 24-hour reception
In these hostels you will have fun:

Group Friendly
Required:- breakfast available
- the hostel is located no further than a 10-minute walk from the nearest bus/train stop or parking space for buses is located directly in front of the building or is less than a 10-minute walk
- ensuring intra-group accommodation in the event of partial cancellation
- single-sex accommodation, if so desired
- private dining area or possibility to dine in restaurants nearby that can accommodate groups
Must offer at least 3 of the following:
- special group rates or free places for teacher(s)/chaperone(s)
- accommodation for teacher(s)/chaperone(s) in single/double rooms with shower/WC
- organized activities or program assistance
- seminar rooms available on-site or arranged nearby
- packed lunches available
- secure luggage storage for groups after check-out
These hostels are particularly group-friendly:

Backpacker Hostel
Required:- a fully-equipped kitchen
- a socializing area
- free W-LAN
- fluent English-speaking receptionists
- a pre-determined number of beds available for walk-ins or guests wanting to extend their stays
- laundry facilities available for guest use
- infomation about other hostels in the area
- bus, train and ride-share information
- various activities on offer (such as pub crawls, walking tours, group meals, party nights, etc.)
- book exchange
These hostels are specifically recommended for backpackers:
