Definitions: What is a Hostel, Youth Hostel, or Backpackers?

A Hostel is a house that provides cheap food and lodging for a specific group of people, such as backpackers, students, workers, or travelers.

Hostels provide budget oriented, sociable accommodation where guests can pay for a bed individually, usually a bunk bed, in a dormitory and share a bathroom, lounge and sometimes a kitchen. Rooms can be mixed or single-sex, private rooms may also be available. Hostels are generally cheaper for both the operator and the occupants; many hostels have long-term residents whom they employ as desk clerks or housekeeping staff in exchange for free accommodation.

The essence of a Hostel is to: provide a friendly, sociable, comfortable and cheap environment for travellers.  Most guests will spend their time in the social areas of the hostels instead of their rooms.

Main Characteristics of a Hostel:

1. Hostels tend to be budget-oriented; rates are considerably lower, and many hostels have programs to share books, DVDs and other items.

2. For those who prefer an informal environment, hostels do not usually have the same level of formality as hotels.

3. For those who prefer to socialize with their fellow guests, hostels usually have more common areas and opportunities to socialize. The dormitory aspect of hostels also increases the social factor.

4. Hostels are generally self-catering.

5. Hostels are generally more "adventure travel" oriented than "leisure travel" oriented, thus attracting a younger, more venturesome crowd.

Hostels provide the perfect way to get to know a country at low cost and meet with many other people who share your attitude towards travelling.

What is a Dorm or Dormitory?

A dorm (short form for dormitory) is a room with several beds (often bunk-beds), all of which can be booked individually by different guests of a hostel.

It is also called a shared room, since you share the room with other guests. Dorms can vary from 4 to 20 or more beds, and some hostels have separate dorms for males and females, while others do not make a difference and offer mixed dorms.

Dormitories are always cheaper than private rooms in the same structure, and generally require people to be a bit more adaptable, since your room-mates may go to sleep or wake up earlier or later than you do, have different habits than you, or snore...

But dorms are often great fun, since it´s much easier to get to know fellow travellers if you share the room with them! After all, the loss in privacy is counterbalanced by many social advantages.

While dorms were the default option of most hostels years ago, most hostels now also offer private rooms, which usually have 2 to 4 beds, sometimes even with en-suite WC and shower. In this case, staying in a hostel is very similar to staying in a normal hotel, apart from all of the social chances you will have during communal moments (breakfast, evening, etc.).

Our Hostel & Pousada is located in front of Pontal Beach, just a couple of blocks from Paraty Historical Center.

We have a lovely bar on the beach where we serve our breakfasts. Come relax on our sofas and hamac and enjoy a great view of the sunrise over the Paraty bay and the islands while you sip a hot coffee.

 Besides Pontal is the privileged stage of the exciting Paraty Carnival.

We are waiting for you. You are welcome to stay as long as you fancy, we are here waiting for you with an icy cold beer and a beachfront hamac!

At sunset, the bar of Geko Hostel Paraty is the best way to begin your night on the beach, sipping a capirinha, a cold beer and meeting fellow travelers and rest for a while after a day of excursions. Then you can walk to the bars on the other side of the canal or, if you are lucky, stay at the great parties that the hostel organises from time to time.

Welcome to Geko Hostel Paraty. Backpackers' best choice to saty on the beach in Paraty.

Cheap rooms and cool atmosphere in the beautiful Praia do Pontal.

Come to Geko Hostel, a Youth Hostel with International Standards and Tropical Atmosphere, and enjoy the best of Paraty!