HotelChatter

For those who haven’t stayed in a hostel since that time they hooked up with the cute Dutch backpacker, we turn to South Beach Group honcho Alan Lieberman for illumination: “The difference between a hostel and a hotel is about a community,” he says. “It’s easy to get to know other people in a safe environment. It’s not uncommon for guests to meet and make plans to experience the city together.”

In other words: bunks. Some of the “Key West styled units” at The Hollywood Beach Hotel + Hostel will have queen beds and private bathrooms, but for the most part we can expect the typical hostel set-up, complete with security lockers and a shared kitchen and living room. Since this is SoFla, there’s also an outdoor lounge and deck area.

“We are taking the hostel concept to the next level,” says Nathan Lieberman. How so? Well, they’re offering free WiFi, Cable TV, beach access, pool tables, and the use of surfboards and bicycles.

Then there’s their sunny spin on sharing a room with strangers: “The idea was a simple one; stay with your best friends who you haven’t met yet and share the cost of the room.”

Ready to meet your BFF? Head over to the hotel + hostel’s website. Beds start at $19.95 a night (in the “Single and ready to mingle” category). If you want to stay in a female-only (“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”) or male-only (“Mancation”) room, it’s an extra two bucks.