The word “hostel” comes from the 14^th Century Middle English, Anglo-French & Medieval Latin word:  hospitale meaning “lodgng” or “inn”. Among the many commonly accepted definitions found for a  hostel”  are:

1. “A hostel is a budget-oriented overnight lodging place, with shared facilities, quite often using sofa-beds, mattresses, or day beds at even more economical rates. Generally, they do not provide Kitchen or cooking facilities.” 
    

2. "A hostel provides accommodations for those who are generally on a tight budget and would like to self-cater as much as possible to save money so they are therefore, quite content to be provided with just a clean simple basic place to sleep."

Samana Hostel "Overflow Facility" -

Our overflow facility provides Hostel Accommodations in a private home in back of the main Samana Island Hostel.  Hostel room has a large double bed with overhead fan.  Access to community refrigerator and stove for light cooking or reheating.  Bath is shared with other witnesses.  Hot water.  No A/C is offered.  Cable TV shared in living room.  Only a "super-economy plan" is offered for the Overflow Facility (no regular Economy or VIP plan).

Location:

Hostel Accommodations are located only two blocks from the Great Bay where the little town of Samana is situated.  There on the "Malecon" or boardwalk along the sea, boats can be boarded to the beautiful Bacardi Island or Cayo Levantado as well as the "gua-guas" and "conchos" an be boarded for other beautiful beaches.  Also accommodations are located within only a few blocks of reasonably priced restaurants, ice cream parlors, and Internet cafes as well as Samana's "Tropical Flea Market" along the sea held two or three times a week.

Additional Details:

A meeting for field service is held twice a week in the home of the accommodations and man brothers and sisters (a good number being pioneers) live within one to three blocks.  The Kingdom Hall is about a 15-minute walk from accommodations.

Electricity and water at the hostel overflow facility are dependent upon the town of Samana.  Electrical cuts vary from several times a day, [at which time there is no hot water]  to having electricity 24/7.   In addition to this, water is turned on and off by the town several times a day. However, when this happens, a "tinako" (or 500 gallon water tank)  automatically provides water for bathing although the water will not be hot during those times.   Hot water is always available when there are no electric or water cuts from the town.

Linens and towels:  linens and towels are provided for all hostel guests.

Laundry service:  Washing machine that is located at the overflow facility is NOT available for guests. It is for private use by brothers living there only.    However, Samana Island Hostel does provide a laundry service for hostel guests upon request.  This laundry service is located two blocks away.  Guests may bring their laundry to the bed and breakfast facility nearby for it to  washed, dried, folded and returned with 48 hours, for a small charge. Slips for this can be found in room.