It could easily cost 500 euros (about $498) for a three-night stay. When a youth hostel came up in my search on Booking.com, I dismissed it. Days later, my frustration mounting, I clicked ...

By Vivian Wang Reporting from Shanghai In a youth hostel in downtown Shanghai, amid the dull roar of a hair dryer, the shriek of a blender and the lingering aroma of spicy instant noodles ...