Hostels in Penang cater to the needs of budget travellers and backpackers. Since the 1970s, Penang has been a haven for travellers who arrive on a shoestring budget. For a few decades, these hostels and guesthouses offer threadbare accommodation. But since the inscription of Inner George Town has a World Heritage Site, there has been a wave of new hostels and guesthouses in George Town, and elsewhere in Penang, that are catering to more descerning budget travellers. Many of the guesthouses are not budget accommodation, for the provide services that are more in tune with boutique hotels, and this is often reflected in their rates.