HI Hotels?

It looks like HI is now offering hotel bookings. Examples:

• http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostels-Santorini---Hotel-Drossos-023008.en.htm
• http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostels-Hanoi---Tung-Trang-II-Hotel-080007.en.htm
• http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostels-Petaling-Jaya---Singgahsana-Hotel-037013.en.htm

Here's hihostels.com's description of hostels:
http://www.hihostels.com/web/a-faq.en.htm#105

What is a Youth Hostel?
A Youth Hostel is good quality budget accommodation that offers a comfortable night's sleep in friendly surroundings at an affordable price. Youth 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....

Will I have to sleep in a big dormitory?
Big dormitories are becoming increasingly rare in the Hostelling International network. Many hostels now offer single, twin and four-bedded rooms - please check when booking.

Many hostels offer private rooms, but they still have dorms.

I think HI-USA offers a better description:

Hostels provide friendly, inexpensive overnight accommodations for travelers. Hostelling International hostels assure travelers the utmost in quality standards including cleanliness, security and service.

Hostels offer dormitory-style rooms with separate quarters for men and women. Some hostels also have private family and couples rooms. All hostels provide a blanket and pillow. Linens are often included in the price, or available for rental.

What do you think? Is HI losing their way with this new hotel-oriented direction?

Related posts:

• definition of "hostel" (HostelManagement.com's definition)
• what is a "hostel" (discussion)