Hosts suck. I host my own server, and it works great. I don't have to pay anything for the server.
Also, if you are setting up a server, it can be really easy, or you might have to go to hell and back to get it set up. Since you are just beginning, these tips probably won't help much yet, just remember them in the future:
1: When the server is new, do not advertise "New server looking for staff!" If you do that, players will join, ask for op, and leave if they can't get op for nothing.
2: Get an IP hostname, so the IP isn't just random numbers.
3: Make the website with Enjin. It is really easy, powerful, and supports Minecraft server websites.
I guess that's all the help I can give you, and also, if you ever want custom plugins made ask me.
And one more thing... Did you download the server from minecraft.net? If so, plugins won't work. You need to make a bukkit server.