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Another Hostel for Dublin?

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Alexkidd started this discussion 13 years 3 months ago

Hi everybody! I'd really appreciate some advice as to whether I should attempt to set up a hostel in Dublin. I know most of you are going to think it's a bad idea, especially considering how badly our economy is performing at the moment, but hear me out first.

Ok so here's the easy part. I already have the property. My father owns a 3 storey building in the city centre. Currently it is home to our family business of 60 years. However, owing to our countries current economic woes, the business is close to ending (most likely by the end of this year). He also doesn't want to sell the building (and can't, but that's another story) and the cost of turning it into apartments or small retail units is too high. Not to mention the fact that they would be impossible to let/sell.

The building as I said, is 3 storeys. It also has a basement and quite a large yard out the back. Each floor measures roughly 30 x 23 ft. The ground floor is all open and the first and second floors are divided into 3 rooms each. All floor have running water and have had new windows installed in the last 5 years. There is even a small kitchen on the first floor and two separate toilets.

I understand that there would be a lot of renovation involved, not to mention high charges for rates, but if we don't do something with the building it will just be left here to fall into decay. And none of us want to see that happen.

All thoughts, ideas and opinions are welcome.

Thanks for reading! (If you made it this far.. =P)

James

Sorry I totally forgot to mention too.... The property is right in the city centre. Five minutes to Temple Bar and Jameson Distillery. Ten minutes to Guinness Storehouse etc etc. It's also on a reasonably quiet street, which as I know myself, can make all the difference when choosing a hostel.

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uktrail

13 years

This sounds like a great opportunity! You already have the building at no cost, you don't need to negotiate with a landlord. So you can by-pass the economic slump. There would probably be planning permission needed for change of use, but the concept of a backpackers hostel should be well-known to officials in Dublin.

There are a lot of hostels in Dublin, yes. Most of them are rather big and not the best for friendliness and sociability (as indeed are hostels in many cities). Do something different, to make your hostel stand out from the rest. Be one of the rather rare city hostels that focuses primarily on sociability and friendliness. Being on a quiet street, yet in the city centre, sounds ideal. Read this forum to get some ideas, but in summary: Have a cosy room called the Social Room, without a TV or computer use, to encourage people to meet and chat. Have a good kitchen and dining area (restaurants are expensive in Ireland!). Make sure that a member of staff is always around to exchange ideas, and to keep the kitchen in good order. I'm thinking of hostels like Aille River in Doolin, or Krumlov House in Cesky Krumlov.

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soi1david

13 years

owning The building already is a Great benefit.! that with the location and your desire. I'd say Go For It.
You may need to add a few more toilets.
You may even want to build a structure in that big back yard to have a social room, eating area, Bar.etc.. and use the building just for sleeping, lot of possibilities there.
Best of luck. I think your location will be a good draw for guest.

like UKtrail said "Do something different, to make your hostel stand out from the rest. Be one of the rather rare city hostels that focuses primarily on sociability and friendliness."

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hostelbench

13 years

James - the Hostel business is well suited to Dublin and the visitor profile that come here. Your location is close to ideal, with a large footfall and plenty of attractions closeby. Before embarking on a hospitality-oriented venture it may be worth your while to consider:

- Are there any alternate uses for the building? For example, have you considered leasing the building?

- Do you have expereince running a hostel - that's if you are considering running it yourself. Working in a hostel for a few weeks could give you a feel for the business and help you to decide whether or not it is for you.

- Do the numbers: Take industry occupancy levels, and RevPAB (revenue per available bed) - how do these match up to your expectations?

Hope this helps.

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