6 years
Running a small hostel is likely tougher than a bigger one. I got burned out running a 20 bed hostel. You want to figure out how big a hostel you need to be able to employ other staff and that you don't need to be handling everything.
Are you happy with your hostel business? I'm looking for extraordinary business partners
Start a Hostel
I already read the blog post here about what things hostel owners wish to know before opening... And one of ex-owner said to me that this business burn out too much. And it's probably the worst business in the world. But. I'm still thinking to run a hostel business in Europe. And I would like to ask you some things :
1. Is it really too bad? Are you tired after all and hate your business?
2. Is it possible somehow not to spend all your time there? For example if I want to open 2 hostels in different countries and planning to manage everything mostly online ? I'm thinking to make most of things automatically +self check in etc. It's one of the main points in my idea
3. What is a minimum investments in Europe (let's say Berlin, Prague), approx. for small hostel for 15-40 persons? Would be nice to know your experience
4. I'm looking for business partners too to open a hostel (eco-friendly, industrial, unique place, non-usual) in Germany, Czech, Sweden, Denmark, Norway or other cities. I'm looking for creative people who is not only about business and hospitality but about art and design with extraordinary way of thinking. I'm 31, photographer, student of hospitality management, artistic person with passion of design, hospitality, nature and industrial things.
- Comments
6 years
Hello Kate, I'm from Mexico where I had a 30 bed hostel since 2 years ago and currently working on purchase a second bigger hostel.
I'm sure Europe is different that Mexico but maybe not much in terms of tourism an challenges on starting up a new business like this.
For me has being a great experinece but my general opinion are the following:
1- Read everything about the industry, statistics, business plans, law, tourism etc., I read "Inside an American Hostel", forums, etc before starting and now I think that was very much help.
2- I dont think is bad business but defenitily you need to spend time and learn before running it remotely, you will work with people and people need to interact to solve issues etc. Business partner will be a key for that to success.
Enjoy the process, for me has being a great experience and still be, I did it but not alone and to be focused pushing and improveing everyday is critical in my opinion.
Good luck!
David.
6 years
Hostel owners are burnt out, because we have to manage everything. We do management, accounting, promotion, sometimes maintenance, front-desk and even cleaning (especially, if somebody of staff is ill or on vacations), etc. This multi-tasking is tiring. If you want to manage your hostels remotely and do not involve in any of these, you will need managers onsite. I.e. there should be someone who controls everything: guests, staff (cleaning, cash register), maintainance, purchases, municipity inspections, etc. But staff salaries are the main expense, i.e. less staff you have, more profit you have. So I doubt that you will be able to manage small hostels remotely and have profit.
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