Aspiring Hostelier

Hi all,

I am looking into converting a property I own into a hostel and this site is a great resource as I start the research and forming my business plan. Many of your posts have been helpful in gathering the good the bad and the uglies in hostelling. I'm looking to create a space that can be used to house travellers from all over the world, while offering a taste of our local art and food scene. The proerty's common area will be incorporated into a bar/coffee shop where events will be held, art will be displayed, and music will be planned every night of the week. The idea is to create a space to service the local community, while enriching those that visit our City, exposing them to what our local artists, chefs, and entrepreneurs have to offer. The neighborhood the property is located has always been run down, and "home" to the City's homeless and low income families. Just recently though the neighboring cities have been going through a rejuvenation and we are at the beginning of the same trend in our neighborhood. The rehab of beautiful victorian homes, businesses sprouting up, hipster bars and yoga studios are all trends my business plans to embrace and incorporate into the marketing efforts and culture of the hostel itself. As I begin this journey I will look to this site as place to learn from those that have done it before, or those in different stages and hope to learn from you all...thanks in advance, and one day I hope you'll visit and enjoy!

Sherman