How to make hostelling more popular in the USA?

Well that doesn't explain why hostels are so popular in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Argentina, Chile, Brazil or Peru.

I don't think you would get Americans to stay in US hostel. But why would you want to?

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Well, I'm not interested in creating one unified theory as to why hostels are less popular in America then Europe, etc... But I will say that Europe is unquestionably the epicenter of hostelling. I think the essential point is that in some places hostelling is economically necessary to cater to the budget traveler while in America they aren't.

I understand your point about locals in hostels, and I mostly agree. I am looking to start a US hostel so I'm looking at ways to generate business from any source first and foremost, hopefully later I'll be lucky enough to limit local visitors to 7 days or whatever.

I'm just brainstorming here, but have you guys seen a Japanese capsule hostel? I've stayed in them and they are fine for a night or two. I'm wondering if doing something like this in the US might allow hostels to be cheap enough to be more popular than cheap motels? There is a certain novelty to them and the capsules are more private and quieter than a bunk in shared room. Plus the space-savings would allow more room for fun stuff - bars - gamerooms - etc.. ?thoughts

Well, I'm not interested in creating one unified theory as to why hostels are less popular in America then Europe, etc... But I will say that Europe is unquestionably the epicenter of hostelling. I think the essential point is that in some places hostelling is economically necessary to cater to the budget traveler while in America they aren't.

IMHO trends are always changing so as traditions. Let's see some history facts: The first youth hostel was made in Altena Castle, Germany, 1912, for catering youth and involving in activities, chores and hiking.
The first independent backpackers started in the 60-70's, when hippies has been backpacking around Europe, Asia and Australia, and either it was a need for a hostel and/or one of the backpackers decided to open one for the others. The new wave of hostels started with Hostelworld's online booking offer and budget flights, which made holidays easier to plan. There are needs and demands, which always changes in our ever changing environment. Who knows what's next?

US hostels are indeed a step behind, but I wouldn't give up on that. The numbers of hostels are growing everywhere, including the Americas, Asia and especially Europe, but it is a new way of traveling for most of the people. What hostels need is to prove at least a desirable standard and amenities without merging into the hotel market.

A significant difference in hotels and hostels is that in hostels you can meet a lot of people. Staying in a dorm is not only cheaper but you meet your room mates instead of having a private room, you can discuss your travel experience, you can make friendships or even you can meet your future spouse. It is about being sociable, tolerate each other and learn to live together in a community. You can learn more culture in 1 day in a hostel than a week in a hotel/private room, and I'm not talking about getting info from the internet.

IMHO there is a special need for hostels now and for the next generations, when isolation becomes such a big problem. There is a need to teach people how to be sociable, especially at such young age. It is not about comfort. It is about to meet people.

By the way, does anyone know which independent hostel is the oldest ever? I guess I'll open a new thread for that question... no HIs please.

I don't think you would get Americans to stay in US hostel. But why would you want to?

Because despite USA is a relatively young country, it has a lot of history and scenery to discover.

I understand your point and lots of other travelers are walking in the same shoes. I met a lots of Aussies who have never been to Ayers Rock, or any other locations worth to see in Australia.

Since I'm in the hostel business I realized how much I don't know about my own country, so I keep learning for myself and to show it for my guests as well. Hostelling has broaden my views and I traveled more since working in hostels. I've got first hand recommendations from travelers about where to go and what to do, and if you've been somewhere, you can share that first hand experience to anyone. And it is not the same as posting it on the internet.

I understand your point about locals in hostels and mostly agree. I am looking to start a US hostel so I'm looking at ways to generate business from any source first and foremost, hopefully later I'll be lucky enough to limit local visitors to 7 days or whatever.

There should be a barrier between inland travelers and locals who just want to stay somewhere cheap, often causing trouble or leaving unpaid bills. I think encouraging inland tourism should be a prior but lot of hostels are just scared of the latter kind of people and by understandable, serious reasons. Most of these people you can spot at the front desk: Not many luggage, elder generation and below standard clothes or hygiene, or you just feel that person won't fit into your community. US is a big country, an ID from a different state won't be enough, IMHO.

I'm just brainstorming here, but have you guys seen a Japanese capsule hostel? I've stayed in them and they are fine for a night or two. I'm wondering if doing something like this in the US might allow hostels to be cheap enough to be more popular than cheap motels? There is a certain novelty to them and the capsules are more private and quieter than a bunk in shared room. Plus the space-savings would allow more room for fun stuff - bars - gamerooms - etc.. ?thoughts

Well, I'm glad you didn't mind staying in there but I would feel quite claustrophobic in one. I don't think it would work anywhere else than Japan, but that's just my opinion.

The only hostel use something similar in Europe, it is the Piccadilly Backpackers in London... I haven't seen any complaints about the pods but maybe because it is the least thing to complain about staying there... It is a pity, it could be a much better hostel.

Oldest independent hostel?

All I know about is that, at the Gomio meeting in Interlaken 2 years ago, Mr Balmer claimed that his hostel was the first independent hostel in Europe. 1970s I think.

The only hostel use something similar in Europe, it is the Piccadilly Backpackers in London... I haven't seen any complaints about the pods but maybe because it is the least thing to complain about staying there... It is a pity, it could be a much better hostel.

Minami-Kaze in Japan is similar except they have sliding curtains over the pods (like many dorm beds in Japan). And cubbies on the side that can fit a daypack...

Also, can anyone be more specific about what is undesirable about, for instance, the "pods" shown in this thread at Piccadilly Backpackers?

I didn't mind the pods at the Japan hostel, but prefer a regular dorm bed.

I wonder how sturdy they would have to be built. 5 people on a single top bunk could near 1000 pounds and who knows if some people would try to fit 2 :)