Hi,
I worked in hostels for many years and realized that there weren't many resources for people who run hostels or who want to open a hostel. I hope that you enjoy the site and find it useful. If you have any suggestions on how to make the site better, please let me know. My goal is to create a resource that will promote hostels and hostelling, especially in places where hostelling is not as common (e.g., here in the USA). Post in this section to introduce yourself to the other forum users.
9 years
Hi Alice. I took a look at your website and your reputation management services. Am I correct in saying that one of the services that you provide for your hostel clients is to post reviews about their businesses on TripAdvisor that are based on the experiences of real hostel guests, but not actually written by those guests? Essentially a key component of your business is writing convincing fake reviews? Is that a correct assessment?
9 years
Hello William,
i hope you will find what i am about to write quite useful. When opening a backpacker hostel you are entering not just a fun business but also what is known as 'The hospitality industry' in effect you are supplying accommodation to paying guests and required by law to adhere to certain regulations, these regulations are normally set by your local authority, local or federal government depending where you are.
Needless to say these regulatory rules are there for a reason, in principal they are there to protect both you and your guests. it all sounds a little complicated, however if you follow a well developed plan, you will find that most authorities will not only back you up but help you, this is because it helps the economy vis the tourism industry.
The major factors in setting up a backpackers hostel are:
Fire protection, fire exits, fire doors and fire retardant equipment such as hostel bunk beds and mattresses. Remember Will, you would not want to choose cheap domestic mattresses as these are fire retardant to Crib3, contract mattresses are 'Hospitality industry Crib5' check the label at the end of the mattress, it will tell you; also it is the law that you have to use Crib5.
Second factor is the layout of your hostel, did you know that in most G8 countries bunk beds in a room must have a corridor between then at least 700mm? The reason for this is that it is an unrestricted pathway wide enough to become a fire exit out of the room.
Third factor is that for every 8 sleepers (or 4x bunk beds) you must have wash facilities (showers & wash area)
There are more regulations you must adhere to so it is good practice to find out through the local authority including the local fire service who for a small fee will check and sign off the building as safe or advise you of changes you would need to take.
Well I hope this has helped clarify a few points, however there are many other peices of advice right here on Hostel Management site.
Best of luck
Will Lewis :|
9 years
Hi everyone! I am laura and I am looking for a website that will help me to learn more about hostel. Thanks.
9 years
Hi Laura,
You definitely found the right website for that. Welcome to the Forum!
9 years
We're a couple looking for work in South East Asia, we've been currently travelling for 5 months now on this trip, and have stayed and exceptional amount of hostels throughout the world. We are looking for a professional hostel to work for, we both have combined, excellent skills... Good cooks, impeckable ICT skills, promotional abilities through various social media sites, photography skills, management, cleaning, very fun people to be around, and can show you a good time, wherever, whenever... We can work in either the 'party hostel' environment, or something more relaxed and cultural. We look forward to hearing from you
9 years
Hi all,
My name's Donna and I'm in the process of securing a property for setting up a hostel in Morocco. I've been signed up for a while and doing a LOT of reading and browsing, and have finally gotten around to say 'Hi!'
I'll probably be asking a lot more questions in the months to come!! ;)
Donna
9 years
Hi Donna,
Welcome to the site, you may wish to talk to a fellow member on this site, his name is Miles, Miles owns and runs The Purple Camel Hostel in Morocco, any advice needed ask Miles or can I help?
Good luck!
Will
9 years
Hi All,
My name is James and I am the Manager of a 130 bed hostel in Byron Bay, Australia. I'm familiar with this site and have often visited for some invaluable information (thanks HM!). I have run this business for almost twenty years so feel pretty well educated in hostelling. I'm a strong supporter of our local backpacking industry and passionate about this destination.
After a number of false starts we are embarking this year on a complete rebuild of this Heritage listed building we occupy in the centre of Byron (the important heritage elements of the building will of course be retained). The rebuild is long overdue as we've been in need of a reinvestment for some time. It's an extremely exciting project which will see the new hostel cater for 250 guests. I say "new hostel" as we will completely rebrand the new business.
I'm delighted to be coming to Europe in October to see some family but will spend some time hopefully seeing the best of some Eurpoean hostels. I've got time in Brussels, London and Paris and while I have some things in mind, I'd welcome any suggestions on what/who to visit. It would also be great to touch base with any members of the forum who may be in those locations toward the end of Oct. Perhaps I can tempt you to come and stay at our new hostel (on me of course) after we reopen in Nov '17.
I look forward to hearing from my Euro colleagues.
James
9 years
I have a small hostel to sell in Rio de Janeiro - Brazil, pre-olimpic games! If want more information please contact me per email.
website hostel: www.bellasarteshostelrio.com
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