'Poshtels' in the media

There have been quite a few articles and internet features promoting so-called “Poshtels” lately.

Here are a few that I have seen passed around recently:

Poshtels are the hot new trend in the travel industry -- here's what they are

The poshtel has been referred to by many as one of the defining travel trends of this year, partly because the accommodations are starting to spread from Europe to America.

The irresistible rise of the 'poshtel'

A ‘poshtel’ – otherwise known as an upscale or luxury hostel – combines the style and comfort of a boutique hotel with the price and sensibilities of a hostel. And the trend is coming your way.

Is there actually something different about poshtels versus any other hostel? Or is this just the hot marketing buzzword of the moment now that “flashpacker” and “boutique” don’t elicit the same response as that they once did?

While a poshtel is comparable to a small, independently-owned hotel, what separates the two is the fact that poshtels offer shared rooms, lower prices, and more add ons — think apparel and toiletries that guests can purchase and cafes and restaurants that are part of the hostel.

The trend originally started in Europe, where stylish but affordable poshtels have been popping up for years.

So are “poshtels” hotels that are like hostels, or are they hostels that are like hotels? Are they actually an alternate breed of accommodation that is similar to both but uniquely different? Or are they simply one out of many types of hostel models that exist within our wildly diverse industry?

Some selected photos: The latest crop of designer hostels

Incidentally, the word “poshtel” isn’t new. Josh mentioned it in the thread What Are Poshtels? back in 2012.

Are these “poshtels” just cashing in on the growing popularity of hostels? Or is this type of high-budget, design-focused hostel the reason for the growing popularity of hostels in general these days?

Some of the “poshtel” brands mentioned in one article are Generator and Freehand. Not surprisingly, these companies have invested significant amounts of money in marketing not only their own properties, but the idea that hostels are a good alternative to hotels for travelers of all budgets and not just for backpackers. That’s a pretty great message!

Smaller, owner-operated backpacker hostels are certainly the most widespread model of hostels across the industry. Despite that, there is no source of marketing funds or large-scale marketing efforts (at the moment?) to promote this massive sector to the population at large. Currently all of the marketing is being done by large chains and OTAs. They have the money and a focused message to convey. If there were such an effort by the rest of the industry, then perhaps a more complete picture of the variety of hostels would be portrayed in the media. Do you think that would also be received with such positivity? Would it ultimately benefit the industry as a whole?

Some people would say that poshtel-style hostels are the future of the hostel industry. What do you think? Are these types of hostel leading the market, or just leading the marketing?