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So few Hostels in the USA... Why?

Hostels for Good

kelliepeach started this discussion 12 years 5 days ago

Hello there,

In the current state of the economy of the USA, I think (I hope) that the idea of Hostels could take off here in the states.
My question is, why in the states are there so few hostels? Curious why this idea has not taken off more in our country?

I am excited by the idea of opening a hostel in CA, but a bit troubled by the idea that it may not take off???

Is there massive amounts of red tape that make opening a hostel in the states very difficult? What are some of the problems people have run into with permitting, insurance, ETC...

Also, I LOVE the idea of visiting more hostels in the states, so if you do respond, PLEASE let me know the hostel you are associated with, as I would love to support and visit. :)

Thanks, and Happy to meet you All!
-- kellie peach

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DarrenOverby

12 years

Hi Kellie,

Last I checked there were about 450 hostels in the USA and Canada (source hostelhandbook.com). However, about 10 years ago I think this book listed about 600. I'm not sure why the numbers have fallen. While there is definitely more "red tape" than many countries - it's definitely possible. My hostel has now operated for over 20 years but it has also had a few speedbumps along the way. I'm currently working on a Hostel Professionals Library for HostelManagement.com that will contain lots of information for someone like yourself. Where are you planning starting a hostel in California? Please message me if you would like to meet sometime in San Francisco.

Darren Overby
Pacific Tradewinds Hostel, LLC
San Francisco

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kelliepeach

12 years

:)
Hello Darren! Thanks for your quick response.
I adore the idea of meeting up with you in SF and hearing about your experience. I am looking at building in Santa Cruz area, though I know there is already a HI Hostel there. I'd love to build a very "off the grid" space more in the trees, less in the main city of SC.

Also, I am trying to find a job working part time at a hostel to gain more experience, so if you know anyone, please give me a heads up.

All the Best,
-- kellie peach

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CamelBackpacker...

12 years

Kelly,
We opened up CamelBackpackers six months ago in Phoenix, Arizona. I definitely think there is a huge demand for hostels in the US but there are several obstacles that are slowing down our progression. Here's just a few off the top of my head:

-First, it is important that hostels network and use networking tools like hostelmanagment.com and the World Hostel Conference to communicate, work through problems, share ideas, increase traffic, etc. And it's important for us to stick together and let you know it is definitely possible to open up a hostel in the US.

-Second, most states' Tourism departments do not focus on independent travelers and hostellers. They tend to focus on the resort and golf crowds. There's a huge tourism market that most of our states are missing.

-Third, we aren't putting enough focus on how we can get our hostel guests from city to city. This seems to be the number one problem for our guests (70% are international). It is not feasible for the majority of travelers to drive vehicles. Train prices and flights are often expensive or not going to the cities that hostel guests would like to travel. Greyhound travel can be very slow and undesirable. We need to band together to provide safe, convenient, and affordable transportation for our guests to get from hostel to hostel. With the many laws and liabilities this is an extremely difficult challenge. Many states prohibit shuttling guests state to state and commercial insurance is another distraction.

-You are right. Each city has different zoning and regulations and most US cities do not even mention hostels in their zoning codes. It makes it difficult to really determine what you will need in a building and codes often prohibit hostels close to desirable areas. In addition you have fire codes, insurance, parking permits, handicapped accessibility laws, and so much more. We need to fight together to for our cities' to help hostels start-up and continue to provide affordable accommodation.

Well there's a few. Like I said, we just opened in July 2012. We would love for you to visit us in Phoenix and I'd be happy to assist you in any questions you may have. I definitely have a few lessons learned that I am willing to share. Darren also helped me and I am so thankful. The start-up process is a challenging one but I cannot reiterate how rewarding it is to be a hostel owner.

Thanks,
Amber Harrold
CamelBackpackers: A Phoenix Hostel
www.camelbackpackers.com
[email protected]

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kelliepeach

12 years

Awesome feed back Amber, muchas Gracias!

I have a very dear friend in Phoenix, and I will come by next time I am in the Desert. .. ... Maybe even in just a few months.
Great Website too.
I am loving this site here... It feels good to be encouraged and supported. I know this is a good decision, and thanks for saying it is rewarding to run a Hostel. This makes me feel right about moving forward. I am going to be paying a visit to the planning/zoning board in Santa Cruz county early next week. What a great way to jump start 2013!

In Deep Gratitude,
-- kellie peach

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greenhorn

11 years

well, HI opened recently hostel in Boston with 480 beds ( cost per bed at ~ US$ 100 000)
Who can compete with them ??

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