Start a hostel in San Francisco... crazy?
Start a Hostel
Hello Everyone, I thought I would kill two flying animals with one stone and introduce myself as well as talk about the hostel I would love to open. I have traveled all over Europe and Latin America and some of the most fun I have had has been at hostels. I have been lurking here for a long time so it was about time I registered. As a side note for a couple of the regular posters here, I have stayed at the Aboriginal in Budapest and Wombat's in Vienna.
I know there are already several hostels in San Francisco, but it seems to me there aren't any on the level of the great ones in Europe. To give you an idea of what I mean, my favorite hostel is probably the Kabul in Barcelona. I am not deluding myself into thinking I could (or would want to in this litigious society) run a place as rowdy as the Kabul, but I would want one that is very social.
I would definitely want to have a bar and hopefully a great rooftop deck to take in the SF sunsets and the generally awesome views.
The main hostel that seems to attract the "party" backpacker type here in SF is the Green Tortoise. From what I understand the Green Tortoise is hard to get a reservation at, i.e., there is room for another player in town. Also I think a hostel could compete with them by being a bit cleaner and having more amenities.
As I'm sure you know, SF is extremely expensive. I have saved up quite a bit of money and could probably get a couple other investors, but I still wonder if a hostel could make money here. How much cash do you think I would need to have on hand to get started in an expensive city like SF? I would hope to eventually charge around $30/night (2008 dollars) and make additional money from the bar and maybe selling tours as well.
Am I crazy?
- Comments
15 years
No, that was not my intention. :)
My point was that I consider opening shop "crazy" in places like Lisbon and Krakow, because the competition there looks indeed frightening.
San Francisco seems to have more and better hostels than most other cities in the USA, but then it´s also one of the most popular destinations. In addition to this, there seems to be a shortage of doubles and small dorms in the existing hostels.
So, my assessment is it´s "not crazy" to open a new one, if its location is very good and it takes advantage of the small-rooms market gap.
13 years
Hi
I'm just interested to find out if a hostel was ever opened? I've been thinking about opening a hostel in San Francisco and wondering if I am crazy myself.
13 years
I'm just interested to find out if a hostel was ever opened? I've been thinking about opening a hostel in San Francisco and wondering if I am crazy myself.
It looks like competition is increasing in SF. I think there is a new 400+ bed hostel opening next year, as well as one existing hostel rumored to be expanding soon.
There's a travel meetup tomorrow night. If anyone in the Bay Area wants to talk about hostels over a beer, send me a message. Starts at 5:30pm tomorrow in San Francisco... :)
13 years
Hey Chris, this post is mega old, but if you're still around I'd like to chat.
I don't know if you've started the process of making your hostel, but as of date, there are probably 6 reputable hostels in San Francisco, and three of which are in somewhat shady parts of San Francisco, so if you're still looking to set up camp around here, I'd high recommend it. I'm graduating here in about a year with a major in Hospitality (concentration in Hotel Operations) as well as a minor in Business Administration. If you need any contacts or help, let me know, I have some great professors I can refer to you.
13 years
Hi Dazzalino & Raquella,
This is a very old thread! I'll send you private messages on Thursday when I have a few minutes.
Chris
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