Report

What makes a successful flashpacking hostel?

Hostel Trends and News

Josh started this discussion 13 years 22 hours ago

[Post removed by request]

Comments

Report

Josh Hostels

12 years

That is a tough question to answer. I'm a tech-based traveler who needs things like power outlets and WiFi, but I don't specifically look for "flashpacker hostels" when I travel--just for certain amenities. :)

I think that most new hostels now have WiFi, power outlets, and other amenities that might have been considered optional before. The difference between the "luxury" or "boutique" hostels seems to be more about the interior design than the amenities.

Some ideas:

good wireless Internet connection
power outlets in common areas and rooms
solid lockers
an area of the hostel that is fairly quiet

Report

Scotch Argus

12 years

I think just go to a boutique style hotel and see what they offer. But have bunk beds in rooms where there would be a double. Keep some doubles though as you will certainly get a lot of couples. Basically I think what a lot of people who consider themselves flashpackers want is a hotel at a cheaper price. If you can offer this I think you won't go too far wrong.

Report

Josh Hostels

12 years

I guess i might be thinking too deep into this luxury hostel concept but would you pay USD39 for a night stay if the environment is just basically luxurious?

I'm not a typical traveler, but I don't like to pay that much for a dorm unless it is the only option. When I see prices that high, I look for a different destination.

I think USD $39 for a dorm bed would be high for SE Asia, especially if private rooms were cheaper. It would be good to find out what other places are charging in the same city. I've gotten the impression that SE Asia is popular with backpackers because it is inexpensive. $39 would require a traveler to have budgeted $1,200 per month just for accommodation.

I'm definitely not a typical traveler though. I don't save money at home and then go on a vacation, but work while I'm on the road.

Report

Scotch Argus

12 years

Hi Hostels & Scotch Argus,

Thank you for your feedbacks.

Yes, indeed theres an increase in demand for power sockets and wifi access for the tech savvy guests. This is pretty much a basic service requirement in most hostel these days. I have also noted on the quiet space.

With regards to the double beds from our experience, Scotch Argus, could this possible post a problem which encourages intimate activities?

I guess i might be thinking too deep into this luxury hostel concept but would you pay USD39 for a night stay if the environment is just basically luxurious?

Hope to hear from you guys.

I think if you're aiming to be a flashpackers hostel you'll get lots of couples in their late 20s early 30s who will expect intimate activities (with each other). As far as the price goes, that very much depends on your location. It's pretty easy to find out searching on-line as to what are the normal prices charged in the area you are looking at. To me $39 per person for a bunk bed would be too expensive almost everywhere except NYC, Edinburgh during August, and no doubt other places people would name. My opinion is that you can't look to charge much more than the competition for a dorm bed no matter what facilities you offer. Many people don't look far past the price. If you can offer ensuite doubles however then people will pay for the luxury. That's why they are flashpackers

Report

Dani

12 years

Hi,

Just out of curiosity, where is the location of your hostel? I'm from Indonesia and I consider myself as a flashpacker. What i look for is basically the comfort of a hotel (Nice area, well built, not having to bring towel, linen, blanket and breakfast included) with a hostel environment (friendliness and opportunity to meet new people).

US$39/ bed is considered very expensive. Well maybe not so if you're located in Singapore. Because in there, nice hotels are expensive. Even staying in IBIS hotel (3*) could cost SIN$150/night. You may want to check out this hostel www.winkhostel.com. I'm planning to stay there on my next visit to Singapore. They charge SIN$ 50/bed. But they have an edge in marketing their hostel which could justify the price. I think its a good example how a flashpacker hostel should be. I own a hostel in Yogyakarta, Indonesia (eduhostels.com) and consider it as suitable for flashpackers. But it is not fancy enough to charge premium on stays.

Report

Lyuba

12 years

I think Matchbox in Singapore is a good example for flashpackers hostel too: http://www.matchbox.sg/

Search form

Report 'What makes a successful flashpacking hostel?'?

Report 'Re: What makes a successful flashpacking hostel?'?

Report 'Re: What makes a successful flashpacking hostel?'?

Report 'Re: What makes a successful flashpacking hostel?'?

Report 'Re: What makes a successful flashpacking hostel?'?

Report 'Re: What makes a successful flashpacking hostel?'?

Report 'Re: What makes a successful flashpacking hostel?'?

Join the world's largest community of hostel professionals.

Check Your Email