I've added some ideas for more cities where hostels could be opened in the USA.
16 years
the biggest obstacle for me, in regards to opening a hostel in the states, is the drinking age. im planning on including a small bar in my hostel - but 21? that cuts out quite a chunk of your guests. if the age was lowered to the near-universally accepted age of 18, id be there in a flash. cannot wait to go check out new orleans.
16 years
cannot wait to go check out new orleans.
Are you still on your trip?
I haven't been to New Orleans, but stopped at the Greyhound station in Baton Rouge. It's the only bus station in that 70-hour bus ride that had great food -- dishes I had never seen before.
16 years
unfortunately no, im back in the UK now looking for work... so if anybody needs someone ;)
ill probably be floating around Europe for a year or so before heading back to Canada - the visa system changed for the better. who'd have thought an aussie passport would finally come in handy?
i wonder though - theres a lot of focus on the US here and with good reason but what about the less-nutty neighbours to the north - canada?
even the bigger cities - vancouver, toronto, montreal - have only a handful of hostels and most arent rated that highly. i think when H.I. hostels are the best in town you're not up against the stiffest competition. anywhere in the rockies would be a good idea - Jasper, Whistler - even Banff could support another hostel, we never really dropped below 75% for the winter. vancouver island could do with at least a couple of somewhat more proffesional hostels than they currently have. the market isnt quite as big as the US, but nor does canada have the somewhat tarnished reputation the US does, working visas are available to loads of nationalities and it doesnt have the asinine drinking and drug laws of the US.
ill be back next summer with some $$$ on the lookout for properties i think - if all goes to plan anyway.
16 years
i wonder though - theres a lot of focus on the US here and with good reason but what about the less-nutty neighbours to the north - canada?
Canada is great. It looks like Yellowknife needs a hostel.
16 years
Once again, I've got to say that Windsor, Ontario is worth a look.
It is practically a suburb of Detroit, so you can base yourself in Canada with its more sensible drinking laws and still cater to travellers visiting a big US city with around 5 million people. The Tunnel Bus to downtown Detroit runs every 20-30 minutes and only costs $2.25.
The Windsor-Detroit area only has one hostel and that is a bland institutional place that's run by a university. You don't need a very good hostel to beat that.
16 years
Canada is great. It looks like Yellowknife needs a hostel.
I was "impressed" with the index page, especially the "Council doesn't want a hostel operating in this city" part. Does anyone know why this hostel had to close down?
Just being curious...
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