Where can I find info on opening a UK hostel?
Start a Hostel
Hi all,
I'm looking into opening a hostel in the UK, and I'm trying to get together as much information as I can about it. Such as what requirements do I need to meet? Is there a market for it? What pitfalls and health and safety concerns am I likely to come across?
If someone could point me in the right direction, I'd be extremely grateful. Thank you and look forward to getting to know people here.
:)
- Comments
15 years
I would suggest talking to folks in your neck of the woods. British members of this forum include Scotch Argus, uktrail and saoghalbeag. I think the closer to home you get, the better the local knowledge. Good luck.
15 years
There are several major cities in the UK with either no hostels or not enough hostels. These include Cambridge, Durham, Leeds, Lincoln, Norwich, Sheffield and Shrewsbury.
My first two choices would be Leeds or Sheffield with Durham coming in at a close third.
15 years
If you're going to open a new hostel do as much market research as possible to make sure that there is going to be a customer base where you are starting. The best locations will have a large amount of tourists/ backpackers going there. These will usually be in the big cities, but also can be situated next to a major attraction or location - eg lake district, Ben Nevis, Eden Centre or similar type of things. Next identify how many hostels there are already. For example Edinburgh and London are prime markets, but they are nearly saturated, so off and shoulder season beds are heavily discounted. If you did choose a regional city make sure that there are enough tourists to give you enough customers. If you start to need to rely on long term stayers (students or workers) this may clash with your prime market.
Be sure to budget for all the statuatory requirements, which in the UK are many. e.g. fire alarm and compliance/ inspection, portable appliance testing, insurance, council taxes, food hygeine issues if you are going to prepare food. You would be advised getting professional advice on the requirements in these areas. You have to comply with all these things, or the council is within their rights to shut you down.
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