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Blackpool?

Start a Hostel

graflo started this discussion 14 years 2 weeks ago

Hi Guys!

Me and my partner are currently looking at opening a hostel in Europe. We've finally got the financies we need and are looking at the different options avaible. One option which is very appealing is Blackpool. Lots of tourists, no other hostel(only one with dorms but its a hotel), cheap rent and low financial output to start up a hostel there.

We are only looking at opening a small 20-30 bed place. It wont be a full on party hostel hostel and we will limit the number of stags and groups as not to ruin the place.

What do you guys think? Do you think blackpool would be a good idea?

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uktrail

14 years

I loved Blackpool when I went there as a child -- a few decades ago ;)

It's not on the backpacker trail, but that's partly BECAUSE it doesnt have a hostel. If you can set up a friendly hostel that is an attractive place to stay, you could PUT Blackpool on the backpacker trail.

You are right that stags and large groups do not mix well with individual travellers.

Blackpool has loads of b&b's and small hotels. I believe its trade has decreased greatly in recent years due to changes in British holiday habits (more are going abroad), so there could be quite a few properties available for sale at modest prices, and maybe not even needing a 'change of use' permission.

If you progress with this idea, I would be pleased to take an interest in it. Alternatively, if you are also looking at other locations, take a look at Shrewsbury and Ludlow; I would like to collaborate with anyone who would like to start a hostel in either of these very attractive towns.

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graflo

14 years

Thanks for the reply.

Having spent a few days looking at the property in blackpool it seems like it could be the perfect place. Like you said because of the amount of hotels/guesthouse which have closed down the property prices are crazy. One hotel with 23 bedrooms has a 4 year rent free period!! however were probably going to look at smaller ones.

We've also had a look and theres ment to be 13 million people a year who visit blackpool on holiday and the tourist board is ment to be regenerating the town so that it's not all stags and hens.

Im going up there for a few days next week to view a few properties and investigate a little more.

uktrail- That would be great! I'd love any interest or help I can get.:D

Apart from marketing with a website and on hostelworld etc. how could i market the hostel and blackpool as a destination for backpackers? I was maybe thinking promoting it in hostel in other cities in the uk, Mancester, Liverpool, glasgow, London? But is there any other ways to get blackpool on the map?

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lomax

13 years

Graflo,

We seem to be at similar stages of business formation, it would be good to talk to someone else in the UK in a similar boat. I am looking to set up in Sheffield, so not a direct competitor with you at all. I also used to live in Blackpool, so have first hand experience of the town which I am all to happy to pass on to you. My first thought was the very deep trough/drop off of visitor numbers outside the peak summer and Illuminations periods.

Marketing should be fairly straightforward, I would expect. Blackpool have an EXCELLENT tourism department/set-up. My first port of call would be to find them and talk to them. You would be offering something UNIQUE in Blackpool - as far as there are no other backpacking hostels in the town (albeit lots of cheap - and often nasty - B&Bs and smaller hotels).

Joining up with other hostels is a good idea, I think. Although there are hostels in Manchester and Liverpool - why should backpackers make a night/weekend/2 day trip of it rather than a day trip from either of these cities? You need to ask yourself this question (I'm sure you have!). Would these hostels in relative proximity view you as competition?

I would love to talk to you or exchange emails, so PM me through the site and lets see what we can do together, if you are interested.

Cheers

lomax

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