HI All,
Just joined this excellent resource - wow..
I'm ready to venture on to my next adventure. Thinking Hosteling is a win-win-win: proprietor-public-country
It would be great to a head start (and avoiding the headache) on my new goal.
I'm interested in learning about the industry and getting to meet the people that make it work.
Looking to set up a Hostel in Paris (surrounding area for sure) and making a go of it.
Looking forward to communicating with the group members and making long lasting business/personal relationships.
A bientot,
Cliff
12 years
Hi Cliff,
The forum is an excellent place to ask any specific questions you have since it's very active with enthusiastic hostel owners and managers. In my experience though, the broader the question (i.e. "How can I start a hostel?") the less responses you will receive. Good luck with your hostel!
Darren Overby, Owner/Member
Pacific Tradewinds Hostel, LLC
12 years
Hi, bonjour !
Construction of my hostel (near Fontainebleau) are beginning, but it took me 5 YEARS ! My advise would be: try to buy a hotel and convert it into a hostel, because:
1/ it is much easier to explain it to a bank (they have no idea what a hostel is, and you will need MUCH energy to convince them)
2/ you can get the last balance sheets from the hotel and build up a convincing business plan rather to calculate all from scrap and have to eplain every item to the banker !
3/ a hostel in France has to follow the same rules as a hotel (it is an "ERP")
4/ new regulations for "ERPs" are coming up (2015), e.g. extensive disabled access: many hotels are not prepared, and many owners/operators near retirement don't want to invest this amount; you can be in a good position to negociate. Besides, many hotels are in trouble right now because they do not comply with the new 2012 safety regulation. The new classification (number of stars) can also bring some trouble for a couple of hotels.
5/ no zoning problem; no problem with neighbours
Good luck !!
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