How do I start a Hostel? - New Hostel FAQ

Many aspiring hostel owners turn to HostelManagement.com asking “How do I start a hostel? Here is a list of some frequently asked questions about starting a hostel and links to some previous discussions about each one to give you a starting point for your research.

This is not a comprehensive list of threads. You’ll find a lot more information by reading through the various forum sections. If you still can’t find the answers you’re looking for after reading through the Forum, then please don’t hesitate to post your questions! Specific questions are much more likely to get a response from the community than broad questions.

HostelManagement.com is developing several features to make this site easier and more useful for all of our members, including a Master Checklist for Starting a Hostel and a Hostel Management information library.

How do I start a hostel?
Hostel Management Wiki: Start a Hostel
Name of the game: Start a Hostel
A Small-Size Hostel (14-20 dorm beds) Viable?
So, I Want To Start A Hostel

Are there standard hostel regulations that apply internationally?
The short answer: no. Each country or city will have their own laws relating to hostels, if any standards even exist.
Hostel regulation???

Do I need to be a traveler and do I need experience running a hostel to open or run one?
Managing a hostel... with no experience..?!
Being a Hostelmanager without travelling the world

Should I Rent, Buy, or Lease the property for my hostel?
Do you own or lease your hostel location?
Is it a good idea to rent a building or should I buy???

How can I negotiate with a landlord?
How do you negotiate with the landlord?
Who pays for improvements?
Lease Arrangements
Renting a property

How should I arrange my hostel?
Rooms Sizing on a apartment of 400m2 - What do u Think?
Roadblocks to my hostel
Best use of space, when space is tight
Bathroom question
Calculation for beds and bathrooms?
Building a bathroom
Full Bathrooms or Seperate Toilets/Sinks from Showers?
Tips & Tricks, Part 2: The Kitchen
What features would an "ideal hostel" have?
Windowless Rooms

Which are better: wooden or metal bunk beds?
Bed and mattress suggestions

Where can I get bunk beds and furniture?
Furniture & Equipment - where to get?
Bunk Bed supplier

I need help choosing a name for my hostel.
Need help with a name for the hostel opening!!
Name of the hostel?
Need your help in Choosing a hostel name
Thinking about the hostels name

Which are better: key cards or metal keys?
Hostel Management Wiki: Keys vs. Electronic Key Cards
Key Cards vs. Metal Keys
Key Card and Locker Systems (USA)
Electronic Key Access Suitable for Hostels

Do I need insurance for my hostel?
It is in your best interest to get the most comprehensive insurance plan that you can find.
Hostel Insurance
Hostel Insurance
Insurance?

Can someone help me write a business plan for a hostel?
Hostel Business Plan
Hostel vs. Hotel Occupancy Rates
How do you forecast occupancy?
Business Plan Questions-Profile of the Hostel User and Competitive Analysis

I need help determining startup costs and income/expense estimates for a hostel
Enough money to set up a hostel?
Help with Income & Expenses Estimate
How to project revenue and expenses?
Can a hostel MAKE MONEY?!

Financial templates
Hostel Management Wiki: Budget Planning
Finacial Templates
Klaus’ Cucaracha Calculator spreadsheet

How can I convince city officials that a hostel is a good/valid business?
Hostel Management Wiki: What Hostels Are and How They Benefit Local Economies

How can I find investors for my hostel?
One-Sentence Startup Pitch
Funding? Venture Capitalist?
How to deal with the nonsense?

Aside from beds, how can I make extra revenue?
Any ideas for making extra money in your hostel?
Ways to benefit the guests
Bike rentals anyone?

Should I wash my own sheets or send them out to be cleaned?
Linen issues
How many washing machines for guests?
Linen Hire

Where can I list my hostel online?
10 Free Places to List Your Hostel Online
New hostel, please help me to do marketing and booking online FOR OPENING IN JUNE
Opening soon - Question of marketing

Which booking websites are out there?
Best Booking Engines with no money transactions?

What Property Management Systems are available for hostels?
Front desk systems and property management software

What kind of staff does a hostel need?
Question: hostel staff??
Hostel without staff!!

Where can I find staff?
Hostel Management Forum: Hostel Jobs
HostelJobs.net
The Hostel Family, Part 1: Finding & Choosing the Right Staff
Interviewing Job Applicants - What Questions Do you Ask?

How can I motivate my staff?
Motivating your staff
Motivating non-paid staff

Is it okay to have pets in a hostel?
Dogs in Hostel: need advise
Seeking Advice On Having A Hostel Pet
Do you allow pets in your hostel?

How can I ensure great reviews from my guests?
Hostel responses to negative guest reviews
Complaints, Part 1: Smelling Smoke Before Fire
Complaints, Part 2: Keeping the Peace
Complaints, Part 3: Responding to Negative Reviews
Hostel Management Wiki: How to Improve Hostel Reviews
Remembering Guest Names & Hostel Reviews
Travel blogger's advice to hostel owners
What Separates Great Hostels from Average Hostels?

What challenges am I likely to encounter as I start running a hostel?
Working hours/ free time for management
Biggest Mistakes?
Basic question #1 - beds
Dealing with neighbors