View Full Version : Hostel in Franklin,NC
Ron Haven
12-29-2008, 02:03
Would a hostel in Franklin,NC (http://www.appalachiantrailservices.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=161)be suitable?
No, stick with the hotel format. Capitalism plus kindness. Hostels, IMO, carry with them certain expectations from thrus that might turn out to be a pain in the ass for you and your staff. As it stands, you run the finest hiker hotel on the trail, why mess?
At $20 a night I don't see how your going to make any money.
Panzer
Tennessee Viking
12-29-2008, 03:15
Would a hostel in Franklin,NC (http://www.appalachiantrailservices.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=161)be suitable?
For the budgeteer or if the inn starts to overflow badly, it might be good. But with the BI already, it would be overkill.
If get a place closer to the trail, then maybe.
ron, i think you are the one that has to answer that question, is the demand there? you are the expert since its your town
damn i need to pay my donation again so i can edit...
well not 'your town', but the town you live in
Lone Wolf
12-29-2008, 07:04
Would a hostel in Franklin,NC (http://www.appalachiantrailservices.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=161)be suitable?
sure, as long as it's run properly. get paid up front and set some firm rules.
Lone Wolf
12-29-2008, 07:07
At $20 a night I don't see how your going to make any money.
Panzer
12 bunks x $20
sure, as long as it's run properly. get paid up front and set some firm rules.And enforce the rules. Personally, I say if it ain't broke, don't fix it, what you have going now in Franklin for hikers seems to be working well. But if expanding your services is your idea, then go for it. Try it for a season and see how it goes, if not, don't sweat it and go back to just the Budget and Sapphire.
generoll
12-29-2008, 08:00
Unless you have a location that's a walk in from the trail I'd say stick with what you have. Seems as if the big bump lasts about 75 days. What would you be doing with the hostel the rest of the time.
A pity Rainbow Springs got away.
If you want to do it, do it.....
papa john
12-29-2008, 08:33
You could buy the old Rainbow Springs Campground and get that running again.
12 bunks x $20
Yes...but it's only going to be filled to capacity for 2 months per year.
Lone Wolf
12-29-2008, 08:53
A pity Rainbow Springs got away.
ahhhh. not really
Lone Wolf
12-29-2008, 08:54
Yes...but it's only going to be filled to capacity for 2 months per year.
yes....but there's lots of section hikers all summer and fall
papa john
12-29-2008, 09:39
A pity Rainbow Springs got away.
The property is still there and is for sale again. The store and the wash house are still there. I couldn't see if the bunkhouse was still there, but who would miss the stalag? All the cabins are gone though. In the right hands, this could be a very good site to operate. Hikers and motorcycle campers.
yes....but there's lots of section hikers all summer and fall
Very true. I've run into the problem of hostels closing up right after thru-hiker season, especially in the south. Granted it's foolish to count on them, but it is still disappointing when, as a section hiker, you cannot find accommodations - left a bad taste in the mouth a couple of times. That's probably undeserved, but is still a fact.
As far as Ron and Franklin. I agree, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Unless the hikers are causing some kind of problem for your motel business, I would leave it as is. You already do so much for hikers. My stay at the Budget Inn (and also the Hiawassee Inn) was an excellent experiences. You went out of your way to serve the hikers and it was very much appreciated. Keeping the services Motel based will eliminate the situation in my first paragraph.
20 bucks a person for a hostel or 40ish for two in your hotel. It makes sense to stay in the hotel. Might work for overflow. It would be nice if there was something close to the trail.
ofthearth
12-29-2008, 12:00
I would suggest something like a poll. I would probably prefer to stay at one of your motels.
It would be nice you're a single and you can't afford $40 for a motel and it has kitchen facilities, common room etc.
if you could put it on the hotel property that would probably work.. having off property would end up being a pain and would pull you in 2 many directions. You go THE hotel on the AT....whatever you do don't just do it for us, make it work for YOU.
if you could put it on the hotel property that would probably work.. having off property would end up being a pain and would pull you in 2 many directions. You go THE hotel on the AT....whatever you do don't just do it for us, make it work for YOU.
He said he has someone to run it. From the link....
Would this be over kill?I have a place really near the Budget Inn (http://havensbudgetinn.com/) where I could easy put 12 bunks,with full kitchen,pool table and has 2 refrigerators.2 private bedrooms,Shower,laundry,dining facility,outside picnic tables too and computers.All for like $20 a night with the free shuttles around town and to the trail heads.I have a great person from Tennessee also who wants to run it.Just asking honest opinions please.As all of you know.I want to do what is best for hikers?O by the way.Welcome to this forum too.Forum members here save $5 on some shuttles.Ask for details.
Sounds like a awesome place.
ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, then I think it would work. i think there enough hikers to enable him to use both.
Short Term
12-29-2008, 12:27
Speaking as a section hiker, I believe it would be used at times other than thu hiker season.
What would make a good name? Hmmm :-?
What would make a good name? Hmmm :-?
Since the motels are collectively referred to as Ron Haven's, the hostel could be simply Ron's Haven. Get it? Ron's haven for tired hikers?
Ok, back to work now, sorry. :(
A name.. hmm...the Haven...or Rons roost...the comfort zone.....Sly, ya sick of this yet?..:)
Lone Wolf
12-29-2008, 12:50
Haven's HTR (hiker trash retreat)
that is a good one... how about wild walks hostel.. or trash heap..lol.. ok, maybe not that.
Lone Wolf
12-29-2008, 13:01
Haven's Trash Bin
I don't know if Ron would approve though..haha
Skidsteer
12-29-2008, 13:08
Short Bus Hostel.
Short Bus Hostel.
Appropriate in a number of ways...:D
Lone Wolf
12-29-2008, 13:11
Appropriate in a number of ways...:D
you shoulda been at the x-mas partay
I don't know.. The Trash Bin is good !.. darn it ! I wanna name it..:) can I say I thought of it ?..lol..
ChinMusic
12-29-2008, 13:15
Haven's HTR (hiker trash retreat)
That is good, as long as you have a different answer for what "HTR" means depending on the audience.
Short Bus Hostel.
The Gazebo? :eek:
Gray Blazer
12-29-2008, 20:58
After 20 thrubees spend the night, it would be easier to hose out a hostel than 10 hotel rooms.
Gray Blazer
12-29-2008, 21:00
Personally. I like Short Bus Hostel.
Ron Haven
12-29-2008, 22:54
Thanks for these answers.This is what I wanted is to get some ideas from your side.As many of you know I am at capacity at times at both motels during March and April.I have heard some say they passed Franklin really needing to stop because they liked hostels.It is 300ft from Budget Inn.I intended on having a non inside smoking,no pets inside and minimal of alcohol consumption.I do have rooms in Budget & Sapphire Inn to accept pets.
I can furnish movies and have 2 tv areas with floor model tv's.Lights go out by11pm and check out by 11am. I have had this set up in the past for construction workers.Have good heat system and a big air conditioner,Can offer showers only if a person just wants to clean up and get back to the trail.My idea is to expand for the helping of hikers in general.This would offer another choice.Who knows.Maybe one day I can offer car rentals :D
Bulldawg
12-29-2008, 22:59
Thanks for these answers.This is what I wanted is to get some ideas from your side.As many of you know I am at capacity at times at both motels during March and April.I have heard some say they passed Franklin really needing to stop because they liked hostels.It is 300ft from Budget Inn.I intended on having a non inside smoking,no pets inside and minimal of alcohol consumption.I do have rooms in Budget & Sapphire Inn to accept pets.
I can furnish movies and have 2 tv areas with floor model tv's.Lights go out by11pm and check out by 11am. I have had this set up in the past for construction workers.Have good heat system and a big air conditioner,Can offer showers only if a person just wants to clean up and get back to the trail.My idea is to expand for the helping of hikers in general.This would offer another choice.Who knows.Maybe one day I can offer car rentals :D
No Ron, here is an idea. I just got back from Jekyll Island. I hadn't been in 20 years. They don't rent cars on the island. They rent those little electric cars, look sort of like a golf cart and a mini collided and this is what came out. Electric cars with a max speed of 35MPH. Those hikers would love that to loafer around Franklin in. Good luck!!
Jack Tarlin
12-30-2008, 16:03
Ron:
Personally, I think your motel operations are so good that a hikerhostel isn't really necessary in Franklin, but I also realize that there are folks who are travelling solo, or who don't want to share a motel room, or who can't afford a motel room on their own.
The hostel can work, provided there's a permanent reliable caretaker there all the time, and provided that hikers behave themselves.
Have your rules and regulations short and simple, and put them where everyone can see them.
We had folks at our house this summer and we had a great time. Not wanting to be cops, we kept things really simple. This is what we asked of our guests:
*Dogs welcome on property, but must be kept on a leash at all times. Dogs not welcome
in main house.
*It is expected that guests are aware of laws regarding alcohol and drug usage and will
behave accordingly. Those incapable of doing this will be asked to leave.
*Things quiet down by 10 PM and guests should respect those who retire earlier.
*There's no maid here; please clean up after yourself.
*Facilities are intended primarily for those presently hiking the Trail. Others are welcome,
space permitting.
*Unless you're hurt, stay is limited to three days.
These few simple rules kept the rif-raff out or in line; it insured that the folks who were there were actually hiking; it allowed people to have a good time without things getting out of hand. We had no problems this summer and didn't have to ask anyone to leave.
Tho we probably should have. :rolleyes:
Good luck, Ron.
Who knows.Maybe one day I can offer car rentals :DThat and air drop pizza and beer deliveries to shelters and accessible campsites! :eek: :D
River Runner
12-30-2008, 21:13
Being a section hiker, so far I've rather enjoyed the hostel atmosphere at the couple I've stayed in (Hiker Hostel at Woody Gap and The Place in Damascus). I'd enjoy staying in a hostel in Franklin run by Ron Haven.
BTW Ron, I am hoping to get back your way again this spring to do another section - hopefully a long one this time. I'll be PMing you towards March if all works out.
I could see where a hostel could be useful in other seasons too - leaf peeping in the fall comes to mind, as well as any fairs/festivals that take place in the area.
River Runner
12-30-2008, 21:15
P.S. Cudos to Jack for a sensible set of rules.
Miss Janet
12-30-2008, 21:27
Hey Ronnie,
Do you need a "Den Mother" type for your place? I could maybe get a few good references if the job comes available.
BitBucket
12-30-2008, 21:33
What about Haven's Hiker Box Hostel?
Lone Wolf
12-30-2008, 21:35
P.S. Cudos to Jack for a sensible set of rules.
sensible would be NO alcohol whatsoever allowd. period
Ron Haven
12-30-2008, 21:38
Hey Ronnie,
Do you need a "Den Mother" type for your place? I could maybe get a few good references if the job comes available.You better be careful talking like this to me girl.You don't know me this well.I might come personally and snatch you up and put you to work,LIKE INSTANTLY :D the other guy may have been joking.If you are serious pm me or call me.I have several things in business ventures going.
Miss Janet
12-30-2008, 21:43
LOL!!! I love you Ron... Who knows?? This next week or so will be important to any decisions I have about my life... I will call you soon.
River Runner
12-30-2008, 21:48
Hey Ronnie,
Do you need a "Den Mother" type for your place? I could maybe get a few good references if the job comes available.
Wow! Wouldn't that be awesome - Miss Janet and Ron Haven together in one place. :cool:
Ron Haven
12-30-2008, 21:49
Ron:
Personally, I think your motel operations are so good that a hikerhostel isn't really necessary in Franklin, but I also realize that there are folks who are travelling solo, or who don't want to share a motel room, or who can't afford a motel room on their own.
The hostel can work, provided there's a permanent reliable caretaker there all the time, and provided that hikers behave themselves.
Have your rules and regulations short and simple, and put them where everyone can see them.
*It is expected that guests are aware of laws regarding alcohol and drug usage and will behave accordingly.
Good luck, Ron.Those are great tips,Thanks Jack
P.S. Cudos to Jack for a sensible set of rules.You call me when you are ready
sensible would be NO alcohol whatsoever allowd. periodLone Wolf,I think this idea is best and sadly enough they're many people who don't know how to drink.
I have several things in business ventures going.If any of these ventures require medical support, I hope you'll keep me in mind. :D:banana
Lone Wolf,I think this idea is best and sadly enough they're many people who don't know how to drink.
Personally, I don't like the no drinking rule, and if I ever misbehave, you have permission can kick my ass. ;)
Ron Haven
12-30-2008, 21:58
Wow! Wouldn't that be awesome - Miss Janet and Ron Haven together in one place. :cool:It would be an honer to have her here:)
LOL!!! I love you Ron... Who knows?? This next week or so will be important to any decisions I have about my life... I will call you soon.I am going to have to find a couple to manage Budget Inn soon because Vic is retiring. Me and a Friend have our eyes on buying this motel (http://www.colonialinnfranklin.com/) in Franklin,NC
PS I vote for Haven's HTR
Ron Haven
12-30-2008, 22:07
Personally, I don't like the no drinking rule, and if I ever misbehave, you have permission can kick my ass. ;)I know you would never be a bad drinker and I would never kick your tail.I am a kind and gentle guy.
Bulldawg
12-30-2008, 22:07
Nice looking motel Ron. That would make 3? Damn near a conglomerate!!
Ron Haven
12-30-2008, 22:13
PS I vote for Haven's HTRSounds Good.
Nice looking motel Ron. That would make 3? Damn near a conglomerate!!I don't have any money but I got the banks believing in me.
Lone Wolf
12-30-2008, 22:15
I don't have any money but I got the banks believing in me.
kinda like the amish
Bulldawg
12-30-2008, 22:17
Sounds Good.
I don't have any money but I got the banks believing in me.
Well, what more could you ask for, other than owning them outright!?
Ron Haven
12-30-2008, 22:20
kinda like the amishWhat's Amish?You know us Hillbillies are a little backwards.Like when I saw "An Officer And A Gentleman" on the theater marque I thought it was a double feature.Or whe I first heard of Arsinal Hall I thought it was a new fire dept.:o
Ron Haven
12-31-2008, 01:31
damn i need to pay my donation again so i can edit...
well not 'your town', but the town you live inI sent mine in a few days ago.
And enforce the rules. Personally, I say if it ain't broke, don't fix it, what you have going now in Franklin for hikers seems to be working well. But if expanding your services is your idea, then go for it. Try it for a season and see how it goes, if not, don't sweat it and go back to just the Budget and Sapphire.This is what I had in mind.
You could buy the old Rainbow Springs Campground and get that running again.They ask me $790,000 for that place.
if you could put it on the hotel property that would probably work.. having off property would end up being a pain and would pull you in 2 many directions. You go THE hotel on the AT....whatever you do don't just do it for us, make it work for YOU.Yappy it is 300ft away from Budget Inn
If any of these ventures require medical support, I hope you'll keep me in mind. :D:bananaI am afraid with no more experience than I have with medicine the sheriff would come for me.:eek:
Nice looking motel Ron. That would make 3? Damn near a conglomerate!!Maybe things will work out for us.I thought I had a deal for Days Inn in Franklin but everytime we think we got something they back out.
Yappy it is 300ft away from Budget InnIs this the place that is just up the hill across the street? I think I saw a sign that read something like Haven's Apartments.
MoodyBluer
12-31-2008, 17:21
What's Amish?You know us Hillbillies are a little backwards.Like when I saw "An Officer And A Gentleman" on the theater marque I thought it was a double feature.Or whe I first heard of Arsinal Hall I thought it was a new fire dept.:o
The Amish are the folks you may have seen in the movie "Witness" w/ Harrison Ford & Kelly NcGillis...devout folks who are concentrated in the western PA area around Lancaster especially (my wife's family is from around that area). Horse & buggies, simple black & white clothing (with no buttons!), most all men have beards, no electricity, telephones in homes...even the nails they use to construct their homes have to be plain and simple (something like not having any big heads on the driving end). Wonderful people and very hard working.
Hope your deal for the Colonial goes through...pretty soon we will have to call you Ron Trump instead of Haven if you keep gobbling up real estate in Franklin. :D
On a serious note, please make sure that the value of this place is supported by solid appraisals, as the way real estate values are dropping, the banks down here in the ATL have virtually stopped lending on acquisition deals, but they are still doing refinancing deals.
I hope I'm wrong, but 2009 is shaping up to be a very tough year for a lot of folks. My CPA practice at this time last year had 12 home builders as clients and we now have 2.
Ron Haven
12-31-2008, 20:42
The Amish are the folks you may have seen in the movie "Witness" w/ Harrison Ford & Kelly NcGillis...devout folks who are concentrated in the western PA area around Lancaster especially (my wife's family is from around that area). Horse & buggies, simple black & white clothing (with no buttons!), most all men have beards, no electricity, telephones in homes...even the nails they use to construct their homes have to be plain and simple (something like not having any big heads on the driving end). Wonderful people and very hard working.
Hope your deal for the Colonial goes through...pretty soon we will have to call you Ron Trump instead of Haven if you keep gobbling up real estate in Franklin. :D
On a serious note, please make sure that the value of this place is supported by solid appraisals, as the way real estate values are dropping, the banks down here in the ATL have virtually stopped lending on acquisition deals, but they are still doing refinancing deals.
I hope I'm wrong, but 2009 is shaping up to be a very tough year for a lot of folks. My CPA practice at this time last year had 12 home builders as clients and we now have 2.I was just teasing.I used to drive a tractor trailer into Apple Creek & Wooster Ohio,Amana,Iowa and places of Pa where they were.I was just kidding with Lone Wolf about not knowing what they were.I hope the deal goes on Colonial.I'm so far in dept to me it don't matter now.
Is this the place that is just up the hill across the street? I think I saw a sign that read something like Haven's Apartments.Yes there is where I have in mind for the hostel.I have a 2br/1ba 1000 sq ft unit.The sign says Haven's Corner
Skidsteer
12-31-2008, 20:48
I was just teasing.I used to drive a tractor trailer into Apple Creek & Wooster Ohio
Wooster, OH? I grew up 30 miles West of Wooster. Amish were the nearest neighbors I had.
Small world, huh? :D
Ron Haven
12-31-2008, 21:06
Wooster, OH? I grew up 30 miles West of Wooster. Amish were the nearest neighbors I had.
Small world, huh? :Dmust have been,Jeromesville,Jefferson.Miffin or Hayesville.I stopped in Mansfield,Akron and many other places near there.The Amish seemed to be great people.
Ron, you know your resources (time, money, real estate) better than anyone. If it seems right to you, go for it. I like the idea and upon hearing from you that it's complete, I will definitely plan a hike in the area and come stay / check it out! :)
Ron Haven
01-01-2009, 22:32
Ron, you know your resources (time, money, real estate) better than anyone. If it seems right to you, go for it. I like the idea and upon hearing from you that it's complete, I will definitely plan a hike in the area and come stay / check it out! :)Summit,come to Franklin and enjoy the area when possible.
You know it too.Our economy is scary.I am not the one to fear making real estate investments but it sure has changed from 20yrs ago.
Bare Bear
01-02-2009, 04:47
After paying over $100 for less in NY I think I'll be back at the Budget if I thru again this year.
Wooster, OH?
Small world, huh? :D
In Massachusetts they spell it Worchester and pronounce it Woostah. ;)
Lone Wolf
01-02-2009, 12:16
In Massachusetts they spell it Worchester and pronounce it Woostah. ;)
nope. it's spelled Worcester
nope. it's spelled Worcester
Oh, right. I stand corrected. That's what I get for posting without atleast 2 cups of coffee in me. ;)
Skidsteer
01-02-2009, 12:56
In Massachusetts they spell it Worchester and pronounce it Woostah. ;)
We(many, anyway)pronounced Wooster as Woostah also.
HikerRanky
01-02-2009, 13:06
Would a hostel in Franklin,NC (http://www.appalachiantrailservices.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=161)be suitable?
Ron,
I think that you have your answer in the above messages... It seems to me that giving people the choice of how they want to stay in Franklin, NC is a very sound business idea.... Some people might want to stay with the group that they are hiking with, and a hostel would be an option to several of them staying in a hotel room.
Then again, some people might want to stay by themselves ( if they are sick would be a good time for that ), and the hotels you run would be a great option then.
Randy
Think Spring
01-02-2009, 14:42
Trust me, folks, Ron has a GREAT heart, business practicum, and respect from and for hikers. While sharing some GREAT times last year....(you really DO need to attend the "Hiker Bash" when available in Franklin)...Ron shared with me a plan for that Days Inn. You'll be hard pressed to find a more accomodating "trail angel" than Ron,.......HARD pressed. A "hostel" WOULD, in my opinion, be another excellent option for hikers,.........if Ron can make it work. If he can't, nobody can. Enjoy your hike!:)
Think Spring
Ron Haven
01-02-2009, 22:01
Ron,
I think that you have your answer in the above messages... It seems to me that giving people the choice of how they want to stay in Franklin, NC is a very sound business idea.... Some people might want to stay with the group that they are hiking with, and a hostel would be an option to several of them staying in a hotel room.
Then again, some people might want to stay by themselves ( if they are sick would be a good time for that ), and the hotels you run would be a great option then.
RandyThanks,I believe by the responses bu lots of trail knowledgeable people I am going to give it a shot.
Trust me, folks, Ron has a GREAT heart, business practicum, and respect from and for hikers. While sharing some GREAT times last year....(you really DO need to attend the "Hiker Bash" when available in Franklin)...Ron shared with me a plan for that Days Inn. You'll be hard pressed to find a more accomodating "trail angel" than Ron,.......HARD pressed. A "hostel" WOULD, in my opinion, be another excellent option for hikers,.........if Ron can make it work. If he can't, nobody can. Enjoy your hike!:)
Think SpringIt won't be that costly and I will know after one season if it was right or wrong.I thank you for the kind words .