REQUEST: What is your idea of an 'ideal' hostel?

[solstice]

I'm toying with the idea of opening a hiker hostel (New Hampshire) within the next few years. Aside from the more obvious services, like shuttles, what are some things you'd all really love to see in an AT hostel? Thanks in advance.

[wcgornto]

Laundry
Shower
Internet
Real Mattress

[Cookerhiker]

Laundry
Shower
Internet
Real Mattress

I like these and would add:

Pillow with that real mattress
Self-service equipped kitchen
No smoking
Lights out/quite hours policy

[chief]

What I'd really love to see in an AT hostel:

Directions to the nearest motel!

[solstice]

Thanks, wcgornto. I intend on having shower/laundry available! I'm also exploring bedding options, and I really want to invest in actual-factual mattresses (no crooked bedspring massages!). Internet I had not thought of yet; I'll add it to my list.

[Appalachian Tater]

Tent sites. I sleep better in my tent than in a room with a bunch of other people.

There are some other threads on this exact topic that you should search for as well as several threads about making towns hiker-friendly which would be relevant. Your best bet would be to hire Miss Janet as a consultant if she is not under some sort of exclusive agreement with Ron Haven.

Priorities are usually food, food, and food then getting clean and then resupply, communication, post office, etc.

If you are off the trail, you need to make sure hikers can get to you and back.

[solstice]

I like these and would add:

Pillow with that real mattress
Self-service equipped kitchen
No smoking
Lights out/quite hours policy

Thanks Cookerhiker! I currently work in a place that has good bed pillows for a great price. I'll stock up when I'm back from vacation. ;) I like the self-service kitchen idea. I'll have to see what I can 'cook' up with that one. Also, being a non-smoker, I certainly would not tolerate the habit inside. And I do like the lights out/quiet hours policy.

[solstice]

Tent sites. I sleep better in my tent than in a room with a bunch of other people.

There are some other threads on this exact topic that you should search for as well as several threads about making towns hiker-friendly which would be relevant. Your best bet would be to hire Miss Janet as a consultant if she is not under some sort of exclusive agreement with Ron Haven.

Priorities are usually food, food, and food then getting clean and then resupply, communication, post office, etc.

If you are off the trail, you need to make sure hikers can get to you and back.

Good idea with the tent sites. Thanks for all the info, too, Tater!

[Cookerhiker]

Thanks Cookerhiker! I currently work in a place that has good bed pillows for a great price. I'll stock up when I'm back from vacation. ;) I like the self-service kitchen idea. I'll have to see what I can 'cook' up with that one. Also, being a non-smoker, I certainly would not tolerate the habit inside. And I do like the lights out/quiet hours policy.

Re. the self-service kitchen, 3 examples come to mind which could serve as models for you:

Braemer Castle, Hampton, TN
Pine Ellis, Andover, ME
Stratton Motel, Stratton, ME - this may have changed but it was in '05.
There's probably others as well.

[Lone Wolf]

private rooms. no alcohol policy

[Sierra Echo]

Thanks Cookerhiker! I currently work in a place that has good bed pillows for a great price. I'll stock up when I'm back from vacation. ;) I like the self-service kitchen idea. I'll have to see what I can 'cook' up with that one. Also, being a non-smoker, I certainly would not tolerate the habit inside. And I do like the lights out/quiet hours policy.


I bet you end up having to clean up that self-service kitchen A LOT!

[johnnybgood]

A mint under my pillow...



Seriously , everything mentioned already , plus a room with assorted AT material , books , magizines ,articles .

[solstice]

Re. the self-service kitchen, 3 examples come to mind which could serve as models for you:

Braemer Castle, Hampton, TN
Pine Ellis, Andover, ME
Stratton Motel, Stratton, ME - this may have changed but it was in '05.
There's probably others as well.

Cheers. Looking them up now!

[Hooch]

Trees and/or posts for hammocks and tarps. Lots of folks love their hammocks and this would be a great option for them.

Definitely have to add another vote for no alcohol, no smoking and a set time for lights out/quiet hours. And be willing to show the door to folks who can't follow the rules.

[solstice]

I bet you end up having to clean up that self-service kitchen A LOT!

Good point. :eek: Yikes!


A mint under my pillow...



Seriously , everything mentioned already , plus a room with assorted AT material , books , magizines ,articles .

haha, mints. :D

I like the AT room idea. Perhaps I'll end up using the den/family room, or perhaps the foyer area (if there is a big enough area) for that.

[solstice]

Thanks to everyone who responded so far. I didn't expect such an enthusiastic response! Some great ideas in here!



Trees and/or posts for hammocks and tarps. Lots of folks love their hammocks and this would be a great option for them.

Definitely have to add another vote for no alcohol, no smoking and a set time for lights out/quiet hours. And be willing to show the door to folks who can't follow the rules.

Hammock-hanger here! I will be looking out for that (along with a property with good prospective tent sites) when purchasing the property in the future.

I'm leaning towards the no smoking/alcohol/quiet hours policy. I may have mentioned previously in the thread that I am a nonsmoker, so my own tolerance toward it is on the low side. :o

Thanks again!

[Lone Wolf]

I may have mentioned previously in the thread that I am a nonsmoker, so my own tolerance toward it is on the low side. :o



don't even allow it on the property

[Hooch]

don't even allow it on the propertyHurumph! :D

[Lugnut]

Tent sites and access to a shower.

[wcgornto]

I'm also exploring bedding options, and I really want to invest in actual-factual mattresses (no crooked bedspring massages!).

Green Mountain House in VT and Free State Hiker Hostel in MD are the ideal models for comfortable, efficient, restful, rejuvenating bedding for hikers.

[Trailweaver]

Also look at Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega, GA. They have all of the above mentioned amenities, and I am absolutely committed to staying with them when in the area. And. . . they're affordable!

[Appalachian Tater]

Nobody here is probably going to admit it but whenever I was in a hostel or hotel with a television and especially with movies the hikers would stay up half the night watching cartoon network. Get one of those giant flatscreen televisions and you'll get people doing multiple zeros especially if there are special sports events on television. $$$$$$$ Ka-ching!

[Kerosene]

Private rooms available at additional cost
Consider futon mattresses, especially to accommodate overflow conditions
Self-serve kitchen will be a must if restaurants are not close-by
Large, family-style dining area
Extra-large, fast-recharging water heater
Shower with soap & towels
Washer and dryer, with soap available
Bath amenities for sale (razor, mini-deodorant, et al)
Fireplace/porch/living room with comfy chairs
Limited supply of backpacking food and minor gear for sale
Available scheduled shuttle to/from town/outfitter/grocery store/etc.
Arranged shuttle to airport, city, etc.
Available bike(s) if town is close enough
No alcohol/drugs/smoking
Board games/movies/Books or Periodicals
Internet access
Lights/Noise policy
Available tenting/hammocking sites
Scale
Bulletin board for hiker pictures
Hostel register
Up-to-date conditions for water/trail/shelters/etc. for 30 miles north and south
Insect-proof Hiker Box
Trash cans
Clean, Clean, Clean!

Oh, and you might also consider having some sort of hostel project always underway, where hikers could reduce their fee with a form of work-for-stay

[Appalachian Tater]

Private rooms available at additional cost
Consider futon mattresses, especially to accommodate overflow conditions
Self-serve kitchen will be a must if restaurants are not close-by
Large, family-style dining area
Extra-large, fast-recharging water heater
Shower with soap & towels
Washer and dryer, with soap available
Bath amenities for sale (razor, mini-deodorant, et al)
Fireplace/porch/living room with comfy chairs
Limited supply of backpacking food and minor gear for sale
Available scheduled shuttle to/from town/outfitter/grocery store/etc.
Arranged shuttle to airport, city, etc.
Available bike(s) if town is close enough
No alcohol/drugs/smoking
Board games/movies/Books or Periodicals
Internet access
Lights/Noise policy
Available tenting/hammocking sites
Scale
Bulletin board for hiker pictures
Hostel register
Up-to-date conditions for water/trail/shelters/etc. for 30 miles north and south
Insect-proof Hiker Box
Trash cans
Clean, Clean, Clean!

Oh, and you might also consider having some sort of hostel project always underway, where hikers could reduce their fee with a form of work-for-stay

Or just sell beer! :D

[Lone Wolf]

work-for-stay = freeeloaders

[Jeff]

As Appalachian Tater metioned there are several threads on this subject here on WB. Look at this post done in 2006. Baltimore Jack posted a great list that really helped me:

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=19948

New Hampshire has some great hostels including White Birches in Gorham, Chet's Place in Lincoln and Hikers Welcome in Glencliff. The obvious need is in Hanover but most attempts are foiled by high property values in that area. Maybe with the current "foreclosure" situation still going on there might be a piece of property that would fit the bill at a reasonable price.

[solstice]

Private rooms available at additional cost
Consider futon mattresses, especially to accommodate overflow conditions
Self-serve kitchen will be a must if restaurants are not close-by
Large, family-style dining area
Extra-large, fast-recharging water heater
Shower with soap & towels
Washer and dryer, with soap available
Bath amenities for sale (razor, mini-deodorant, et al)
Fireplace/porch/living room with comfy chairs
Limited supply of backpacking food and minor gear for sale
Available scheduled shuttle to/from town/outfitter/grocery store/etc.
Arranged shuttle to airport, city, etc.
Available bike(s) if town is close enough
No alcohol/drugs/smoking
Board games/movies/Books or Periodicals
Internet access
Lights/Noise policy
Available tenting/hammocking sites
Scale
Bulletin board for hiker pictures
Hostel register
Up-to-date conditions for water/trail/shelters/etc. for 30 miles north and south
Insect-proof Hiker Box
Trash cans
Clean, Clean, Clean!

Oh, and you might also consider having some sort of hostel project always underway, where hikers could reduce their fee with a form of work-for-stay

Good list! Thanks.


As Appalachian Tater metioned there are several threads on this subject here on WB. Look at this post done in 2006. Baltimore Jack posted a great list that really helped me:

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=19948

New Hampshire has some great hostels including White Birches in Gorham, Chet's Place in Lincoln and Hikers Welcome in Glencliff. The obvious need is in Hanover but most attempts are foiled by high property values in that area. Maybe with the current "foreclosure" situation still going on there might be a piece of property that would fit the bill at a reasonable price.

Ah, yes, thank you Jeff! That thread was a good read.

[Cookerhiker]

Don't think anyone's brought up this can of worms yet - you have to decide what your dog policy is:

1. Do you allow them "full access" including inside the building?
2. Do you allow them but they must stay outside (no exceptions for thunderstorms, etc.)?
3. Do you not allow them at all, either inside or on the grounds?

[Lone Wolf]

Don't think anyone's brought up this can of worms yet - you have to decide what your dog policy is:

1. Do you allow them "full access" including inside the building?
2. Do you allow them but they must stay outside (no exceptions for thunderstorms, etc.)?
3. Do you not allow them at all, either inside or on the grounds?

i wouldn't allow them at all. period

[solstice]

Don't think anyone's brought up this can of worms yet - you have to decide what your dog policy is:

1. Do you allow them "full access" including inside the building?
2. Do you allow them but they must stay outside (no exceptions for thunderstorms, etc.)?
3. Do you not allow them at all, either inside or on the grounds?

My intention (all things considered, this could change) is to have a separate bunkhouse for folks with dogs. Hikers' dogs will not be allowed in the main building for myriad reasons I'm sure you can guess. I will, however, provide special services for hikers with dogs, including spare leashes, grooming supplies and the possibility of access to Frontline treatment. I have dogs. I've always had dogs, and always will, and my own dogs will be present at the hostel. It will be, without a doubt, a dog-friendly hostel.

[Jeff]

Another major consideration is regarding if this is going to be a moneymaking business, a breakeven endeavor or a drain on your personal finances. Most AT hostels who are able to stay in the black have another set of customers besides hikers. They include:


Long distance bikers
Whitewater enthusiasts
Downhill skiers
Snowmobilers
Bed and Breakfast attached


It is very difficult to make money when the thruhiker season lasts only a few months.

[solstice]

Another major consideration is regarding if this is going to be a moneymaking business, a breakeven endeavor or a drain on your personal finances. Most AT hostels who are able to stay in the black have another set of customers besides hikers. They include:


Long distance bikers
Whitewater enthusiasts
Downhill skiers
Snowmobilers
Bed and Breakfast attached


It is very difficult to make money when the thruhiker season lasts only a few months.

I currently have another means to make my livelyhood. In the beginning, I'd be more than happy with a break-even. I don't think, at this early planning stage, I would remain 100% open to customers year-round. Inevitable exceptions would be made. As the hostel becomes more prominent in the community, I may branch out into other endeavors.

[Bags4266]

It's funny to see what people like want and need, however when they have to pay 25-30 dollars a night they complain.

[Jeff]

It's funny to see what people like want and need, however when they have to pay 25-30 dollars a night they complain.

Exellent point !!!!!!!

[Lone Wolf]

It's funny to see what people like want and need, however when they have to pay 25-30 dollars a night they complain.

they still complain when it's a $5 donation per night

[Canute600]

Solstice,

These are by no means necessary, but I think thru-hikers might like the option of buying different types of stove fuel from you (by the ounce) and also the option to potentially send mail drops directly to the hostel if they are staying there. Good luck on the new venture!

[solstice]

Thanks, Canute. :) I will be allowing maildrops! I like the fuel idea.

[superman]

Hostels aren't much better than the shelters to me. I prefer a motels. I'd rather pay $100 a night for a good nights sleep in a motel instead of $5 at a hostel.:-?

[RGB]

How about no school/church groups or boyscout troops allowed?

[DavidNH]

My idea of an ideal at hiker hostel

showers, laundry, bed with mattress sheets and blankets all included in price

smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages would be forbidden!!!!!

if far from the trail they provide shuttle service

In or close to town with hiker services.

I'd rather pay 35 dollars and get everything included than pay 20 bucks and get nickel and dimed!

David

[DavidNH]

Hostels aren't much better than the shelters to me. I prefer a motels. I'd rather pay $100 a night for a good nights sleep in a motel instead of $5 at a hostel.:-?

Hotels are life savors at times. But one should mix up with hostels.

Post was about perfect hostel not hotel.

david

[RGB]

Hostels aren't much better than the shelters to me. I prefer a motels. I'd rather pay $100 a night for a good nights sleep in a motel instead of $5 at a hostel.:-?

I'm not sure if you really are just that rich, or if something is wrong with your logic and decision-making skills.

[superman]

Hotels are life savors at times. But one should mix up with hostels.

Post was about perfect hostel not hotel.

david

Oh, oops....then I take my post back.:)

[solstice]

My idea of an ideal at hiker hostel

showers, laundry, bed with mattress sheets and blankets all included in price

smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages would be forbidden!!!!!

if far from the trail they provide shuttle service

In or close to town with hiker services.

I'd rather pay 35 dollars and get everything included than pay 20 bucks and get nickel and dimed!

David

I like the all-inclusive idea for guests staying overnight. It makes everything less complicated, which is how I run things. :cool:

[superman]

I'm not sure if you really are just that rich, or if something is wrong with your logic and decision-making skills.

Doing the trail on the cheap is of no interest to me. The nice thing about being old is that you have more money and less financial demands.:welcome

[wcgornto]

It's funny to see what people like want and need, however when they have to pay 25-30 dollars a night they complain.

Some do, some don't.

Anyone who doesn't recognize the AT hiker services as being a bargain should probably stay away from the hostels.

The AT experience would be better for all without the freeloaders, but as long as there is a trail, there will be freeloaders.

[max patch]

Don't forget the swimming pool.

[superman]

Don't forget the swimming pool.

eggzakly!:)

[betsi]

visit green mountain house in manchester center, the bear's den in virginia, and lakeshore house pub/laundromat in monson. i was ridiculously excited that i could have a beer and do my laundry at the same time.

[Many Walks]

You'll want the ability to process ATM and credit cards.

Outside fire pit with benches away from sleeping quarters.

For your own sanity you might consider a boot/equipment washing station outside with drying racks and clotheslines away from the laundry and showers. This might save your laundry machines and keep the shower drains from getting clogged with mud.

[10-K]

Doing the trail on the cheap is of no interest to me. The nice thing about being old is that you have more money and less financial demands.:welcome

You don't have to be old to appreciate this.... I feel the same way. I also would choose a good hotel over a hostel but I'd just as soon stay at a hostel as one of the more "lived in" trail hotels... Not much difference IMO.

Regarding the OP's question: Hot, fresh coffee with real cream/sugar is worth a lot to me.