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:

1. Braemer Castle, Hampton, TN
2. Pine Ellis, Andover, ME
3. 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:

1. Braemer Castle, Hampton, TN
2. Pine Ellis, Andover, ME
3. 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. Yikes!

A mint under my pillow...



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

haha, mints.

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.

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.

don't even allow it on the property

[Hooch]

don't even allow it on the property

Hurumph!

[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.