Presentation of research of the hostel and budget accommodation industry, and an analysis of the Vancouver market.

1. MAJOR PROJECT 2: RESEARCH
PAUL WITTAL

2. WHAT IS A HOSTEL?

3. WHAT IS A HOSTEL?
Hostels are a type of budget accommodation.
Typically guest rent a bed in a dormitory and share the
hostels facilities with other guests. Hostels encourage
social interaction between guests and most provide
common areas for guests to mingle.

4. HOTEL/HOSTEL COMPARISON
Hostels are generally located
much closer to city centres than
comparably priced hotels.
Hostels facilitate social interaction
between guests and often provide
common areas and activities.
Hostels tend to have a more casual
atmosphere than hotels and promote
lifestyle of adventure travel.
Because hostels are shared
accommodation they provide guests
with less privacy.

5. HOSTEL UNIQUE BENEFITS
Hostels provide value for money, while offering a range of
accommodation options. Hostels staff are community minded and
can offer unique local knowledge. Perhaps the primary benefit
hostels offer are the many opportunity to engage in social
activities with like minded travelers from around the world.

6. WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL HOSTEL?

7. CRITERIA FOR SUCCESS
Atmosphere
The overall look, feel and mood of a hostel greatly effects the guest
experience. Guests want to feel comfortable and at home; staying in
a hostel with a great atmosphere can make a great trip even better.
Safety/Security
It’s important for hostels to offer a safe and secure environment.
Guests want to feel comfortable with the neighborhood, and know
their possessions will be safe.
Location
Centrally located accommodation is a benefit budget travelers
typically wouldn’t receive from a cheap hotel. Hostels with central
locations and access to amenities such as transit, shopping and
dinning are typically popular.

8. CRITERIA FOR SUCCESS
Staff
The quality and knowledge of staff contribute greatly to the
overall guest experience. Guest appreciate staff who are outgoing,
courteous and can provide inside knowledge of the city.
Fun
The social aspect of hostels is appealing for many budget travelers.
Successful hostels provide plenty of common space for guests to
interact and offer activities such as city tours and pub crawls.
Cleanliness
Failure to providing a clean environment is often a deal breaker;
guests most basic expectations are for their accommodations
to be clean and well kept.

9. TARGET MARKET

10. TARGET MARKET
The primary target market for the hostel industry is men and
women 18-35, who seek high value accommodation and an
authentic experience. For the Vancouver market these guests
will primarily come from the USA; a larger number of will also
come from overseas with the UK, Germany, Australia, Japan,
Hong Kong and China being of specific importance.

11. COMPETITION ANALYSIS

12. COMPETITION ANALYSIS
HI-Vancouver Central
Located in the Granville entertainment
district, this hostel offers a free breakfast,
tours/activities and provides good
security. However, guests reviews suggest
amenities are basic and the hostel does
not have an adequate kitchen. $30
SameSun Backpacker’s
With a 87% guest approval rating this
is Vancouver’s top rated hostel. The
hostel provides many amenities such as
bar, kitchen and nightly activities. Guest
reviews indicate this hostel has issues
with noise and cleanliness. $29.50

13. COMPETITION ANALYSIS
Cambie Hostel
Located in Gastown this hostel is
legendary for it’s party atmosphere. The
casual feel, focus on common areas and
large kitchen are the primary features.
However, noise, cleanliness and security
issues are common guest complaints. $26
C&N Backpackers Hostel
Located in Strathcona, this renovated
heritage hostel is known for being clean,
safe and having friendly staff. However,
facilities are basic and neighborhood safety
and noise are common guest complaints.

14. WHAT IS THE YALETOWN HOSTEL?

15. WHERE IS THE YALETOWN HOSTEL?
Yaletown was a former warehouse district and one of Vancouver’s original
neighborhoods. Yaletown is an excellent location because the area is
central, near transit, upscale/safe and has no other budget accommodation.

16. NEIGHBORHOOD AMENITIES
Yaletown station is a short walk
from the hostel and provides a direct
connection to the airport.
Yaletown offers a world of dinning
options: from fast food & casual
chains to high end restaurants.
Yaletown is home to some of
Vancouver’s best nightlife. Micro-
breweries, lounges and nightclubs.
The diverse neighborhood also has
necessities, such as grocery stores,
pharmacies and banks.

17. WHAT IS THE YALETOWN HOSTEL?
The Yaletown hostel is a boutique hostel,
which unlike traditional hostels aims to provide a higher
standard of comfort and amenities. The mid sized hostel
will provide mostly dormitory accommodation with
most rooms providing beds for up to six guests.

18. UNIQUE FEATURES
A number of common areas
including a lounge with TV and
a rooftop patio with a large
outdoor hot tub.
The hostel is equipped with a
modern self serve communal
kitchen and basic cookware.
Guests will have access to an
in-hostel complementary bicycle
rental service.
A complementary breakfast will be
provide in the hostel cafe. At night
the cafe will function as a pub.

19. BRAND STRATEGY

20. POSITIONING STATEMENT
The Yaletown hostel is Vancouver’s only boutique hostel,
and is about providing guests with more than just a bed.
With a focus on atmosphere, social interaction between
like-minded travels and local community engagement
staying at the hostel is an experience.

21. CORE VALUES
Mission Statement
To provide an exceptional guest
experience by fostering a fun,
social atmosphere and providing
friendly local knowledge.
Vision Statement
To be famous within hostel
culture as a destination hostel,
and known its fun atmosphere and
comfortable facilities.