Travelers love nothing more than to relax and recuperate after a day full of adventure. So, when they are browsing hostels and checking out rooms, they will be looking for something that offers the most comfort and style for the least money. But, how can your dated hostel keep up with big hotel chains and cheap Airbnbs? Here are a few little updates that will give your listing a fresh look that will generate plenty of clicks and bookings.
Paint it chic
Imagine yourself getting to your hostel room after a day filled with city exploring or nature hiking. The only thing on your mind at that moment is relaxation, warmth and comfort: all the things contemporary hostel paint can offer. If your place needs a fresh coat of paint, make sure to choose something chic yet pleasant to the eye. For small rooms, choose a light and bright palette that will open up the space, but make sure to provide the rooms with accent walls (moody Nightwatch is PPG’s while Living Coral is Pantone’s Color of the Year).
Rethink your layout
A lot of hostels have a dated concept and layout of the rooms. So, don’t be one of those unattractive places and hook up your travelers with something different, practical and modern. The easiest way to change up your space is to change the flow of the rooms. This move will make your rooms look unique and more inviting which is something many travelers are ready to splurge on. For instance, you can provide them with a 5-star suite look by placing your desk and chair against the window and moving the sofa across from the bed. The best thing about this changing your layout? It’s completely free, so don’t hesitate to play with the flow until you find something innovative and interesting.
Provide comfy furniture
Most hostel rooms are small and claustrophobic and there’s nothing special you can do about it. There’s often no space for anything but a bed and a table! While this is more than enough for solo travelers, groups who want to spend time together will all find themselves crammed into a room with nowhere to sit. Luckily, you can find cheap floor pillows or get some money for cozy bean bags. On the other hand, if you’re aiming to kill two birds with one stone, you can invest in spacious queen mattresses for your hostel and provide your guests with comfortable sleep and plenty of sitting space. Provide your new beds with some sturdy covers and your travelers will get the chance to transform their queen beds from comfy seating spots into even comfier sleeping spots! This move is both practical and cost-effective and your guests will know how to appreciate it.
Change your cheap linen
Talking about beds, it’s time to ditch your old linens! This is one of the first things your guests will see, so make sure to leave a good impression. Swap old-fashioned patterned blankets for something modern and solid-colored and go for crisp duvet covers. Give your beds some stylish throws and covers and they will simply call your travelers’ names!
Ditch sterile art
You probably know exactly what kind of art we’re talking about here: Impersonal prints you can get at furniture stores for $10. These really don’t do anything for your hostel rooms and leave your guests utterly unimpressed, so it’s time to replace them with something more aesthetically pleasing. Millennials are especially big on unique and memorable art, so don’t hesitate to provide your rooms with original art, impactful photographs or vintage pieces of art that tell a special story of your destination and accommodation. And you don’t even have to spend a lot of money (check out thrift stores, sales and local galleries).
Decorate with plants
Many of the modern travelers are trying to live a life in harmony with nature, so make sure to provide your hostel with plenty of greenery to support your guests’ eco-friendly efforts. There are many great plants that require minimal maintenance like succulents, peace lilies, lavender and cacti and they also have a strong aesthetic presence. You won’t spend a lot of money and time on watering and pruning, but your guests will definitely get to enjoy relaxing splashes of green and cleaner air (some plants are natural air purifiers).
With these cheap yet effective updates, your hostel will attract all types of travelers from city explorers to nature lovers. Your offer will definitely get more clicks and your bookings will improve—this will make your small updates worth all your money and effort!
