American Hostels

Your stories. Our stories. All together in one place.

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What separates the great hostels from the merely good ones?

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http://www.backpackingdiplomacy.com/the-skinny-on-hostel-jobs-9-cool-things-about-working-in-a-hostel/

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Community Post: 15 Dream Hostels From Around The World

Who would have thought shared rooms with strangers could be made so unbelievably awesome?

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15 Facts why to stay in Hostels - Social Travel and Hostel Blog

There are many reasons why to stay in Hostels. And even the fact that hostels are usually cheaper is obviously important, it is not at all the reason #1 why to stay in Hostels. Check out our Top 15 Facts why to stay in Hostels! You will be surprised on how many ways you can read more »

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http://www.abackpackerstale.com/blogs/saving-for-a-rtw-trip/

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Hostel of the Week: The Crash Pad @ Chattanooga, TN

What’s So Special?: Instead of trying to just open up a regular ol’ fashion hostel in the area of Chattanooga, The Crash Pad wanted to take the initiative to imagine and create a boutique hostel.  Chattanooga is an ultimate outdoor destination, and we wanted to provide a base camp and community hub for the adventurous traveler. We wanted to make this hostel unique from the get go. Being a LEED Platinum building is just one of the ways that makes this hostel unique. The local craftsmanship permeates every aspect of the building. From the bunks, bed frames, counters, sinks, and shelving, every detail of the hostel reflects an array of local artists and craftsmen. Other than just being a hostel with a low price, we wanted to set ourselves aside by including as many amenities as possible to our guests. 

Walk To: Location of the hostel was everything. By putting our location right in the heart of Chattanooga’s Southside neighborhood, we allow our guests to have easy accessibility to the city’s local stores, restaurants, and nightlife, while still being close to all of Chattanooga’s outdoor adventures.

Private Room:

SuperBunk:

About: Chattanooga is considered an ultimate outdoor destination. Chattanooga was rated the Best City Ever by Outside Magazine! So, we decided to take that lead and market to that adventurous traveler. Anybody is welcome at The Crash Pad, but our clientele - more specifically - are climbers, hikers, bikers, kayakers, or any outdoor enthusiast/athlete. They come from all over the globe to enjoy our numerous outdoor assets. World class climbing is 30 minutes from our doorstep. Looking for trails to run? Only have to go 10 minutes. Rivers to paddle? 45 minutes to the Ocoee, site of all the whitewater sports for the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic games.

  Other than just having amazing amenities for our clients, and being located by all the outdoor destinations in Chattanooga, the unique management and staff keeps our clients coming back. With the team constantly meeting together, we are always brainstorming new ideas for The Crash Pad. Whether it is an event or a fundraiser, The Crash Pad team is always looking for ways to volunteer and connect the city of Chattanooga.

 Buy Your Own Boulderfield is a great example of this. We team up with the Southeastern Climbers’ Coalition to raise money for a boulder field that they purchased to open up access to climbers. Last year, we raised over $5500 through ticket sales and a huge live auction. This event is still the largest single fundraiser for the SCC.

 Creating a unique experience for our guests and for locals, while leveraging the outdoor assets of our great city, is really what we’re all about.

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Hostels vs. Hotels – What’s the Difference?

1. Kitchens – Most Hostels offer full kitchens for guests to share and use, fully equipped with appliances, cookware, and utensils. For longer trips, cooking your food at the hostel’s kitchen will save a lot compared to eating out.

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2. Breakfast – Hostels can vary widely in what they offer for breakfast. Some hostels offer something comparable to a continental breakfast, while some may only offer coffee. Many hostels offer simple breakfast options of coffee, milk, cereal, and toast.  All should have a great suggestion on a local place to try.

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3. Bathrooms – In most hostels when staying in a dormitory, guests share bathrooms. Some hostels offer private rooms with their own bathroom, but a majority of rooms do not have ensuites.  This helps keeps the price down for you and with fewer bathrooms on the grounds, they are probably cleaned more often.

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 4. Common Spaces – Hostels typically have multiple common areas for guests to relax and socialize. Most have a living room and computer area, as well as outdoor space. Unlike hotels, guests frequently socialize together in these spaces.  It's a great place to meet new people and share your down time meeting new friends!

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5. Price – Whether you opt for a dormitory bed or a private room, a hostel stay is usually cheaper than a hotel. Besides being more affordable, most hostels add their personal touch and feel more like home than a hotel.

  6. Privacy – With many communal spaces and dormitory rooms, guests at a hostel typically have less privacy than at a hotel. This isn’t always a bad thing though; the lack of privacy makes it much easier and more common to meet people.

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7. Toiletries & Linens – Hotels usually provide basic toiletries and linens for guests. Hostels on the other hand, do not provide toiletries. Most hostels do provide all linens, though some may charge for towels.

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Hostel of the Week: Nashville Downtown Hostel

What's So Special?:  Nashville Country Music Scene and Best Location in Town (look us up in Google Map)

Hours: Open 24x7 with Staff present at Front Desk

Walk To: Honky Tonk bars on Broadway, Country Music Hall of Fame, LP Stadium (NFL games), Bridgestone Arena (NHL games and A+ concerts), Ryman Auditorium (Many Concerts), Music City Center (brand new $700M convention center)

About : Located on the Cumberland Riverfront in the historic warehouse building built in 1880s, Nashville Downtown Hostel sits right in the heart of "The District" in Downtown Nashville. The hostel is just steps from the world famous Nashville "Honky-Tonks" such as Tootsie's and Robert's, and Wildhorse Saloon known for country line dancing as well as Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium,Bridgestone Arena, LP Field (the home of Nashville Titans), The Capital Building, The Station Inn and many other local attractions.

After a year of renovation work in this historic 120 year old building, Nashville Downtown Hostel opened it's doors to travelers from all over the world. The Hostel is ideally suited for group booking with space to accommodate nearly 100 guests.

Its facility feature 24-hour common area with computer stations, community kitchen, lounge, and it's own music stage. Nashville Downtown Hostel is committed to upholding its cozy, home-like atmosphere and its motto, "Come as Guests, Leave as Friends."

24 hour Common Area:

See more or make your reservation @ Nashville Downtown Hostel website!

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My 14 Favorite Travel Blogs of 2013

There are a lot of travel blogs and websites. Here are the top ten I am reading right now that will give you great advice and inspire you to travel more.

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Proud to be working together to promote hostelling in the US!  

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A little bit of that #springtime riding. Regrammed from @katthecursed (at Indianapolis Art Center)

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Hostel of the Week: Iron Master's Mansion: Gardners, PA

Iron Master's Mansion on the Appalachian Trail

The Ironmaster's Mansion is a unique building that was built in 1829 by one of the ironmasters of Pine Grove Furnace. It sits at the half-way point of the 2,186 mile long Appalachian Trail and is used by trail hikers all spring, summer and fall. Many thru-hikers stay here as they travel from Georgia to Maine. Many of these thru-hikers take the half-gallon challenge by buying a half-gallon of ice cream and eating it as fast as they can. Guests also take advantage of the many trails, streams, lakes, beaches and bike trails in the Pine Grove Furnace State Park. The Appalachian Trail Museum is also here in the Park.

See more and reserve your space at http://ironmastersmansion.com/

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What To Pack For Your Hostel Stay

First off,  read through the hostel’s website before you pack. Doing so could save you the hassle of packing things the hostel already provides.

Toiletries – Unlike hotels, hostels generally do not provide any toiletries. They may have some on-hand, but don’t expect them to be available. Also, pack travel sizes to save space. 

Earbuds/Headphones – You want to be a courteous guest, and not every guest may want to hear your music selection. Pack a quality pair of headphones that allow you to listen to your music without disturbing others.

Eyemask & Earplugs – You may find you keep a different sleep schedule than other guests, i.e. jetlag, etc. An eyemask and earplugs can help ensure you get the sleep you need.

                                                          Towel – Some hostels do not offer towels to guests, others charge a small fee. Packing a travel towel can be the best option to avoid fees if you’re staying a multiple hostels.

Power adapter & converter – First off, these are not the same – do research to find out which you need. If you’re doing any international traveling, odds are you’ll need an adapter and/or converter. Pick this up at home first, so you don’t wind up with an uncharged camera or no hairdryer.

Flip-flops – Some hostels prefer you not to wear shoes inside. Also, some showers may not be as clean as you’d like. A pair won’t take up much space, and adds comfort to your stay.

Padlock – Most hostels offer storage lockers for guests, but most also charge to rent a lock. Bringing your own will save money in the long run, and you’ll always know the combination.

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My 100th Post: Why I Love Hostels

"Do you know where the youth hostel at Fort Mason is?" I called out from the back seat of the cab. I was with my friend Anathea and her boyfriend, pleasantly buzzed after a few beers in San Francis...

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As much as we love it, backpacking isn't always a bed of roses. Sometimes it's messy, embarrassing, or just plain annoying. Here's our ranked list of backpacking low points...

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Get back to the Country Wisconsin Style at HI- Wellspring

                         Looking for a quaint get-away?  Try the HI- Wellspring near Milwaukee, Wisconsin and get back to nature!  HI-Wellspring Hostel is located 35 minutes away from the city on a working organic farm.  Started in 1990, HI- Wellspring is situated next to the village of Newburg, a designated bird city, where Wellspring guests have sited over 80 species of birds and fowl.

 HI- Wellspring is located on 36 acres of woods, meadows, ponds, river trails, an outdoor labyrinth, and gardens; all along the Kettle Moraine River Valley. Food is provided for guests as well as an opportunity to get in the garden if you wish!  Into hiking and biking?  Quiet country roads and bikes, FREE to use, will give you plenty of opportunity to take in the landscape.   If you’re worried about getting dirty on your ride, HI- Wellspring has you covered with access to laundry facilities.  Parking, a full kitchen and Wi-Fi are also provided free of charge.

 HI- Wellspring is the perfect spot for people looking to get back to nature and try country living. But if a jaunt to the city is what you need, they are just a stone throw away from local restaurants, numerous attractions for all four seasons, and often hold their own events including Home Cheese Making Basics, Introductions to Raw Cooking, Beekeeping, and much more!

Come check out HI-Wellspring and explore your natural side.  See more at www.wellspringinc.org