Backpacker travelers usually choose hostels over hotels, and though money is a huge element, they prefer to make their journey last longer. Due to this time flexibility which allows the customers to do what they want in the kitchen themselves, they can learn a lot about the places they are in. One more important factor is that they could meet like minded people. A hotel developer of New York, the Sydell Group, and Yucaipa Cos. have entered into a partnership with a plan of starting high-end youth hostels in major U.S. cities such as New York, Washington San Francisco and Los Angeles. The venture is a project of $250 million which involves acquiring and renovating approximately ten low cost hotels and would take couple of years to complete. Each room will offer four to six beds, which may appeal to the customers who will have an opportunity to meet fellow backpackers.
The amenities include stylized lobbies, restaurants, bars, and swimming pools which are distinguishing elements from other youth hostels, luxurious facilities offered may not be great when compared with luxury hotels. The firm, Roman & Williams, will be the designers for the project. The new venture will have sizable domestic and foreign youth who have been ignored by the many hotel companies. Though you could spot youth hostels in America, they are not like the hostels of European countries where guests share rooms with strangers.
According to Sydell’s chief executive, Andrew Zobler, though the concept of youth hostel is in infant stage, they plan to create better designs for hostels. Prominent Democrat, Mr. Burkle recently has launched a hostel in Miami Beach. He has spent about twenty million dollars to convert South Beach Hotel, which would be opened in 2012, providing 350 beds and each costs about $40 per night.
