How to Manage a Hostel

Managing a hostel is a demanding position, but very rewarding. Managing a hostel is not as involved or complicated as other overnight businesses, making them easier to manage. You will need to know a few basic tools to handle the day-to-day operations of managing a hostel. By following these few simple tips you will be on your way to being the best manager a hostel could have.

You will be responsible for:

• Paying taxes


• Keeping paperwork in order


• Keep on top of all government regulations


• Have enough fire extinguishers


• Making sure exit doors are in working order and that there are enough of them


• Build a good reputation

To manage the hostel:

You will need to be hired by the hostel owner, or become the owner of a hostel.

Make sure all licenses are current and all on file. The best hostels to manage are those in prime locations. You want to be right in the center of the travelers. Backpackers must be able to see you, or they are not going to be able to stop and stay.

Hire a staff to work under you.

 You can’t manage a hostel by yourself. Set out a list of requirements and make sure your staff meets them. Do not hesitate to fire someone if they can’t perform their duties. You need to have workers that will work making the hostel a nice and comfortable environment for the travelers. Be sure the staff is able to clean rooms, be helpful, provide directions, and help in most other situations.

How does your hostel look?

Make sure your hostel is clean, cheery, cozy, and has a few nice amenities. Keep things simple. Keep the colors light. Keep the theme youthful since that will be the largest volume of your clients.

Check on your hostel clients in the evening.

Ask that they are comfortable and that they have everything they need. It is very important for word of mouth advertising and reputation if you go one step further. Interacting with clients is the best form of customer service.

Have rooms with 6 to 8 beds.

If your hostel has larger rooms you can put 12 bunk beds in there. Smaller rooms can have 1 to 2 beds and have a larger room fee since the hostel norm is to be dormitory style. This is what makes it cheaper and more fun than a regular hotel. Couples do travel together and at times don’t want to share a room with others. You will also have that single traveler that could be on a retreat and wishes to have a single room for blogging or journaling. Some hostels have coed rooms and some have separate rooms for men and women and families.

Lockers are a must.

You must provide hostel guests with some sort of a locking space. You can choose to have school or gym type lockers installed in an area, or have smaller storage boxes (like a hope chest) with locks. Guest will want to lock up their belongings if they should leave the room.

Other amenities to consider.

Provide hostel guests with access to a kitchen area so they are able to prepare meals. Equip your hostel with WiFi so guests can have free Internet access. Another amenity that guests will appreciate is a laundry facility or sinks deep enough to hand-wash cloths. Since most hostel guest are backpackers, they travel light and only have a few clothing items. Bathrooms are shared so make sure there is adequate shower and toilet stalls to accommodate guests.

Keep a lot of maps handy.

If there is one thing every traveler needs, that’s a map.