Hostelworld matters because travelers want cheap beds. Backpackers, students, and explorers hunting for budget stays use it daily. It’s not just another booking site. For hostel owners, it’s where you meet your guests. If you run a hostel, guesthouse, or affordable spot, Hostelworld helps fill empty beds and bring people back. Let’s see how it works for you.
What Is Hostelworld?
Hostelworld is one of the biggest names out there for budget stays. The platform links travelers with over 12,000 places in more than 165 countries, handling about 250,000 bookings every month.
The global hostel business was worth over $7 billion in 2023. Hostel booking sites like Hostelworld are a big part of this market. Experts expect this specific sector to grow from $2.93 billion in 2023 to around $6.49 billion by 2030 – that’s about 12% growth each year. This shows Hostelworld is a key player that’s here to stay.
For hosts, being on Hostelworld means reaching the perfect audience: budget-savvy travelers from all over who care about experiences. Thanks to its strong name and worldwide ads, your property gets seen by way more people than you could likely reach on your own.
How Hostelworld Works
When you list your place on Hostelworld, you reach a huge crowd of travelers. People use the site to find stays by location, price, what’s offered, and ratings. Once they spot your place, they book right there on the site or app. Here’s the important part: guests pay Hostelworld, and they handle all the money stuff. They take a 15% cut, then send the rest to you. This means you don’t have to chase guests for money—Hostelworld makes sure you get paid, on time, every time.
For guests, it’s super easy. They sign up, look for places, and pick what matters to them (like free Wi-Fi, breakfast, or 24-hour check-in). Then they book in just a few clicks. They can also read reviews from other travelers, which helps them pick your place.
Who Uses Hostelworld
Hostelworld attracts a specific type of traveler, and knowing who they are can help you tailor your property to their needs. Most guests are young students, recent graduates, or young professionals—who want to see the world without spending a fortune. They’re often traveling solo, with friends, or in small groups, and they value experiences over luxury.
Many of these travelers are looking for more than just a bed. They want a social atmosphere where they can meet other people, share stories, and maybe even join group activities. They also care about practical amenities: free Wi-Fi is a must, as is access to a kitchen to save money on meals. Location matters too—they prefer to stay close to public transport, landmarks, or nightlife.
Understanding these preferences can help you highlight the right features in your Hostelworld listing. If you have a communal lounge, make sure to mention it. If your property is a 10-minute walk from the main train station, that’s a selling point. Small details can make a big difference in attracting the right guests.
Beyond Hostels: More Options Than You Think
Don’t let the name fool you—Hostelworld isn’t just for hostels. Boutique hotels, eco-lodges, homestays, serviced apartments, and other unique places can get value from it too. For example:
- A countryside B&B could use it to attract city travelers looking for weekend getaways.
- An apartment owner might reach budget-friendly couples who want more space than a shared dorm.
It’s a simple way to connect with travelers who might not find you otherwise.
Benefits of Listing on Hostelworld
For many hosts, the primary benefit is reach. Hostelworld markets properties to travelers in nearly 170 countries, exposing them to an audience they might not reach through direct advertising. Other advantages include:
- No upfront cost: you only pay a 15 % commission when a booking is confirmed. No booking, no fee.
- Simple tools: the dashboard lets you change prices, close beds, or message guests in a few clicks. Link it to a channel manager, and your calendar updates itself.
- Trust: only real guests can leave reviews. Good ratings push you higher in search, bringing in more guests and keeping beds full.
When paired with professional photos and a well-written description, these features can help hosts attract more guests during both peak and low seasons.
Enhancing Efficiency with Smart Order Channel Managers
Managing availability and rates across multiple booking platforms can be time-consuming and error-prone. This is where a channel manager-Smart Order, becomes valuable. A channel manager directly connect with Hostelworld, updating room availability and pricing instantly across all connected platforms whenever a booking is made or a change occurs.
Quick Start Guide for New Hosts
Getting started on Hostelworld is straightforward:
1. Prepare Your Information
Have ready: property name/address, contact email, high-quality photos, room/bed details, payout/bank info, and any required tax or license documents.
2. Go to the Sign-Up Page
Visit Hostelworld’s “List Your Property” page and click to start a new listing.
3. Create Your Account
Enter property details, location, contact person, email, and set a secure password.
4. Verification
Hostelworld’s onboarding team will contact you to confirm your property and may request extra documents or photos.
5. Access the Extranet
Once approved, log into the Hostelworld Extranet to manage your listing, rates, and bookings.
6. Complete Your Profile
Add an engaging description, amenities, check-in/out times, and house rules.
7. Upload Photos
Use clear, well-lit images of rooms, bathrooms, common areas, and exterior.
8. Set Rooms & Rates
Create room types, add prices, and define booking rules.
9. Add Payment & Policy Details
Input payout method, taxes, cancellation, and deposit policies.
10. Go Live
Double-check all details, run a test booking, and publish your property.
Tips for Maximizing Results
- Optimize your photos: Use bright, clear images that reflect your property’s atmosphere.
- Encourage reviews: Politely ask satisfied guests to share feedback.
- Leverage promotions: Offer discounts during slow periods to increase occupancy.
- Highlight unique features: Whether it’s a rooftop terrace, free breakfast, or themed rooms, make sure guests know what sets you apart.
Conclusion
For hosts wanting to reach more budget travelers, Hostelworld offers a platform that’s easy to use and really works. When hosts learn how the platform works, use its messaging tools well, and connect tools like Smart Order, they can run things smoothly and keep rooms filled. Its global network helps properties get seen by travelers everywhere, while direct chats with guests and simpler daily tasks make it a great way to grow your bookings
