Here at Stay the Night, we’re always sharing hostel industry news. We love to see hostels hitting the headlines, putting new digital marketing strategies into practice and generally making waves in the travel industry.
That’s why we have decided to create our very own ‘Hostel Hall of Fame’ – each month, we’ll be highlighting the online (and offline) successes of hostels around the world.
From using InstaStories effectively to attract potential guests to clinching a fantastic piece of coverage in the media, we want to share and celebrate your good news!
So here goes…
TWO HOSTELS NAMED IN TIME’S 2018 WORLD GREATEST PLACES
Two hostels have been named in TIME’s 2018 World Greatest ‘Places to Stay’ category this month.
Designed by multi-award winning firm Ministry of Design, Coo Boutique Hostel Singapore offers guests the ultimate luxury experience so its spot among some of the most prestigious hotels and resorts in the world is wholly deserved.
Since the TIME’s World’s Great list was announced last week, COO has received worldwide media coverage in publications including Business Insider, Luxury Travel Magazine and Channel NewsAsia. This has boosted the hostel’s international reputation, increased awareness to a global audience and strengthened COO’s overall brand positioning.
Generator Madrid – which opened in June of this year – was also included in the list. The brand’s second Spanish hostel, which sits on the edge of Madrid’s trendy Malasaña district, has been raved about by guests with facilities such as a rooftop lounge with whirlpool baths, an American diner style restaurant and a buzzing bar.
WANDERSTAY HOTELS CLINCHES COVERAGE IN HUGE US MAGAZINE
Essence Magazine published an interview this week with Deidre Mathis, the owner of WanderStay Hotels. WanderStay – the first black-owned hostel of it’s kind in the U.S – officially opened its doors on 13th August. They are on a ‘mission to bring the communal living experience – and the friendships and connections that come with it’ to Houston.
Securing this piece of PR coverage in one of America’s most popular women’s magazine is a fantastic way of beginning to build brand awareness and transform the way the U.S traveller market think about hostels. It’s also a great way to reach potential guests who are seeking a hostel experience when visiting the area.
EUROPE’S FAMOUS HOSTELS GET THE COOL SEAL OF APPROVAL
A recent article on travel website the Matador Network gave readers a run down of ‘The 15 Coolest Hostels in Europe‘ – and Europe’s Famous Hostel members made up a staggering 12 out of the 15!
Europe’s Famous Hostels is an association of individually owned, independent hostels which aims to provide a recognisable stamp of quality for travellers staying in hostels across the continent. This latest mention in Matador is a testament to the group’s high standards and is bound to have an impression on readers who are planning their next European trip.
ONCE TRAVEL USE ‘SPRING FEVER’ TO PROMOTE DIRECT BOOKINGS
The Once Travel chain – who’s hostels are currently open in Cape Town and Johannesburg (and soon to be Nairobi) – are offering 20% off bookings via their website as part of a special spring promotion. The offer was launched on social media using a vibrant photo showcasing the destination and a range of relevant hashtags (making it easier for potential guests to spot the deal). Running a seasonal incentive like this is a great way of setting themselves apart from their competitors and OTAs.
For more ways to promote direct bookings, check out our past blog post.
SELINA ARE TAKING TRAVELLERS ON A ROAD TRIP
Earlier this month, Selina announced the ‘Selina Road Trip’, an all-inclusive getaway to their destinations in Panama and Costa Rica for 12 travellers. The hostel chain will choose 12 people to hit the road and explore some of the best destinations on the region.
Each day of the trip, a video episode from the group will be shared – this user-generated content is a unique way to build trust with potential guests and showcase the fun, vibrant personality of their hostel brand.
That’s all for August! If you have any exciting news over the next month, let us know and we’ll submit it to our September Hall of Fame.
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