The very concept of a backpackers’ hostel is that the accommodation is a shared space. This idea can be traced back to pilgrims’ trails across Europe and Asia, where the faithful would travel long distances to visit holy sites. Of course, Hamilton is not known worldwide as a particularly holy place (although we have had some people who visit with that in mind), but the model is the same. 

Often, cost is a primary factor, and travellers are looking for a place where they can cook their own meals, thus cutting down on food expenses. Other guests are particularly looking for a place where they can meet fellow-travellers. This is often for a shared experience, such as a concert or festival, but sometimes it is just for the joy of mingling and meeting new people. 

Fear of New People

Generally, people who dislike the idea of a hostel are afraid that they will be in danger in a shared space. They worry about theft or being attacked. They are used to the isolation of a standard hotel, with long hallways and locks on all the doors. The idea of meeting strangers, chatting together and eating together is alien to them when they think of their vacation.

Just last week, a couple arrived for their stay with us. They made their reservation online, encouraged by our excellent prices and stellar reviews. But – the bathrooms are shared? The TV is in a lounge that others can also use? Oh, no. We can’t possibly stay here. 

I am surprised when this sort of thing happens. Did they not make the reservation themselves, did they not read the descriptions of the guesthouse, did they not see the pictures? No – they saw two numbers: the price (low) and the reviews (high). I can only assume they were expecting some sort of cross between a low-cost motel and a high-end bed and breakfast. 

Respect and Learning

The alternative to this attitude is embodied by the majority of our guests. I spoke with one just yesterday, who talked happily of the time she backpacked across South-East Asia, meeting new people and trying new food. Going to the places the locals go and learning to speak some of the local languages. And sharing a dormitory with strangers? Not a problem. People are always so respectful, she said – they expect you to respect them, and they behave accordingly. 

As I have mentioned in a previous blog, a lot of our guests are international. We absolutely love that so many people are coming to Hamilton – which is not a city known to attract pilgrims! Perhaps we don’t have too many claims to international fame but, since 2010, we have had a backpackers’ hostel. And we are very happy to introduce our guests to the wonderful places that only the locals know. 

We Can’t Deny It

In our last blog entry, we noted that 65% of our guests in 2024 were international and that 7% of our guests were from the United States. This wasn’t just true of last year: it’s true of pretty much every year since we started collecting this sort of data. We love our international guests and we love our guests from the USA!

We don’t know what’s going to happen to world economics in the coming months and years, but it doesn’t look good. People all over are hurting from the increased cost of living, and we feel the effects of it. Obviously, if people are having trouble paying their bills, they’re not going to be spending money on travel.

On top of this, the rhetoric of nationalism is increasing everywhere. It’s natural that people want to take care of their nearest and dearest when things get hard. But scapegoating and fear-mongering is never the right response – and yet we see it growing. This is especially obvious among some politicians, who amp-up their language for elections. Here in Ontario, we are going to be facing both a Federal and Provincial election in the coming months. It’s going to be hectic.

Turn It Around

It is a solace in these tough times to see those who are not facing adversity with hatred. We agree with this stance, and we try to add to it ourselves. We want to show that we welcome everyone here – from every part of the world, from every culture, from every background, with every expression of identity and every experience of the world.

Of course, we love Canada and we love Ontario and we especially love Hamilton! That’s why we want people to come here. It’s not love of place that we reject, but those who insist that there is only one correct way of living and being. It is diversity that makes the world wonderful. We observe that every day.

So, we invite you to come to Hamilton. Our prices are affordable, which is needed in these tough times. There are a multitude of things to do and see here that will cost you zero dollars! In particular, the amazing Winterfest, which runs from February 1st – 17th, and is a family-friendly celebration of the season, art and culture. Naturally, everything you do spend here helps us and our neighbours to get through this particularly difficult winter.

Let’s Be Really Clear

The Pring Guesthouse is, and always will be, a welcoming and safe place for everyone who stays with us. We do not accept any form of bigotry, ever, for any reason.

Move over, 2024.

It’s always worthwhile to look back over the year and think about the highlights and the low moments. Then, we can look forward to an even better year. 

I find it fascinating to look back at all the people who visited. We really enjoy being an international guesthouse, and seeing people from all over the world interact with each other, and with the city. In 2024, only approximately 35% of our guests were traveling within Canada, making the vast majority of our guests international. 

Of the 65% of guests who were international, the country most represented was our neighbour to the south, the United States of America, who made up approximately 7% of our guests. After that, the next five countries who sent the most guests our way were the United Kingdom, Germany, Ghana, Nigeria and India. 

All in all, we welcomed guests from ninety-one countries! Most of these were new faces, but we also welcomed back some old friends and regulars. Many were traveling for school and work; others were coming simply for leisure. 

The Lows

Usually, everyone who stays here treats the building and other guests with the utmost respect. Unfortunately, this year, we had one person who got a bit rough with the front door and broke one of the glass panes. He must have really knocked hard on the door – it’s much easier just to use the doorbell!

Otherwise, the year was quiet – but a bit too quiet. Compared to previous years, this year was very slow for business. This was due to a number of factors, most of them global and economic, and well outside our power to control. We are looking forward to being busier in 2025. 

The Highs

The absolute high point of 2024 for us and most people in our area was a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event – the Total Solar Eclipse that occurred on April 8th. The day looked cloudy at first, but it cleared up here in Hamilton just at the right time. Luckily, we were able to get amazing views of the Ring of Fire right from our garden. We were so excited to share this amazing experience with our neighbours, and with guests from across Canada, as well as from the US, Slovenia, Germany, the UK, the UAE, Jamaica and Japan. 

Of course, we made the most of our quiet year and made some upgrades to the property. Passers-by and guests waiting for rides need a place to rest, so we added a bench out front. We made some eco-friendly upgrades to our bathrooms to improve water conservation. Beds and bedding always need upgrading, so we changed out some pillows and mattresses. The Canadian Wildlife Federation certified our front garden as Wildlife-friendly habitat. We even got a new television for the common room!

What’s next, 2025?

We’re hoping that 2025 will be a busier year, for starters! Besides that, we are looking forward to making some more upgrades to beds and putting some new art on the walls. There should be some nice changes to the backyard coming this spring. 

This will the our fifteenth year of welcoming the world to Hamilton! On top of that, the Pring house itself will be turning 170 this year. Maybe a birthday celebration is in order for this milestone? But most importantly, we want to continue to offer friendly, safe, inclusive, comfortable and affordable accommodations to everyone who wants to come to Hamilton. This year, and many more years to come.