When we first opened in 2010, we proudly boasted that we’re Hamilton’s first backpackers’ hostel. Sixteen years on, we are still the only hostel in town. The accommodation landscape has changed quite a bit over those years. While the city still has plenty of standard hotels and motels, the number of independent bed and breakfasts has declined steeply, while the number of ghost hotels has risen sharply in the last few years.
Other Accommodations
Ghost hotels are generally accommodations where a guest receives a code for access before their check in, and is not greeted or helped by any staff. There is only a distant owner, who employs a cleaning crew to clean up after check-out, but there is no on-site staff or management. Many guests enjoy this form of contactless accommodations, but others prefer to have someone on hand if needed.
Large chain hotels dominate the downtown of most cities, and Hamilton is no exception. They are often attached to convention centres, entertainment areas, or chain restaurants. Old-school motels and motor inns are often found near highway off-ramps and both are usually near the airport. While a lot of guests enjoy this sort of cookie-cutter, big-box accommodation, because they know what to expect, others prefer something with more character.
Character?
Hostels are well known for being unique places to stay. If you’ve ever travelled from hostel to hostel, you will find that no two are the same. This is mostly because they are generally independently owned and run. Even while there are some hostels that are part of small chains, each location has its own aesthetic and the vibes can change significantly. Some hostels incorporate campgrounds or cabins, while some urban hostels include micro-accommodations, like pods. Some focus on single travellers, while others are designed for family or group travel.
We like to think that we’re capturing that essence as much as we can. While our business is quite small, we are happy to welcome everyone, whether you are travelling on your own, or if you are with your whole family. And we always have a lot of fun with group bookings, as conference or party-goers come back here after a huge event.
Going Forward
It’s been sixteen years (and one month) since we welcomed our first backpacker, back in September 2010. Since then we’ve learned a lot about the city, about the tourism business, about Ontario, and Canada, and the rest of the world. Our pin-board, showing where all our guests have come from, is one of our favourite things in the building. We really are welcoming the world to Hamilton!
We look forward to continuing to do so. Maybe one day there will be another hostel in Hamilton – or one may even re-open in Niagara Falls! But we’re proud to still be standing here, the only hostel in the city, welcoming everyone no matter how huge their backpack, or how many miles they’ve come.
Recent Comments