It seems that Britain’s love of a bargain isn’t waning, particularly when it comes to travel plans.
According to figures from LateRooms.com, the rise in popularity of upmarket hostels, or ‘Poshtels’ has been huge, with bookings for some of these unique properties rising by over 600% year-on-year.
Turning the no-frills image of budget boarding on its head, Poshtels offer the prices and lively atmosphere of a hostel, but the luxury décor, food and setting of an upmarket hotel. The biggest leap has been seen by the buzzing Generator Hostel in Dublin, next door to the Jameson Distillery and taking its creative décor from the neighbouring whiskey brand. It has seen bookings increase by a staggering 616% from January 2013 to the same month this year.
YHA Ambleside has seen a 150% increase in bookings too, after a £1.4m refurbishment to help make the most of its picturesque position on the shores of Lake Windermere. Clink 78 (pictured above), in Kings Cross, has seen a rise in bookings of 141% in the last year, and SafeStay in South London, nestled in an 18th century Georgian building complete with heated garden, has increased guest bookings by 16%.
“Whilst bookings at our 4* and 5* properties are still thriving, we’re also seeing an increase in the popularity of ‘Poshtels’,” commented Lynda Matthews, Head of Marketing for LateRooms.com. “These unique properties are a great option to allow people to get away on regular breaks without compromising on amazing locations or boutique interiors, and we’re expecting the growth in bookings to continue.”
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