Hostel Review - City Backpackers Stockholm

Why we love City Backpackers Hostel in Stockholm

Stockholm is known for its eclectic watery skyline with a plethora of islands and the colourful buildings in historical Gamla Stan; but the highlight for us was hanging out with our favourite meatball-loving Swedes at City Backpacker’s Hostel.

Why is it so good?

Firstly, it’s authentic. This is place for true backpackers, and has been since 1994! This is a great place to meet other backpackers, hang-out, sleep, share a sauna.. yes really! They have a sauna for guests to enjoy - and believe me if you’re here in winter, you’ll be really into that idea after a day skipping through the snow filled streets of Stockholm.

The team here do everything they can to make you feel welcome, and the design is young and fun, without being pretentious. If you want to strum your guitar in the garden (not in the middle of the night, ok?) or relax on their sofas, then you’re welcome. And you can get a great cocktail or beer in the restaurant next door to. Skål!

They have a very cute garden for those long summer nights, with live music and events here too. Then for winter you can get cosy in their chill out rooms - grab a bit to eat in their communal kitchen, or just relax and be toasty and watch the snowfall outside.

Cool things they offer

The Sauna is one of them.

We also love their stacks of National Geographics, the food in Nomad Swedish Restaurant and Bar next door, the facilities and the tours. They also hire out everything from skateboards to ice skates! Unique to Stockholm possibly..

We also secretly want to be Vikings, and not just because of the TV show, so what better than to have some authentic Viking experiences? They offer some awesome tours, but the Viking Tour has to be the best. Save it for winter - when you can show your strength with an outdoor sauna and then dip in the (frozen over) sea!!

The Location

Their location is near all the shopping streets and plenty of restaurants, and you can hop on the metro here to get all over town. The old town of Stockholm is known for its vibrant colours as the buildings of Gamla Stan date back to the 13th century. This is not just a pretty pedestrianised corner of Stockholm but actually where the Danish King killed all the Swedish noblemen in the Stockholm Bloodbath of 1520. Find out about the history of Stockholm with one of the organised tours from the hostel.

We love this cool hostel, and we hope you do too. Find out more about them here

7 Reasons to Love Lisbon

7 Reasons to Love Lisbon

Not only are there seven hills to watch sunset from, Lisbon has some of the best cultural, historical and fun sites to explore. There are a million reasons but if we had to pick… here are our 7 Reasons to Love Lisbon!

7 reasons to Love Lisbon

We love the people, the food, the friendly yet cool atmosphere – not to mention the music festivals all summer long. But if we had to pick 7 reasons to love Lisbon…

1. Best Party in Europe

Could it be? We think so. With the whole of the Barrio Alto becoming a party at night, Lisbon is pretty good at rocking until daylight. Check out one of the local bars or hit the clubs on the waterfront.

To read this article go to Equity Point Blogs here

Hostel Doctor Features on Hotel Impossible Makeover Show

Hostel Doctor was fortunate to be invited to take part in US Travel Channel's hit show 'Hotel Impossible' for their Season 7 Premiere 'Hostel Takeover'. On the show, client The Gardner Hotel & Hostel is given a makeover to restore it to a great place to stay - and Hostel Doctor was in charge of modernising their branding and online presence.

Our client The Gardner Hotel and Hostel in El Paso, Texas, was given the makeover treatment by Anthony Melchiorri and the design team to update the hostel rooms and communal area to make it modern, safe, clean and comfortable. They called in Hostel Doctor to update their online presence, produce their new website and branding, and to market the revamped hostel. We're pleased to say that the hostel has had a great turnaround.  

It was great to contribute to the show and we're really please that they chose to have a hostel featuring. Hopefully it can bring more attention to hostels as a great budget option for those traveling in the US and showcase what they're all about. 

To see full episode visit http://www.travelchannel.com/shows/hotel-impossible/video/hostel-takeover

Find out what happened behind the filming and what's next for The Gardner here

Travel Channel’s hit series, ‘Hotel Impossible,’ Filming at our client The Gardner Hotel

Here’s a look behind the scenes while we were filming! Don’t miss out on the Season 7 premiere

We’re honored and excited to feature on Season 7 premiere of Travel Channel’s hit series, ‘Hotel Impossible,’ airing Monday, April 18 at 9pm ET/PT.

El Paso Times covers client The Gardner Hotel on ‘Hotel Impossible’

The Gardner Hotel will be featured on tonight’s season premiere of “Hotel Impossible” on the Travel Channel.”

The family-owned Gardner Hotel, in Downtown, has seen its share of ups and downs since it first opened in 1922.Now, the Nebhan family, which owns and operates the historic hotel, is hoping that their mission to improve the hotel, which also serves as a hostel, isn’t impossible.

Last year, the Nebhans agreed to participate in the television reality show “Hotel Impossible,” which takes struggling hotels and gives them a makeover and advice from veteran hotel operator and hospitality expert Anthony Melchiorri.

Read the rest of the article here

Romantic Weekend in London on a Budget

Romantic Weekend in London on a Budget

London has a reputation as an expensive city, but there is plenty happening around town that is free, and lots of great options of places to eat and drink on a budget. If you're heading here for a romantic weekend, you might be surprised how many great things there are to do. Here are our top ten things to do on a Romantic weekend in London on a budget.

Check out our post for Equity Point Hostels here

Copenhagen Downtown Blogs

What's on in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen Fashion Week, Copenhagen Pride, Copenhagen Art Week, even Copenhagen Cooking Week! There's lots going on in Copenhagen at the moment. Check out the blogs we created for Copenhagen Downtown hostel and find out more.

http://www.copenhagendowntown.com/blog

#cphdowntown

What to see in Barcelona this summer

What to see in Barcelona this summer

Blog post for Equity Point

What to see in Barcelona this summer, from live music and festivals, to street parties and fireworks displays.
The catalonian capital; famous for Gaudi architecture, Gothic old town alleyways, food, and football, is a great destination all year round, but if you’re planning a visit to Barcelona this summer then check out these events. If you love to party, then try a fiesta Barcelona style!

Read more here

www.equity-point.com/blogs

Top 10 Things To Do In Lisbon

Top 10 Things To Do In Lisbon

Article for Equity Point Hostels

"From the best viewpoints in this charming historic capital, to the tastiest cakes, check out our recommendations for the top 10 things to do in Lisbon.

One of Europe’s most spectacular cities, the Portuguese capital is filled with charming hilly streets and beautifully facaded buildings, tumbling down to the sea from the city’s seven hills. With a wealth of historical monuments and tempting cafes with sea views, grab a map and set out to discover the city’s treasures."

Read more here

www.equity-point.com/blogs

What To Do In Girona This Summer

What To Do In Girona This Summer

Article for Equity Point

"This historic Catalan city of Girona is famous for its beautiful old town, riverside views and Costa Brava coast, but it’s also known as the City of Festivals. Girona is a great place to experience the Catalan culture and they love to party! Find out the best things to see and do with our recommendations of what to do in Girona this summer." - Read more here

www.equity-point.com/blogs

Copenhagen Downtown Photography

Copenhagen Downtown Hostel threw a huge opening party for their new bar and live music venue, Copenhagen Down Under, and Hostel Doctor was there to take their official photos. We had free champagne for our guests and VIPs, a free buffet of traditional Danish delicious food and deserts, great drink offers in our happy hour, DJ’s until 5am, and best of all, hip Danish girl band the Gabriellas played live. What a night. 

Find out about the party on the Copenhagen Downtown blog here

Check out the photos on our facebook page here:

London for Free - what to see in the cool capital

Check out our latest blog article for clients Equity Point - London for Free

Top tips for backpackers visiting London who want to make the best of it without spending a penny!
From free museums and galleries to the best markets and parks. Visit the Equity Point blog to read the article here www.equity-point.com/blogs/

Copenhagen Downtown Becomes a Hostel Geek 5 Star Hostel

Hostel Doctor is pleased to announce that client Copenhagen Downtown has been chosen as a Hostel Geek 5 Star Hostel.

After a competitive application, Copenhagen Downtown is now officially recommended as the best place to stay, rated on criteria such as Designer, Great Staff, Sustainable & Eco-friendly, Unique Character and Sociable! Check out our profile on hostelgeeks.com

We are proud to say that Copenhagen Downtown has been selected as the only 5 Star Hostel of choice for Copenhagen, according to Hostel Geeks website.

Hostel Geeks choose hostels around the world that they rate as the best in that location for recommending - this is done on the following tough criteria:

1. Sustainable & Eco-Friendly
2. Excellent Design
3. Unique Character
4. Social Vibes
5. Best Staff

Find out more at hostelgeeks.com

Copenhagen Downtown Launches New Bar and Creative Space

Launch of ‘Copenhagen Down Under’


Copenhagen Downtown is pleased to announce they are expanding their award-winning hostel. The number one hostel in Denmark and Europe’s Famous Hostel member is about to increase its current offering with a 300m2 new bar, Copenhagen Down Under.

Firmly on the backpacker map as the place to go, the new Copenhagen Down Under bar will provide a unique new space that will be a curious and authentic ‘must go’ experience for backpackers. This underground creative space will provide an atmosphere to stimulate and excite. The concept is to create a place for new experiences – exchanges, ideas, with the influence and creative input of travelers from more than 80 countries.

The new Copenhagen Down Under space is in addition to the existing lively bar and chill out area, taking the total space to 600msq; the largest in any hostel in Copenhagen. This means even more room for guests and locals to experience something unique to this hostel. It will have dedicated space for live music, pool tables, a lounge area and a 12m long bar, one of the longest in Copenhagen.

Excited about the 1^st May 2015 opening night party, featuring free champagne, live music, djs and more, Bar & Events Manager Luca Marson said “This will be a unique space showcasing upcoming talent with live bands, DJs and performance artists. It will be something very different to other places in Copenhagen, and the opening party will be a night to remember.”

The concept of the new exciting space has been created by Danish design gurus ArtRebels together with architects SpaceLab. Both companies have provided concepts for the look and design of the hostel space so expect more cool Scandinavian design but with an underground influence.

To find out more about the hostel or awards see www.copenhagendowntown.com

Generator Hostels open their Paris debut

Generator Hostel now open in Paris.  The latest mega hostel to open in Paris is Generator, following the lead of St Christopher's Inn's success, in Gard du Nord.
What they say: "In the emerging district of the 10^th Arrondissement, a one-time derelict office block is being transformed into a chic array of private terrace wielding private rooms and stylish rooms to share."
Find out more about the newest hostel in town here: http://generatorhostels.com/en/destinations/paris/#read-more

Will Amazon Become the Next Big OTA?

Max Starkov, President & CEO at HEBS Digital takes a look at Amazon entering the travel retail market with their new industry-focused travel offices. Will Amazon become the next Booking.com? Or the next Expedia? Can Amazon become a major OTA player or are they just testing the water?

Read his illuminating article here on Hospitalitynet.org

Wombats Hostel Chain Opens in London

Wombat's launch in London this December with their former Victorian sailor hostel in the city's docks. Formerly known as the Red Ensign Club and home to Joseph Conrad, here's what they say about their new hostel: 

 "wombat’s CITY HOSTELS is now bringing the building back to its original purpose. With ensuite bathrooms, separate ensuite toilets, USB outlets with every bed, huge common areas, a great location, free wifi, etc. you can actually consider this hostel as a luxury hostel" 

http://www.wombats-hostels.com/london/

Freehand plans Chicago hostel

Following the success of cool design hostel Freehand Miami, the company sets their sites on Chicago and Los Angeles.

The new hostel concepts, developed by the New York-based Sydell Group, plan to open Chicago in 2015 and Los Angeles is currently under construction. The company claims that unlike Freehand Miami, the Chicago sister hostel will be aimed at more business companies.

Find out more here:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-freehand-hostel-1125-biz-20141124-story.html

Best Hostel Views according to Instagram

Want a Room with a View?

Instagram has put together a list of 30 of the best hostels with a view worth visiting for!

Has your hostel got the best views in town and didn't get a mention? We think Equity Point in Marrakech has got a great roof top view and deserves a mention!

http://www.thehostelworker.com/30-hostels-with-a-view-according-to-instagram/

How to deal with negative reviews

Top 5 tips on how to deal with negative reviews from customers and turn them to your advantage.

1. Don’t ignore them! Internet use now means that everyone has an opportunity to post about their experiences as customers, but it also provides a platform to answer these posts and create a meaningful response. Use this to your advantage to turn negative reviews around and show that you value their opinion.

2. See negative comments as constructive feedback on your business. There are always going to be customers who complain for the sake of it, but there will also be valid comments about how to improve your business. Take the comments on board about what experience your hostel offers your customers, and make changes based on this.

3. Thank customers for their feedback – good and bad. By acknowledging and improving on any problems you can create a better experience for the next customers walking through your door.

4. Be polite and professional. Not all reviews will be either of these but your replies are there for all potential customers to see, so keep your tone professional and explain any questions or issues raised and what you can do to avoid these problems occurring in the future.

5. Admit when you are wrong. Things go wrong in any business, but it’s best to acknowledge this, apologise, and move on. Some customers may pursue a refund or discount, but most will just want to know that you have heard their complaint and will be taking steps to avoid these issues in the future.

Make sure you regularly check all platforms for feedback and comments – whether it’s tripadvisor or hashtags of your hostel. Many people use social media platforms to voice their experiences so check your channels are up to date and respond to messages accordingly. There will also be mentions in blogs and other forums, so make sure you have Google Alerts set up (it’s free) and can monitor any posts about you. Remember that your customer’s experience of your hostel doesn’t end when they check out!