Frequently asked questions.

Hostel Owner FAQs

Answers for anyone wondering if there’s a better way to get more bookings without losing your margins.

🤝 What is Hosteling.US?

Hosteling.US is the only booking platform built exclusively for U.S. hostels. We help travelers discover and book hostels across the country, while helping hostel owners keep more of their revenue, grow visibility, and get support from people who understand the hostel business.

💸 What makes Hosteling.US different from other booking platforms?

  • 50% lower commissions than the big guys

  • Traveler-first, hostel-friendly ethos

  • Focused solely on U.S. hostels - not buried under thousands of international hostels

  • Marketing support, UGC partnerships, and SEO done for you

  • Built by hostel operators who get the challenges of running an indie property

We’re not here to replace your current PMS or booking tools - we’re here to give you another (better) booking channel.

🧭 How do I list my hostel?

If you use Cloudbeds or MyAllocator, you can connect your hostel in just a few clicks.
👉 Start the connection process here

Not sure where to start? Email us at hello@hosteling.us - we’re happy to help.

🧠 Who is Hosteling.US for?

Any hostel operating in the U.S., from 12-bed surf hostels to 100-bed urban giants. Whether you're open year-round or seasonally, new or established, rural or party-friendly — if you're focused on community-driven, budget-friendly travel, you're our people.

⚙️ Do I need to switch my PMS or stop using OTAs?

Nope. We integrate with Cloudbeds or MyAllocator, so you don’t need to switch your systems or lose access to other platforms. Hosteling.US just becomes an additional booking channel (ahem, one that costs you less and treats you better).

💬 What kind of support do I get?

We offer real human support (yep, we answer emails). Depending on your membership level, you can also get:

  • SEO support

  • Social media spotlights

  • Email features

  • Content creation assistance

  • Booking growth consultations

We’re small enough to care, but scrappy enough to make a real marketing impact.

🚀 How much does it cost to join?

We have three membership levels to fit your hostel’s needs:

  • Basic (Free): Just get listed, take bookings, and keep your PMS connected

  • Accelerator ($300/year): Get bookings and marketing support and social visibility

  • Incubator ($999/year): Our VIP plan includes strategic coaching, featured content, and full digital support

No long-term contracts. No BS.

📈 How does Hosteling.US help me get more bookings?

We’re not just a booking engine, we’re a marketing machine built for hostels:

  • SEO-optimized state and city pages

  • Weekly spotlight features

  • Collaborations with travel influencers and UGC creators

  • Social and email campaigns designed to drive travelers to book

  • Content that builds trust and inspires direct bookings

🧾 How do commissions work?

Hosteling.US charges a flat 8% commission on bookings - less than half of what the big OTAs charge. That means more margin for you and a better price for travelers. Everybody wins.

🗺️ Where are your travelers coming from?

Our audience is mostly U.S.-based — solo travelers, road trippers, budget-conscious Gen Z and Millennial explorers, digital nomads, and hostel-curious adventurers looking for alternatives to hotels or Airbnb. They're finding us through:

  • Search (SEO)

  • Social media (Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok)

  • Referral content

  • Creator partnerships

  • Direct email marketing

🧭 What kinds of hostels do best on Hosteling.US?

Hostels that are:

  • Social, experiential, or community-focused

  • Located near national parks, cool cities, or road trip routes

  • Run by real humans (not corporate hotels in disguise)

  • Ready for a little extra visibility and support

📨 How can I get started?

It’s simple:

  1. Fill out the Onboarding Form

  2. Pick your membership level

  3. Connect your Cloudbeds or MyAllocator

  4. Go live on Hosteling.US and start getting bookings!

Need help? We’ve got you. Email us anytime at hello@hosteling.us

💬 Still have questions?

We’d love to chat. Reach out via Instagram DMs, shoot us a note at hello@hosteling.us, or explore more at hosteling.us/listyourhostel.