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Reply to Cumberland

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Mary from Cumberland on 1/10/2016 12:46:40 PM:

i am looking into developing a historic downtown property in Cumberland as a traditional hostel, mostly dormitory style, with some semi private options, shared baths, laundry, food options, fantastic communal area which would also be open as a day use lounge with grab and go drinks & snacks. I envision the space to also include working artists studios and gallery so it could be a doorway into the culture and historic scene of Cumberland, and a place to meet and make friends .
Please discuss: is this type accommodation needed?, what would guests expect to pay? What features are most important to a great hostel experience?

Shawn Ambrose from Fort Wayne, IN on 1/16/2016 8:28:37 PM:

When staying in Cumberland, the choice is camping at the Y, or a hotel. I believe a hostel could make sense. Perhaps you could design a survey to gauge interest?

Tom M from Raleigh NC on 2/1/2016 12:01:20 PM:

I think a hostel would be a great option for staying in Cumberland. It's a convenient stopping/starting point for cyclists riding on the GAP or C&O Canal or riding straight through. We have stayed there twice, once in a B&B and the other time in the Fairfield Inn. Both places were among the most expensive lodgings on our trips from Pittsburgh to DC. What guests would be willing to pay depends on their budgets, but anything less than $100/room/night would be an improvement over other options. However, the hostel in Harpers Ferry has rooms for as low as $35/night with breakfast. Most important features include hot showers, secure place to store or lock bikes, breakfast or at least good coffee, laundry facilities or place to dry clothes.

Rick from Grafton on 2/11/2016 9:29:20 PM:

I think the Hostel idea is really good. I'd talked to a B&B owner in the past about a secondary property they were going to rehab and open a second B&B. I understand that they could make more ($125 plus per night as opposed to $35 appx. as a B&B than a hostel.)BUT, not every rider can afford a B&B stay but could enjoy several indoor nights along the route at $30/$40 per night. Hosteling International opened a new Hostel in Richmond Va. last Sept. It is located a few miles from the end of the Capital Trail that runs 54 miles from Jamestown, Va. to Richmond, Va. The cost is appx. $35 per person/per night and includes a light breakfast of fruit,granola bars, juice, coffee, etc. Each bunk has a light and outlet/charging dock. There are dorm and private rooms. As far as features go...indoor secure bike storage, towel included or for rent, more than 1-2 bathroom/showers, within walking distance of food, etc. and easy access to and from trail. Good luck.

Tom on 2/14/2016 1:45:55 PM:

Keep in mind Trail activity for both the C&O and the GAP is very seasonal, so you need to generate enough income to get you through an entire Winter where you may have limited to zero guest. Trail riders and users drop off significantly as temps, time and daylight availability changes. If you have a severe Winter the Trails could be shut with Snow and Ice until April. Many well meaning businesses have come and gone. Just something to think long and hard about. Again, the business is very seasonal. Best of luck in your decision.

Shawn Ambrose from Fort Wayne, IN on 2/14/2016 8:00:12 PM:

I believe that Mary has addressed this with having a working artist studio and gallery.

Mary should develop a survey on Survey Monkey and place links to the survey on multiple platforms to gauge interest. In addition, I would hope the Cumberland Chamber of Commerce could give her some data on the number of bikers that go through Cumberland.

Tim M. from Cincinnati on 2/16/2016 1:16:52 PM:

Mary,
You mentioned the "culture and historic scene of Cumberland". Perhaps Train Nuts (ok, ok , Rail Fans...) might be attracted to your hostel. The hobby has several magazines devoted to it and I see many ads therein (yes, I'm a "Train Nut") for places to stay while on Rail Fan trips. The railroad was of major interest to me on my October 2015 GAP ride from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, music to my ears....
Tim

Paul from Quincy, IL on 3/22/2016 5:07:42 PM:

Tim, I'm sure you know the technical term is "foamer"

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