We recently connected with Thea Delamater and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Thea, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry
One of the most exciting trends we’re seeing is travelers prioritizing experiences over traditional luxury. Post-pandemic, people are craving authentic connection more than ever. Instead of just booking a place to sleep, they’re planning trips around community, spontaneity, and shared experiences.
Take, for example, a traveler who books a trip to New Orleans, not just for the sights but for the vibrant hostel atmosphere. They arrive solo, join a group for a live jazz crawl, and by the end of the night, they’re surrounded by new friends from three different continents. That’s the magic of hostels—you don’t just visit a place; you become part of a story.
Another huge shift is the rise of #workfromanywhere. The pandemic didn’t just change where we work—it changed how we travel. Digital nomads, content creators, and remote workers are realizing that U.S. hostels aren’t just for backpackers; they’re built for the modern, flexible worker. With coworking spaces, unbeatable locations, social events, and a built-in community, hostels are becoming the go-to choice for people who want to mix productivity with adventure.
At Hosteling.US, we love seeing travelers—whether they’re on a gap year, a workcation, or just chasing their next great experience—choosing hostels as the center of their journey. Because in the end, the best trips aren’t about where you stay; they’re about who you meet along the way.
Thea, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
At Hosteling.US, we’re on a mission to redefine the way travelers experience the U.S. by making hostels the go-to choice for adventure, connection, and affordability. Hosteling isn’t just about budget-friendly stays—it’s about immersing yourself in a community, embracing spontaneity, and making lifelong memories.
My journey into the hostel industry began with a deep love for travel and a passion for creating spaces where people from all walks of life can connect. I’ve spent years working in and managing award-winning hostels, witnessing firsthand how a well-run hostel can transform a traveler’s experience. I’ve seen solo travelers arrive feeling unsure and leave with a dozen new friends. I’ve watched remote workers turn hostel lounges into creative hubs. I’ve helped shape spaces where people not only sleep but share meals, swap stories, and find their next adventure.
That’s why Hosteling.US exists—to champion the U.S. hostel scene and bring it to the forefront of modern travel. We’re more than just a booking platform. We’re building a movement.
We’re more than just a booking platform—we’re a central hub for U.S. hostels, making it easier than ever for travelers to find unique, community-driven stays. Our platform is designed to highlight what makes hostels special, offering travelers deeper insight into the social atmosphere, work-friendly spaces, and local experiences that set each property apart.
Beyond booking, we’re building a growing community through engaging content, travel tips, and partnerships with hostels nationwide, ensuring that travelers can discover, connect, and keep the adventure going. We also recognize that travel today isn’t just about vacations—it’s about blending a place to stay with exploring the area. By championing experiential travel, we’re helping modern travelers find places that offer not just a bed, but a dynamic, inspiring environment where they can truly thrive.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Absolutely! One book that I have always appreciated is *The Art of Gathering* by Priya Parker. In the hostel world, a great stay isn’t just about a comfortable bed—it’s about how people come together, connect, and share experiences. Parker’s insights on intentional gathering resonate deeply with the way hostels can foster meaningful interactions between travelers.
She emphasizes that a great gathering doesn’t happen by accident; it requires thoughtful structure, a clear purpose, and an understanding of what makes people feel welcome, engaged, and connected. The best U.S. hostels intuitively embrace this philosophy, whether through well-planned communal dinners, engaging local tours, or simply creating spaces that invite conversation. It’s not just about putting people in the same room—it’s about crafting an environment that makes interactions effortless and unforgettable.
At Hosteling.US, we believe this philosophy extends beyond the walls of any single hostel. We want to create a nationwide community of travelers who feel at home wherever they go, knowing they’ll find more than just a place to sleep—they’ll find a place to belong. Parker’s book has reinforced how crucial it is to design experiences with intention, and that’s exactly what we champion in the U.S. hostel industry.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
One of the biggest pivots in our journey came from listening to the U.S. hostel community itself. Hosteling.US originally started as a collective—a space where U.S. hostels could come together, share knowledge, and build a network of like-minded peers. Our goal was to strengthen the industry by fostering collaboration and support.
However, at our third annual gathering of hostel owners and operators, a resounding theme emerged: U.S. hostels needed more visibility and a better way to reach travelers without losing revenue to high OTA commissions. The industry wasn’t just looking for a sense of community; it needed a platform that actively promoted hostels and empowered travelers to book directly with them.
That moment was a turning point. We realized that our mission had to evolve—not just to unite hostel operators, but to give them a stronger presence in the travel market and help travelers rediscover hosteling in the U.S. That’s when Hosteling.US pivoted from being solely a collective to becoming a dedicated booking platform and movement—one that champions independent hostels, reduces reliance on third-party booking sites, and makes it easier for travelers to find and experience the best U.S. hostels.
This shift was more than just a business decision—it was a response to what the industry truly needed. By listening, adapting, and taking action, we’ve positioned Hosteling.US as not just a resource for hostels, but a driving force in reshaping how travelers experience the U.S. hostel scene.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hosteling.us
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hosteling.us/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thearaed/
