The Hosteller is a prominent chain of backpacker hostels in India, offering affordable and experiential lodging solutions catering primarily to young and adventurous travelers. Established in 2014 by founders Pranav Dangi and Amit Bhola, the company has grown significantly, aiming to provide a clean, safe, and interactive environment for all its guests. As of 2024, The Hosteller operates more than 60 hostels across India with a focus on creating a community-driven atmosphere. Headquartered in Mumbai, the company has successfully tapped into the budget travel market and has raised substantial funding over several rounds to support its expansion initiatives.
September 2024: The Hosteller completed its Series A funding round, raising approximately $4 million (Rs 32 crore). The round was led by V Cube Ventures, contributing significantly to expanding its hospitality footprint within India.
August 2024: Announcement to increase inventory to 12,500 beds globally by the end of 2024. The Hosteller targets accommodating 10,000 guests daily, reflecting their aggressive expansion plans to cater to increasing global backpacker demand.
March 2024: The company disclosed plans to add 75 new properties within the year, aligning with their mission to be available in every 50 km region across the country.
November 2023: To expand its reach, The Hosteller announced its focus on tapping into the Southeast Asian market, potentially bringing its first properties to Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia by late 2025.
June 2022: Successfully raised USD 1 million during its seed round, signaling strong investor confidence in its growth trajectory.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Founders | Pranav Dangi, Amit Bhola |
| Revenue | Rs 55 crore for FY 2024 |
| Profits | Net profit of Rs 4 crore for FY 2024 |
| Key Investors | V Cube Ventures, Lets Venture Angel Fund, Angelist |
| Industry | Hospitality |
| Number of Employees | 910 (as of February 2024) |
The Hosteller was founded in 2014, driven by a vision to make budget-friendly and experiential travel more accessible across India. Initially targeting local and international backpackers, the founders Pranav Dangi and Amit Bhola laid the base for integrating comfort and community engagements with affordable prices. By developing strategically located properties in well-traveled regions, The Hosteller quickly attracted a niche market of travelers looking for unique experiences rather than traditional hotels. It celebrated its growing popularity by hosting over 350,000 travelers since inception, witnessing substantial nights of service and forming cherished community connections.
The Hosteller presents a distinct business model centered on budget accommodations enriched with vibrant community settings. Architected with a backpacker’s needs in mind, they offer shared dormitories, communal spaces, and thematic cultural experiences to engage guests.
The Hosteller operates over 60 locations in India as of 2024, making it the country's largest self-operated backpacker hostel chain. It maintains a strong market presence due to its focus on high-demand tourist destinations and strategic expansion into less explored travel circuits. With ambitious projects lined up, including international market forays into Southeast Asia, The Hosteller continues to extend its dominance and leverage India's growing backpacker culture.
The firm holds a robust market position attributed to its competitive pricing, unique traveler experiences, and strategic marketing efforts that highlight the company's community-centric hospitality style. The focus on immersive traveler experiences and easy booking processes through its online platform further cements its growing reputation among budget-travel communities.
The Hosteller represents a forward-thinking drive within the hospitality industry by merging budget accommodations with dynamic traveler experiences. The company's strategic expansions, combined with a community-first philosophy, cater excellently to the needs of a new generation of global backpackers. Projected to grow further with imminent international expansion, The Hosteller is set on a path to redefine affordable adventure travel in Asia and potentially worldwide, all while fostering meaningful community connections and sustainable tourism practices.