Hungarian youth hostels are flourishing

2009-06-30

Many foreigners are looking for cheap but quality hotels, one of Europe’s festival centers has become Hungary in recent years. It is expected that this summer, not only unrestrained parties, but also low prices will attract young people abroad. To make the holidays even cheaper, more and more people are booking rooms for youth hostels instead of hotels. Leading industry figures in Budapest told RTL News.com that they are looking forward to a good season based on their reservations.

Hungary is a favorite holiday destination for young people abroad. Plenty of festivals, concerts, parties and last but not least beautiful sights await the vacationers. Most of them can’t afford to stay in expensive 4-5 star hotels, but many are looking for even better deals than lower priced 2-3 star hotels. Youth hostels are the best option for them.

In Hungary, this culture is still evolving, but in most countries of the world, such as Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand, there is a long tradition of youth hostels. We inquired about the youth hostel situation in Hungary with the representatives of the market.

Youth hostel from the dormitory

In 2009, interest in summer hostels in Budapest continued to be high, said Éva Nyevrikel, manager of the seasonal hostels of the Mellow Mood Group, to RTL News. These are accommodations that operate as university or college dormitories during the school period, but with the advent of good time, young people from abroad can take the place of Hungarian students.

“We are looking forward to the season, with a lot of bookings this year, but we always find our guests without prior arrangement. Most of us stay in summer hostels during the time of Sziget and many people come to us because of Formula One. Quite a mixed group of guests, typically pairs or smaller groups. Tourists come from all over the world, although most come from the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, France during the summer. Czech, Polish, Romanian and Slovak tourists are on the increase, and the number of Russian youth has also increased. Hungarian guests come mainly around August 20th” said Éva Nyevrikel.

The summer hostels have been fully or partially renovated in dormitories close to the city’s major hubs, where existing building features are complemented by high-quality accommodation services. You can also relax: guests can play table tennis, table football, or gather in the lounge for a little singing, brewing, or watching TV.

Prices are friendly too: half-board rates for two-three-star hotels can be booked for two-thirds.

In the opinion of Éva Nyevrikel, hostels do not have a great culture in Hungary. Another problem is that many types of accommodation are already categorized in this category, such as the more popular downtown apartments advertised as apartments or hostels. In the countryside, unfortunately, there are only a few hostels converted from youth hostels.

Professional youth hostel all year round

The gap in the youth hostel market is to be filled by youth hostels that are tailored to the needs of the youth and provide professional services. Very few of these are in Budapest, and only a few in other Hungarian cities.

“There are few official youth hostels on the Hungarian market that meet Hungarian and international standards. Although the quality of supply and the services they provide are changing, I think this trend will have a negative impact on the international image of hostels in Hungary in the long run” said Judit Ignácz, director of Marco Polo Top Ho(s)tel.

According to Judit Ignácz, the term youth hostel in Hungary suggests a low standard. However, youth hostels, backpackers, and even older travelers and families aged between 60 and 70 have a long tradition in most of the world. The atmosphere, the opportunity to meet other foreign guests (getting to know each other, making friends) and the prices are what attract the foreigners the most, according to the director.

“Compared to hotels, a much more youthful, relaxed, family-friendly environment awaits guests, but the standard of service is not far behind that of the hotels in the classic sense. All of our rooms, even our multi-bed rooms, have a private bathroom. Unlike usual, however, we have many double rooms, equipped with TV and telephone. Entertainment is also provided in the evenings, as there is also a bar where concerts, karaoke nights and other activities are provided. Older age group and young family members are also part of our guest circle. They know, of course, that such accommodation is louder than usual, but they are often looking for that sparkle, ”said Judit Ignácz.

“Compared to hotels, a much more youthful, relaxed, family-friendly environment awaits guests, but the standard of service is not far behind that of the hotels in the classic sense. All of our rooms, even our multi-bed rooms, have a private bathroom. Unlike usual, however, we have many double rooms, equipped with TV and telephone. Entertainment is also provided in the evenings, as there is also a bar where concerts, karaoke nights and other activities are provided. Older age group and young family members are also part of our guest circle. They know, of course, that such accommodation is louder than usual, but they are often looking for that sparkle, ”said Judit Ignácz.

The impact of the economic crisis is also felt in the youth accommodation market, but Judit Ignácz hopes that this year’s bookings will reach last year’s level. In the summer, mainly individual guests arrive, and in spring and autumn foreign school groups arrive.

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