Exclusive Interview | Pranav Dangi, CEO and Founder, The Hosteller
/“Technology is at the core of our operations and guest experience. Our Glu app serves as a comprehensive digital concierge, allowing guests to manage their stay seamlessly, from check-in to activity bookings. ”
Can you share your journey in the hospitality industry and what inspired you to start The Hosteller?
My journey in the hospitality industry began with a deep passion for travel and a desire to create memorable experiences for fellow travelers. The inspiration to start The Hosteller came from my own backpacking adventures in Europe, where I realized the need for affordable, quality accommodations that offer a sense of community. I wanted to create a space where travelers could connect, share stories, and immerse themselves in local cultures, all while enjoying a comfortable and safe stay.
What challenges did you face when establishing The Hosteller, and how did you overcome them?
Establishing The Hosteller came with its share of challenges, including securing funding, finding the right locations, and building a consistent brand experience. We overcame these challenges by staying true to our vision, focusing on quality, and leveraging technology to streamline operations. Engaging with our community of travelers and listening to their feedback also played a crucial role in refining our offerings and growing our brand.
How has your background in finance and technology influenced your approach to building and scaling The Hosteller?
My background in finance and technology has been instrumental in shaping The Hosteller’s growth strategy. Understanding financial principles has helped in effective budgeting, resource allocation, and scaling operations efficiently. Meanwhile, leveraging technology has enabled us to innovate in our service offerings. From our proprietary Glu app to smart room features, technology has enhanced guest convenience and operational efficiency, setting us apart from traditional hostels.
What role does technology play in the operations and guest experience at The Hosteller
Technology is at the core of our operations and guest experience. Our Glu app serves as a comprehensive digital concierge, allowing guests to manage their stay seamlessly, from check-in to activity bookings. Smart room features powered by Alexa provide an elevated level of comfort and convenience. Technology also aids in streamlining operations, with our proprietary Online Reputation Management (ORM) tool to address guest feedback promptly, housekeeping requests, and maintenance, ensuring a smooth and efficient service delivery.
With 55+ self-operated hostels across India, what strategies have you implemented to ensure consistent quality and service?
To ensure consistent quality and service, we have implemented several strategies:
Standardized Operating Procedures: We maintain strict SOPs for cleanliness, safety, and service.
Staff Training: Continuous training programs for our staff ensure they are well-equipped to deliver exceptional service.
Quality Audits: Regular audits and inspections help us maintain high standards across all locations.
Guest Feedback: Our ORM tool allows us to quickly address guest feedback and make improvements.
Community Focus: We emphasize community-building activities and personalized experiences to enhance guest satisfaction.
Technological Integration: Smart technology initiatives to enhance convenience and the overall guest experience.
How do you envision the future of backpacker hostels, and what innovations are you planning to introduce at The Hosteller?
The future of backpacker hostels lies in blending affordability with modern amenities, smart technologies and community-driven experiences. At The Hosteller, we plan to introduce more smart technologies to further enhance the guest experience. This includes advanced AI integrations, eco-friendly initiatives, and expanding our digital services. We aim to create spaces that are not just places to stay but vibrant communities where travelers can connect and share experiences.
Can you discuss the importance of creating a clean, safe, and smart environment for travelers, and how you achieve this at The Hosteller?
Creating a clean, safe, and smart environment is paramount at The Hosteller. We achieve this through:
Cleanliness: Rigorous cleaning protocols and regular inspections ensure our hostels are spotless.
Safety: We have centralized CCTV monitoring, liaison with local authorities, and emergency contacts. Each property also employs a minimum of one female staff member to ensure a safe environment.
Smart Technology: Our tech-first approach includes contactless check-in/out, smart room controls, and our Glu app, providing a seamless and secure guest experience.
What are the key factors that have contributed to The Hosteller becoming India's largest brand-operated chain of backpacker hostels?
Several key factors have contributed to our growth:
Quality and Consistency: Maintaining high standards across all properties.
Community Focus: Creating a vibrant, engaging atmosphere for travelers.
Innovation: Leveraging technology to enhance guest experiences.
Strategic Expansion: Careful selection of locations to cater to diverse traveler needs.
Strong Leadership: A dynamic, motivated team driving our vision forward.
Strong Brand Identity: Building a brand that resonates with the backpacker community.
How do you balance the needs and preferences of both global and local travelers at The Hosteller?
We balance the needs of global and local travelers by offering a mix of familiar comforts and local experiences. Our properties provide international standards of service while incorporating local culture and activities. This approach ensures that all guests, regardless of origin, feel at home and have the opportunity to explore and enjoy the local environment.
What are your long-term goals for The Hosteller, and how do you plan to achieve your vision of becoming the world’s largest smart hospitality and travel brand?
Our long-term goal is to operate 100 properties under The Hosteller brand by March 2025 and expand internationally to countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. We aim to achieve this by continuing to innovate, focusing on quality and community, and leveraging our expertise in technology. We are also in talks with multiple VCs and private equity firms to raise our Series A round, which will support our expansion and further solidify our position as the world’s largest smart hospitality and travel brand, offering unique and memorable experiences to travelers worldwide.
