Hostel – one of the types of cheap accommodation
The date of the emergence of hostels can be considered 1907, when Richard Schirrmann, a school teacher from Germany, began organizing country walks for his charges. Since the children were from poor families, they stayed overnight in schools that were free on weekends. These schools became the prototypes of modern hostels. Already in the 1920s, this type of accommodation became very popular in Europe; Americans paid tribute to this form of lodging in the hippie era, as it resonated with their philosophy.
In Russia, the first hostel appeared only in 1992; now this market is actively developing in both capitals, and probably has good prospects. Russians have always been willing to sacrifice comfort for savings. Hotel Izmailovo Beta is full of visitors year-round. The current number of hostels in Moscow (about 50) clearly does not satisfy the existing demand for them. In St. Petersburg there are more hostels: about 4% of the total number of hotels.
Gradually, hostels are appearing in other Russian cities, but their number directly depends on the development of tourism. Another factor that may be hindering the widespread spread of this phenomenon in the country is the persistent association between the ability to travel, a high income level, and the comfort provided. Our tourists, for the most part, are not yet mentally ready to share a room with strangers for the night.
Statistics on Russian hostels are contradictory, as this concept is closely intertwined with the category of mini-hotels, hotels where much is also done specifically to achieve the lowest possible cost. The mini-hotel on Pokrovka, whose price makes it accessible to all comers, is one vivid example.
There is hope that the development of international tourism will make hostels more attractive for Russian citizens as well. Major events such as the Olympics or the World Cup should demonstrate the popularity of this type of accommodation among foreign tourists. As a result, this will contribute not only to the growth in the number of inexpensive hotels, but also to the mobility of the population within the country.
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