Why Lisbon Hostels are so popular?

03/30/2015

We asked this to João Teixeira, marketing manager of Lisbon Destination, one of the best groups of indipendent hostels in Lisbon

Lisbon is the European capital of hostels: it's the city where the idea of budget accommodation matches the love for design and art. And if you add on top of it the legendary Portuguese kindness, you get the best hostels of the world.

We are lucky enough to have the best group of independent hostels in Lisbon on our site. Since we wanted to know more about them, we interviewed João Teixeira, the marketing manager of Lisbon Destination Hostels (Sunset Destination, Lisbon Destination and Alfama Patio).

  1. What are the most special requests from your guests?

    In my experience working at the hostel, I haven't got a special request that we would not be able to fulfill completely, but the most common request is the classic bottom bunk bed which is on the top of all requests.

    Curious shaped bunk beds

  2. What satisfactions you get thanks to this activity?

    The greatest satisfaction is having every day in our hostels the opportunity to host people from all over the world.

  3. How do you consider the situation of the hostels in Lisbon? Can you find any difference compared to hostels in Europe, or more generally in the world?

    The situation of the hostels in Lisbon, and in general in Portugal, is incomparable. Lisbon is widely known to be the city where there is the largest number of top quality hostels, and it's true. Friendly atmosphere, international environment, creative design, a lot of services and an affordable price: many hostels in Lisbon offer their guests this great combination. This is the explanation why so many Lisbon hostels are on the top of every worldwide hostel ranking.

    There's a bike on the wall!

  4. What advice you can give to people who would like to open up their own hostel?

    The first advice I would give is to have a clear idea of what kind of hostel they would like to open and manage. A small hostel? A larger hostel? A backpacker hostel or a luxury hostel? Would they like to grow up with their business, or managing a small one would be enough? As you can see, it's not easy as it may seem and there are several options. Secondly, they have to think carefully about the localization of their hostel, it's the key factor.

  5. Why do you think a traveler should prefer a hostel over a hotel or a B&B?

    There are many reasons to choose a hostel rather than a hotel or a B&B. Hostels nowadays are a multicultural environment, and you can create friends in no time! Also you have the liberty to do everything at the time you wish, you are not depending of all the schedules that exist at the hotels or even sometimes on a B&B.

    The external patio is great for a party!

    This is why hostels are getting more and more famous worldwide and are growing a lot. We are trying to make the traveler feel as if he is in his own house and in my personal opinion it helps the guest to feel more relaxed and laid back - he doesn't need to have the pressure of deciding everything on the spot and just go with the flow.

  6. What is the composition of your hostel staff?

    Our staff is very international, but at the same time there is a large Portuguese group. All the staff members share the same enthusiasm about our hostels and Lisbon, no matter if they are Portuguese or not. It happens sometimes that some guests, after staying in our hostel for some while, loved so much the atmosphere here, that they actually decided to stay here for work; for example people from countries like Italy, France, Australia, Canada, etc.

  7. What services are available for hostel guests?

    Well, it's hard to list all the services, because there are a lot indeed! Breakfast is included within the fee, coffee and tea 24 hours available, and guests can use the kitchen facilities to prepare their own food, if they want. We like to make them feel at home! Reception is also 24 hours open, so the guests can count on staff any time they need. Plus, our guests can discover Lisbon and the surroundings thanks to our tours: from the tradition of the Fado music in Alfama to the vibrant street art scenario, from the beauty of Sintra, Unesco World Heritage, to the big weaves of Nazarè, we try with our tours to cover all the cultural variety of the city.

    There's a pool table too!

  8. Do you organize events or special activities for hostel guests?

    Every weekend we arrange special dinners. A barbecue party on Friday in Alfama Patio Hostel, that takes place in what once was the patio of the first university in Lisbon: guests can have fun there with the music of a DJ, or relax on the terrace with a good glass of wine. On Saturday a party with the DJ is arranged at Sunset Destination Hostel, based on a Arabian food menu (couscous, kebab, etc.), while on Sunday there is a traditional Portuguese buffet at Lisbon Destination Hostel. And do not forget our tours! From the tradition of the Fado music in Alfama to the vibrant street art scenario, from the beauty of Sintra, Unesco World Heritage, to the big weaves of Nazarè, we try to cover all the cultural variety of our city. Lisbon Destination Tours is a company made by travelers for travelers, and with our tours we aim to show Lisbon and nearby as they are going out together with a friend.

  9. What is the best time to visit Lisbon and the surroundings? Is there a particular event that you can advice?

    Lisbon has something to offer for the visitors all over the year, but if you really want to experience an extraordinary local event, you should come here in June, for the celebration of the feast of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of Lisbon, on 13th of June.. A spectacular parade is arranged to celebrate Saint Anthony across the boulevard of Avenida da Libertade. The people from all Lisbon neighborhoods join the event, singing and dancing. After the parade, with the same spirit they go back to their original “bairros” (districts), where in every corner you can smell the flavour of the roasted sardine.

    Rossio train station in Lisbon

  10. In Lisbon and surrounding area there are many things to do: how many days are needed to experience Lisbon better?

    Lisbon itself it's not a big city so you should be prepared to spare about 4 days to visit Lisbon properly. This way you can visit more than just the city center and explore the surrounding places like Cascais, Estoril, Sintra, see our beautiful coast line which has a big extension of sand perfect for the summer time.

    If you are looking for a cultural side, Lisbon offers a lot of culture that you can see and enjoy while you are climbing some of the seven hills we have, and in Belém with our famous Belém Monestary, and more and more.

  11. Your hostel is a great solution to sleep on a budget in Lisbon but what about food/shopping? Are there some tips you can give us about cheap restaurant/market/café/discos?

    About food, Portugal in general is not an expensive country, and Lisbon really does not make an exception. As soon as our guests check in, we give them our map, presenting a series of advices about eating out, in downtown, like O Bacalhoeiro and Uma Marisqueria in Baixa. For a cup of coffee, you can't leave Lisbon without going to Belém and trying our famous “pastéis de belém” (custard pie) and enjoy them by the riverside. The pastry shop where they were invented still exists nowadays. Near Sunset Destination, there is also the Mercato de Ribeira, where guests can buy food at a very price, or going to eat in the cozy restaurants located inside. Regarding nightlife, we recommend the districts of Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré, where you can find all kinds of bars and clubs. Both districts are the main steps of our pub crawl. The Lux Club, near Santa Apollonia station, is among the most famous disco clubs in Europe: maybe it's not the cheapest place in Lisbon, but it's your definitive spot if you're a party animal!

    Rooftop terrace with a yellow tram graffiti

  12. Where do your hostel guests come from? Are predominantly from Europe, or from around the world?

    We have guests from all over the world, not only from Europe. We have many people from United States and Australia, for example. Many of them come on summer to Portugal to surf along the coastline, and Lisbon is their first destination. We have also many guests from Far East, mainly Korea, from Brazil and, from Europe, especially from countries like Germany, France and Italy.

  13. Do backpacker travelers still exist? Or have they been replaced by flashpackers and other kind of travelers?

    Backpacking is still a trend, not as usual as before, but yes we still have some true backpackers that are walking or hitchhiking for several months and when they arrive to our hostel they just sit by the reception talking with us and share some of their most emblematic stories of their adventures.

    Vivid colors and a guitar!

  14. Describe your city / country in 5 words?

    Beautiful, dynamic, contemporary, magical, historical.

  15. Are there only young backpackers at your hostel or do you also have more mature guests, and maybe families or groups?

    Now the way of traveling has changed, the hostels are filled not only with young backpackers. Even more mature guests, families or singles like to stay in hostel, because they appreciate the opportunity to meet people and socialize. Now we encourage families to come and stay with us since we have a family room were we can offer a baby crib.

    Nowadays we are also having more and more group trips, as Lisbon is currently on the top 10 of the most beautiful cities to visit. Young travelers choose to come here because of the lovely weather and nightlife activities and since it's a destination that does not cost as most as the more trendy capitals to visit.

The Lisbon Destination Hostels are another good reason to visit Lisbon and breath the magical atmosphere of this city. All you need now is to search for a flight and to book your hostel through HostelsClub.com.

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