Homestay Bristol is our Bristol Business of the Week
Posted on: 25 Jul 2016Homestay Bristol is a multicultural hostel located in a 3 storey listed building on the famous Clifton Triangle in the heart of so many of the city’s attractions. It's the perfect spot to stay in Bristol when visiting our great city!
Guests at the hostel come from all over the world. Visitors include foreign students studying at nearby universities, workers who prefer to stay rather than commute in daily, backpackers visiting the city and groups large and small celebrating hen and stag weekends. It's also a great option if you're visiting one of the many festivals happening in and around Bristol this summer!
To find out more 365Bristol spoke with founder and owner, Michael Bennett...
When did you set up Homestay Bristol and can you give us a brief background/history?
I set up Homestay Bristol in 2012 after 2 years of hosting foreign language students at my home in Filton. I contacted several language schools in the city to offer my spare rooms to students from all over the world but the demand was greater than the number of spare rooms I had. In July 2012 I seized the opportunity to move into an 18 bedroom property in Clifton where I lived for a year whilst hosting guests. The property evolved over time into a hostel consisting of 62 beds and grew into a business employing 10 staff.
Are you from Bristol?
I am originally from London but have lived in Bristol since 2006.
How's business?
The business is doing reasonably well - we operate at an average of around 60% occupancy throughout the year and hope to expand one day. Our hostel is ideally located for students, migrants, backpackers and general visitors to Bristol going to festivals, gigs, stag and parties etc.
What room options are available?
We have a number of room options from double rooms, 2 and 3 bed private rooms to 3, 4, 5 and 8 bed dormitories.
Can you book online?
We have our own website www.homestaybristol.co.uk where it’s possible to book a bed online and see availability. It is always wise to book in advance if you are looking for a bedspace at weekends or during any of the busy events in the city.
How do you find running an independent business in Bristol?
Running an independent business in Bristol is challenging but also very exciting. You never know what is going to happen next in such a vibrant young city.
What's your favourite thing about Bristol?
My favourite thing about Bristol is its diversity and the multitude of things to do around the city. The music scene, the theatres, the museums and of course the number of different ciders on offer.
Where do you see Homestay Bristol in 5 years time?
I see Homestay Bristol going from strength to strength over the next 5 years and perhaps opening another in a neighbouring city like Bath.
What advice would you give to any aspiring Bristol small business owners?
To all aspiring small business owners in Bristol my advice would be to work hard, be determined to succeed and never give up.
If you were Mayor of Bristol for a day which one thing would you change?
If I were Mayor for a day I would make it compulsory for all new visitors to spend at least one night in my hostel.
For all the info you need on this great Bristol venue please visit homestaybristol.co.uk along with their Facebook and Twitter pages.
Homestay Bristol is located at: 68 Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1QU. Telephone 0117 3303162.
Article by:
Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
