Antoinette Davis
Pittsburgh, PA (USA)
Role(s):
Founder/Owner/Principal
Hot Metal Hostel
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Startup
Location:
Pittsburgh
Industry:
Hospitality
Year Founded:
2011
Number Employees:
1-10 people
Business Stage:
Creation/Idea
Entity Type:
Not Incorporated
Description:
Pittsburgh is a city of champions in many areas-- football, hockey, dancing, robotics-- but Pittsburgh is missing a crucial element to its progression as one of America's premiere cities. It does not have a hostel or budget hotel to engage with the influx of visitors, especially within the youth market. In the city of Pittsburgh itself, there are 8 major colleges, many who host international students and visitors throughout the year.
My best friend and I have been travelers all of our lives. In the majority of Europe and in major North American cities, hostels are very much a common part of the tourist landscape. And in living here, we have frequently noticed that many, many students and travelers are looking for a reasonably priced place to just leave their bags and spend a night.
Our hostel would be a combination of traditional (bunk beds, lockers, what one usually thinks of a hostel) and new (short-term leasing stays, especially attractive to those between leasings and foreign students who are only studying for a semester). In addition, we would like to provide tourism services, money exchange, and transit services/advice.
Due to our extensive travels, we know how difficult and confusing it can be to navigate through a city and new culture. We would like to not just be ambassadors for our city, but for America too.