Spotlight: Northwest Portland Hostel
The Hostel Cafe inside of the Northwest Portland Hostel. Photo courtesy of Northwest Portland Hostel
Newly minted as the Best Hostel in the USA, the Northwest Portland Hostel is conveniently located at NW Glisan Street and NW 18th Ave, close to sights such as Washington Park, downtown and the unique shops nearby. For the upcoming Geek Week PDX, the hostel will host the Pocket Pop-Up in partnership with Pixie Panic and Pantheon Arts, a mini expo-style pop market celebrating tiny things—with vendors, workshops, and more—on Saturday, September 13.
What has been your biggest success to date?
Our biggest success is being part of the community for over 26 years, welcoming hundreds of thousands of travelers to experience Portland firsthand. We've recently been named the Best Hostel in the USA based on customer reviews and are excited to know that we provided our guests with experiences they loved."
Tell us about your business.
Northwest Portland Hostel is a family-owned hostel in Portland that welcomes over 25,000 travelers each year. Housed across six historic buildings, it offers a mix of private rooms and shared dorms, along with the onsite Hostel Cafe, which hosts free, public events like trivia and open mic nights. Our mission is to create travel experiences that are affordable, social, and authentically Portland.
How do you feel Portland shapes or influences your business?
Travelers come to Portland for its nature, food, shops, and unique spirit. Our central location makes it easy to experience our city on foot, by bike or public transportation. Our cafe helps travelers to intermingle with locals, or even join their trivia team or volunteer together during the 4th Saturday neighborhood cleanup.
If you could go back to the beginning, what would you have done differently?
I would hire an accountant to have more time for other aspects of running the hostel.
What is your favorite part about owning a small business?
My favorite part of owning a small business is being closely connected to our community. Small businesses contribute to Portland’s unique character and help bring people together. We take pride in supporting our neighbors and believe small businesses are a key part of what makes the city strong.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Our biggest challenge has been the impact COVID had on the city’s tourism, along with the current political climate. We’re hopeful that more international travelers will return to Portland soon!
