What Hostelling International USA does

Hostelling International USA (HI USA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, that operates a national network of hostel accommodations in major U.S. cities, coastal towns, and national park settings. Founded in 1934 and the U.S. affiliate of the global Hostelling International federation (80+ countries, 4,000+ hostels), HI USA serves budget-conscious youth travelers, organized groups, families, digital nomads, and international visitors — hosting over 1 million overnights annually from guests representing 100+ countries. Beyond overnight stays in shared dorms and private rooms, the organization runs a membership program (26,000+ members at $20 annual / $250 lifetime), travel scholarships (Explore America at $1,500 and Explore the World at $2,000-$3,000), cultural exchange programs (IOU Respect, Say HI for Peace), the Great Hostel Give Back volunteer program, group sales, and event/meeting space rentals at select urban properties.

The core technology stack is built on Cloudbeds as a unified cloud-native hospitality platform spanning property management, distribution, revenue management, and guest experience across the network, with a direct-to-consumer booking engine on hiusa.org supplemented by OTA distribution (Hostelworld, Kayak, Expedia, TripAdvisor, Trivago). Revenue is generated through overnight stays, recurring memberships, event-space rentals, donations, and a partner-discount ecosystem (Bounce, Eurosender, Discover Cars, World Nomads, Celitech); all surpluses are reinvested into properties and programs rather than distributed to owners. Operational leadership sits with CEO Russ Hedge, with a hybrid GTM combining digital booking, group sales, community-led programs, and event-driven outreach across university, sports, religious, and convention segments.

Name

Hostelling International USA

Legal name

Hostelling International USA

Website

https://hiusa.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1930

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Hostelling International USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating a national network of 14-30 hostels across major U.S. cities, coastal towns, and national parks, serving budget youth travelers, organized groups, families, and international visitors with affordable overnight stays, memberships, travel scholarships, and cultural exchange programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Budget Hostel Accommodations

NAICS

Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels (72111), Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels (721110), All Other Traveler Accommodation (721199), Other Traveler Accommodation (72119)

SIC

Hotels & Motels (7011), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Student & Youth Hostels (Youth Organization/HI-style) (THAGAGAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Traditional Dormitory Hostels (THAMAIAA), Quiet/Work-Friendly (Digital Nomad) Hostels (THAMAIAF), Long-Stay/Monthly Backpacker Hostels (THAGAGAI)

Keywords

• Budget hostel accommodations
• Youth travel programs
• Cultural exchange programs
• Travel scholarships
• Group lodging services

Headquarters

HQ city

Silver Spring

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices15 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Hostel Overnight Stays: HI USA generates primary revenue through overnight hostel stays across its 14 hostels nationwide. Revenue comes from both shared dormitory accommodations and private rooms at varying price points. Rates vary by location and can increase during special events or holidays. HI USA is a nonprofit and reinvests all surpluses into hostels and programs.
2. Membership Fees: HI USA sells annual memberships at $20 per year and lifetime memberships at $250. Members receive 10% off every HI USA stay and access to member-only rates at over 2,300 hostels worldwide. The organization has over 26,000 members.
3. Event and Meeting Space Rental: HI USA rents event and meeting spaces at select hostels including HI New York City (Ballroom, SoHo Room, Green Space, Penthouse), HI Boston (Community Room, Library, Dining Room), and HI Los Angeles Santa Monica (Rapp Saloon). Revenue is generated through venue rental fees for events such as weddings, showers, bar/bat mitzvahs, receptions, corporate meetings, and celebrations.
4. Donations and Fundraising: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, HI USA accepts donations that fund initiatives including travel scholarships, hostel development, and educational programs. Donations are solicited through the website and are a distinct revenue stream separate from operations.
5. Partner Discount Programs: HI USA partners with travel-related companies (Bounce luggage storage, Eurosender, Discover Cars, The Clever Travel Companion, World Nomads, Celitech) to offer member discounts. While not a direct revenue stream, these partnerships drive membership value and indirect revenue through increased bookings.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

HI USA operates a nonprofit network of 14+ affordable hostels across the United States, offering dormitory and private room overnight accommodations alongside membership programs, travel scholarships, cultural exchange programs, and group lodging services. As a 501(c)(3) organization, it reinvests all surpluses into mission-driven educational and travel-access programs and is part of the global Hostelling International network of more than 4,000 hostels in over 80 countries.

Product overview

Hostelling International USA operates a network of 14+ hostel properties across the United States as a nonprofit organization, offering affordable dormitory and private room accommodations designed to foster cultural exchange among travelers. The portfolio includes dorm rooms (4-bed to 14-bed configurations), private rooms (single, double, queen, family suites), and communal spaces with kitchens and lounges. Beyond core hostel stays, HI USA provides membership programs ($20 annual/$250 lifetime) with exclusive discounts, travel scholarship programs (Explore America $1,500 domestic, Explore the World $2,000 international, First Passport Edition $3,000), cultural exchange programs (IOU Respect, Say HI for Peace), group accommodation services, meeting/event space rentals at select locations, and the Great Hostel Give Back volunteer program. In April 2026, HI USA announced a technology partnership with Cloudbeds to modernize operations with a unified cloud-native platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• HI USA Hostel Network Overnight Stays Affordable overnight accommodations across 14+ HI USA hostels in major U.S. cities, coastal towns, and national park areas, offering shared dormitory rooms (4-bed to 14-bed) and private rooms (single, double, queen, family suites) with communal kitchens, lounges, and social programs designed for cultural exchange among travelers.
• HI USA Membership Program Annual ($20/year) and lifetime ($250) membership program that gives members 10% off HI USA stays, exclusive member-only rates at 2,300+ hostels worldwide through the Hostelling International network, early access to promotions, free virtual workshops, and partner travel discounts.
• Explore America Scholarship Domestic travel scholarship awarding 30 general awards of $1,500 travel stipends plus up to 7 free hostel nights at participating HI USA hostels to eligible young Americans aged 18-30 with demonstrated financial need, plus the Peggy Stevens Award for a current or former Girl Scout.
• Explore the World Travel Scholarship International travel scholarship awarding 15 general scholarships of $2,000 to young Americans with limited travel experience for trips incorporating a service or educational component, plus 5 First Passport Edition scholarships of $3,000 for first-time passport holders including travel mentorship.
• IOU Respect Cultural Exchange Program A two-week intensive professionally facilitated cultural exchange program bringing together young participants from the U.S., France, Germany, Egypt, Lebanon, and Tunisia to explore cultural differences through discussions and group learning exercises aligned with AAC&U VALUE rubrics.
• Great Hostel Give Back Volunteer Program Annual January-February volunteer program offering groups of 6 or more free overnight hostel stays at HI USA properties across the country in exchange for community volunteer service, with one free night earned per day of volunteering (up to four nights).
• HI USA Meeting and Event Space Rentals Venue rental of meeting and event spaces at select hostels including the Ballroom, SoHo Room, Green Space, and Penthouse at HI New York City; Community Room, Library, and Dining Room at HI Boston; and the historic Rapp Saloon at HI Los Angeles Santa Monica for weddings, corporate meetings, receptions, and celebrations.
• Group Accommodations Services Dedicated group lodging services for parties of 8 or more, including student groups, sports teams, educational organizations, religious groups, scouting groups, and service organizations, with customizable room blocks, dedicated Group Sales and Services support, and access to kitchens, lounges, and event spaces.
• Virtual Programs and Events Free online travel education programming including the New Traveler Series, trivia nights, presentations, and interactive conversations on topics such as ethical travel, solo travel, sustainable travel, and travel planning, available to members and the general public.

Quantifiable outcome

• Recipients of the Explore the World and Explore America scholarships transform travel dreams into meaningful cultural experiences, with testimonials citing life-changing impacts including first-time international travel, new passports, and career-changing perspectives.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CloudbedscoreTechnology or Integration · 8 April 2026HI USA selected Cloudbeds as its technology partner to modernize hostel operations nationwide. Cloudbeds is replacing legacy systems with a unified cloud-native platform that connects property management, distribution, revenue management, and guest experience across the entire HI USA hostel network. The transition aims to streamline workflows, reduce administrative burden, and allow staff to focus more on meaningful guest interactions aligned with HI USA's mission of fostering cultural understanding through travel.
• BounceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBounce is the largest luggage storage network with over 10,000 storage partners worldwide. HI USA members receive a 15% discount on luggage storage through Bounce, which is marketed as a member benefit to enhance the travel experience before and after hostel check-in/check-out.
• EurosenderminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEurosender is a booking platform for messaging services door to door within the EU. HI USA members receive a 10% discount on shipments in Europe, allowing travelers to send luggage or packages in advance to avoid airport charges and the hassle of carrying bags.
• Discover CarsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDiscover Cars is a car rental booking platform offering more than 2 million cars in over 150 countries. HI USA members receive up to a 10% discount on selected car rental products, providing added travel convenience and driving incremental bookings.
• The Clever Travel CompanionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Clever Travel Companion sells pickpocket-proof travel gear with hidden, zippered pockets for credit cards, cash, passports, and cell phones. HI USA members receive a 25% discount on all products, adding security-focused travel accessories to the membership benefit portfolio.
• World NomadsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWorld Nomads provides travel insurance covering emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more than 150 activities from skydiving to scuba diving. HI USA promotes World Nomads as a partner on its Promotions and Offers page, offering travel insurance coverage to guests for unexpected events during their travels.
• CelitechminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCelitech provides digital SIMs (eSIMs) allowing travelers to use cellular data plans from local carriers without a physical SIM card, avoiding roaming charges and activating local plans in 215+ countries and regions. HI USA promotes Celitech as a partner benefit, enabling members and guests to stay connected while traveling internationally.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Generator Hostels: A pan-European hostel brand operating design-led hostel-hotels across major cities with shared dorms, private rooms, bar/restaurant F&B, and event spaces. Directly comparable to HI USA in the hostel category but for-profit and EU-centric; an obvious reference point if HI USA expanded or commercialized further.
• YHA Australia: The Australian member of the Hostelling International network and a 501(c)(3)-equivalent nonprofit operating youth hostels across major cities and parks. Closest structural analog to HI USA: nonprofit mission, member-based affiliation with HI, similar dorm/private mix, and educational program overlays.
• YHA England & Wales: Charity operating a network of hostels across England and Wales, member of Hostelling International. Directly comparable as a fellow national HI affiliate running a similar mission-driven, member-supported hostel network in a higher-cost real estate market.
• St Christopher's Inns: A budget hostel chain across European cities, often positioned toward backpackers and group travelers with on-site pubs and social programming. Compares to HI USA on the budget-hostel, group-travel, and social-experience dimensions, particularly relevant to HI USA's international guest flow.

Emerging players

• Selina: A global hospitality brand targeting millennial and digital-nomad travelers with a hostel-hotel hybrid model including co-working, wellness, and social programming. Comparable to HI USA on the digital-nomad, group, and experience-led positioning, but operates as a for-profit venture-backed chain.
• Pod Hotels: U.S.-based compact-room hotel brand with shared social spaces, often described as an upscale hostel hybrid. Targets similar budget-conscious urban travelers and competes for the same NYC, DC, and Philadelphia demand as several HI USA properties.
• Freehand Hotels: Boutique hostel-hotel hybrid with locations in NYC, LA, Miami, and Chicago featuring shared dorms, private rooms, and lively communal spaces. Competes with HI USA's urban hostels (HI NYC, HI LA Santa Monica) for design- and experience-conscious budget travelers.

Others

• Hostelworld: Online travel agency focused exclusively on hostels worldwide, and the platform on which HI USA was voted #1 hostel chain in the USA 2024 and which hands out Hoscar awards. Not a competing operator but the most important distribution channel and brand-ranking venue for HI USA's customer acquisition.
• Hostelling International: Federation/parent network connecting national hostelling associations in 80+ countries with 4,000+ hostels. HI USA is a member; the relationship functions as a strategic network alliance and brand platform rather than direct competition, but the federation's global footprint shapes HI USA's competitive context.

Broad incumbents

• MEININGER Hotels: European hybrid hostel-hotel brand operating in major city locations with shared and private rooms at budget-to-midscale pricing. Comparable as an established multi-city budget accommodation chain with properties near transit, similar to HI USA's urban orientation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HIUSA
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/HIUSA/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/HostellingInternationalUSA
• Instagraminstagram.com/hiusa
• TikToktiktok.com/@hiusahostels

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hostelling International USA