the right quality/price plan for families this summer?

When we think of hostels, we often only visualize the image of young backpackers. But in France, these collective accommodations are starting to attract another audience. Faced with the increase in prices of hotels or campsites, thanks to their attractive prices and their strategic locations, they are now increasingly attracting parents and children for the summer holidays. “ Families are a real core target and represent 25% of our customers in the summer. », Confirms Sébastien Restagno at Figarosales and marketing director of the United Federation of Youth Hostels (FUAJ). It’s important for us to make vacations affordable and accessible for all budgets ».

At the beginning of June, Maryse D. and her son chose to stay at HQ Marseille, the smallest youth hostel in France – only five rooms -, in the La Cabucelle district, in the 15th arrondissement of Marseille, on the heights of port. “ It’s more friendly than an Airbnb and the prices are more attractive than a hotel. In addition, you feel safe and surrounded, which is important in a place where you don’t know anyone. » she explains. Charlotte Noblet, the owner, notes that these impressions often come up among the families she accommodates, who correspond to 30% of her clientele. For one night, rates start at 47 euros per night in low season, for a single bed in a mixed dormitory. “ Most book our five-bed dormitory, with a private bathroom. What they like is meeting people, while maintaining their privacy », adds the manager to Figaro.

At this rate, breakfast is not included. But the establishment also provides an equipped kitchen with a space reserved for everyone in the refrigerator. The garden is also very popular, as are the beaches and the city center, easily accessible by metro or bus. “ I often plan partnerships with associations in the region, which makes it possible to organize themed activities or workshops at low prices. », adds this former journalist who joined the network of 80 FUAJ establishments.

€31.15 for a night facing the sea

At the other end of France and in July-August, families represent 95% of visitors to the HI Cancale Youth Hostel, in Brittany. “ We have adapted our establishment to this clientele, we now offer board games and activities for children », remarks its director, Benoît Hamelin. Located facing the sea with a view of Mont-Saint-Michel, the hostel contains dormitories (two to eight beds) and family rooms equipped with a bathroom (with bathtubs for some). When it opened in the late 1990s, the place mainly welcomed groups or single travelers. But in 2021, after Covid-19, demands from households exploded and have continued to increase ever since.

One of the reasons? The attractiveness of the price, set at 31.15 euros per night in high season, breakfast included. On the Emerald Coast, hotel rates can easily double or even triple. “ We are located on a cove with immediate access to the beach, it is very good value for money », recognizes the director, who also offers a catering service and bike rentals. The residence also gives the opportunity to book simultaneously, without needing to rent a house. “ We have families who organize themselves every year to come and spend their vacation with us at the same time. », observes Benoît Hamelin.

“We accommodate very few families”

The idea appears to be the ideal alternative, but requires finding the most appropriate location. Some accommodations, for example, do not have a private bathroom or are still very popular with young people between 18 and 30 years old, such as the Open House in Nice. “ We host very few families, because we have a lot of young people in their twenties who party late. We warn them in advance, because we know from experience that this is not what parents with children are looking for. », confides the management.

There remains one detail, important for some, comfort. Even if the culture of sharing and the economic aspect take precedence, in recent years, youth hostels with superior comfort have emerged in France, and elsewhere in the world. This is the case for the Base Camp Lodge in Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Deux-Alpes. In these two addresses, there are dormitory rooms as well as family rooms for three or four people. And even if the rates are low (from 35 euros per night, in a dormitory) the decor is neat. Graphic wooden headboards that draw the crest line of a mountain, retro pendant lights in the shape of a cable car, bright colors on the walls and designer furniture… We are far from the youth hostel of yesteryear!

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