Today, Hostelling International USA (HI USA) breaks ground on its new hostel and community space at the HI New Orleans Building, at 1028 Canal St., across from the Saenger Theatre.
As part of the company’s commitment to sustainable tourism it will be repurposing two historic buildings from the 1890s and transforming them into the new unique space.
HI USA is a nonprofit that harnesses the power of travel to foster a deeper understanding of the world, breaking down the barriers associated with travel. Through its Explore the World (ETW) Scholarships, that young New Orleanians will soon have the opportunity to apply for, HI USA reps said they make life-changing travel experiences more accessible.
Speakers from the nonprofit’s executive team, along with city officials, will introduce the hostel to the Central Business District today and reveal plans to promote a more diverse city through economic development.
Scheduled to open in the fall of 2018, HI New Orleans will feature 24 private, ensuite rooms as well as 122 dorm beds in shared rooms, a community space for locals and hostellers and a connected café.
At the hostel, there will also be an HI New Orleans Engagement Team who will connect travelers with each other and the surrounding community, and publish a weekly calendar of off the beaten path events.
Other amenities will include:
• Flexible dorm room size configurations
• 4- to 8-beds in shared dorm rooms
• Dorm beds with a reading light, charging station, privacy curtain and luggage locker with charging station
• Individual, single-user washrooms for dorms
• Male, female and mixed-gender dorm options
• Fully-equipped, self-service kitchen
• Free continental breakfast
• Meal planning assistance
• Free high-speed Wi-Fi
• Large common and meeting spaces
• Bike storage
• Free luggage storage pre and post stay
• 24-hour reception
• Airport transfer assistance
HI USA’s ETW Travel Scholarships will be awarded to New Orleanians, between the ages of 18 and 30, to make travel an option for young people who otherwise would never get the opportunity. Recipients will receive $2,000 for a trip abroad that includes a service or learning component.
A committee of local volunteers will select who will get the need-based scholarships.
HI USA reps said the company promotes a dynamic community of global citizens who have the wisdom and humanity to actively make the world a better place. As the nation’s leading hostel brand, HI USA hosts more than one million overnights annually, with guests from more than 100 countries, and reps said for more than 80 years HI USA has provided a network of affordable hostels in historic buildings across the country.
