In interviewing Torsten from Wombat’s City Hostel Munich, I found out what a typical day would be like working in a hostel.
1) What is a typical day like for you?
I come to the hostel, have breakfast, read my e-mails, then 3h of working (setting online availability, reading and answering ratings, etc.), lunch break and chilling, running, yoga, then another 3 hours (bookings, e-mails, checking existing bookings for a certain day, etc.), again chilling/ meeting friends/ going out/ blabla
2) Did you do any long term backpacking before working at Wombats?
Not really. I discovered it while I was working here. Okay 4 weeks Ireland before but that’s not really longterm.
3) Did you stay in hostels while traveling?
Sometimes yes, sometimes camping or couchsurfing
4) If yes, do you feel staying in hostels helped you understand how the work aspect of it ran?
Definitely
5) How long have you worked for Wombats in Munich?
8 years
6) Have you worked at any of the other Wombats hostels?
Yes, in Vienna for a short while.
7) Does each hostel have the same facilities or there minor differences between them?
There are minor differences e.g. we have a garage for cars the others don’t. We don’t have a guest kitchen unfortunately. But the basic stuff like room setup is the same.
8 ) What advice would you give someone who would like to run their own hostel or work at one?
Don’t mind people. Wave and smile. Install free wifi everywhere.
