NYC hotel with its own social network

There are lots of hotels that like to think they are offering not just a place to sleep but "a lifestyle" too. Generally speaking, you shouldn't believe them. These are normally the sort of places who also try to sell you their branded CD of forgettable chill-out tunes.

However, one place that could have a legitimate claim on the idea is the Pod Hotel in NYC. During your stay they won't just provide fresh towels and free wifi, they'll sort you out with a social life too. Just dial room service and...

Ok, not quite. No telephones involved. It's all on the net, of course. Yes, you've guessed it, the Pod Hotel has its very own social network.

It's a rather basic affair, more like a simple forum, but it's proving very popular. When guests make a reservation, they are given the option to join the forum. There they'll find a section for each month of the year, subdivided into four categories: Eat With Me; Drink With Me; Shop With Me; Go Out With Me. If you're going to be in town that month, you can start your own post - inviting others to meet up with you - or you can respond to an invite that's already there. Site statistics show that, so far, 1776 users have contributed 251 threads and 564 posts.

I like the idea. It's perfect for travellers who are past bunking up in huge hostel dorms and yet miss the social experience of shared accommodation. It's also perfect for a city like NYC, which can be a lonely place for a solo traveller.

That's not to say you have to be on your own to use it. Couples and groups of friends are getting in on the idea too, often making plans with other guests before they've even set foot on NY soil.

All good, although you could argue that people should be more willing to start an occasional spontaneous chat in a hallway, without feeling the need to exchange emails first.

The network has earned the Pod Hotel the nickname “The Facebook Hotel”, based on the generation they are targeting and how they are targeting them.

"Get a feel for Pod culture," announces the website. Easy now, Pod Hotel. I like your style, but watch yourself or you could be selling mood CDs before you know it.

Hostels vs hotels vs couchsurfing: part 2

What do today's budget travellers prefer: a hostel, a hotel or a couch? It seems the debate that I touched on a couple of weeks ago has been continuing over at Vagablogging, the blog of high-profile travel writer, Rolf Potts. The post - "Hostels go upscale as budget travelers discover couchsurfing" - refers to HostelWorld.com's announcement that hostel bookings by North Americans increased 20% in 2008. The site puts this down to hostels going upmarket and no longer being the last resort for just the skintest of travellers.

Now as hostels install pools and bypass the bunks for more single rooms, prices are inevitably being pushed up. Could they be pricing out their original market? With iPods and laptops now part of the typical checklist, backpacking is certainly not the frugal experience it once was. Last April, the YHA opened London Central (pictured), a £4m hostel offering wifi, pop art and organic cider. Although, from £12 a night, it's certainly not badly priced by London standards.

Vagablogging is predicting more budget travellers will switch to couchsurfing for a more affordable way to travel in these lean times. I think we'll also see people searching for cheap alternatives on the likes of Airbed&breakfast, Crashpadder and LeapLocal.

Budget travellers should be rejoicing. Not that long ago there were no such facilities tailored to their needs. Now we have choices.