Abstract:
Hostels provide a popular business model due to the low investment, and there are very few limitations on entrepreneurs, allowing them to use creativity in designing selling points to attract tourists. This study found that certain physical factors are necessary to attract guests; thus, the objectives of the study were to study the physical elements and characteristics sought by guests, and to analyze the relationship between the two factors. The survey involved a physical survey on khaosarn road and interviews with Hostel guests. Three types of buildings were identified: 1.Commercial Hostel buildings, 2.Old houses modified to serve as Hostels, and 3.Newly constructed Hostels. The study of the physical elements of hostels found that 1. Most commercial Hostel Buildings comprise 1-3 booths and 3-4 floors, with most of the ground floor areas devoted to welcoming and sitting areas, while some have cafes on the ground floor to generate added income. Living areas comprise shared bedrooms with bunkbeds or pod-style beds, as well as private rooms.Most of the exterior and interior design relies on architectural textures, using color to divide the boundaries of the building and for interior design. Some hostels use conceptual, color and specific materials in the design to stand out from the environment. 2.Most old houses modified to serve as Hostels offer open space and a garden outside the building.3. Newly constructed Hostels offer many common sitting areas (both indoor and outdoor) with a swimming pool and a beverage bar. From the analysis of relationship between guest behaviors and physical component, found that 1.Guests, who stay in a hostel which has common area in the ground floor with general type of decoration, are mainly looking for accommodation, good reviews, near Khaosarn Road and referral. However, the study also shows that guests tend to take photos for social medias and prefer personal space usage for hostel which has a cafe and has a distinctive decoration. Moreover, the bunkbeds or pod-style beds can provide privacy which related to the reasons of staying; odd, distinctive, and confidentiality. 2. Visitors, who stay in an old house modified hostel which offer open space are only seeking for resting which matched with the reason of staying. 3. Clients, who stay in newly built hostel which offer outdoor area, shows the socializing behavior which is not related to lively property atmosphere. In conclusion, physical factors that influence a guests decision to stay are 1. The distinctive design of the hostel, which encourages guests to take photos and post them on social media platforms, and 2. Amenities/ Facilities include café which are privacy, pod style bed that provides privacy and the relaxation outdoor area.