Rochester, N.Y. - Evan Lowenstein and Michael Lasota have traveled the country, even the world.
Both have stayed in hostels.
Even though Rochester is considered a mid-sized city, they say they are surprised Rochester doesn't offer super-affordable, social lodging.
“We have all the architectural, cultural riches of major cities, things that would attract that type of traveler to our region but we don't have that accommodation available for them so they're not coming here,” Lowenstein said.
Lasota managed a hostel in Florida for two years.
He says creating one in Rochester will bring in more tourists.
“People might not be specifically coming to Rochester but it might be a stop on the way to somewhere else or in between,” Lasota said.
Lowenstein and Lasota say the hostel needs to be in a centralized location near the art culture and transit lines, such as downtown or even in the South Wedge.
The two men don't have a specific plan for the hostel; it's still in its early planning stages.
They're hoping to spread the word and gain support.
“Rochester unfortunately is not like a Boston or New York where we have to market ourselves a little bit better,” Lowenstein said.
“We have to do a little bit more leg work but I think once we can get the word out about what we have to offer here, people will be interested.”
Lowenstein and Lasota have pitched their idea to the city and Visit Rochester, both have expressed interest.
