Today we’d like to introduce you to Aryaman Mehrotra.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started Hostelsnearme out of personal struggle. During my college years, I faced what so many students do — the endless search for a decent, affordable hostel that actually felt like home. I still remember walking through unfamiliar streets, checking one place after another, only to find poor conditions or unclear pricing. That frustration eventually turned into an idea — what if finding a hostel was as easy as booking a hotel online?
That thought became the seed for Hostelsnearme. I didn’t come from a tech background, nor did I have investors or a ready-made team at the start. What I did have was a clear vision — to build a platform that helps students and young professionals discover verified, budget-friendly hostels across India without all the stress and uncertainty I once faced.
The early days were tough. From explaining the idea to hostel owners who were skeptical about going digital, to handling everything — design, outreach, and partnerships — on my own, it tested my patience and belief. But every small win kept me going. Slowly, people started believing in the idea, and what began as a simple solution has now grown into a platform trusted by students looking for their second home.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all — it’s been anything but a smooth road. When I started out, I had no prior experience in building a tech platform, no investors backing me, and no roadmap to follow. Everything was built from scratch, step by step, through trial and error.
One of the biggest struggles was convincing hostel owners to come onboard. Many were hesitant about listing their properties online or even trusting a digital platform. I spent months visiting hostels personally, explaining the idea face-to-face, often hearing “no” far more times than “yes.”
Another major challenge was balancing everything alone — managing operations, marketing, website development, and customer support — while still ensuring the platform stayed true to its purpose. There were moments of doubt, times when progress felt painfully slow, and even days when giving up felt easier than pushing forward.
But those hardships became my greatest teachers. They taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of believing in your vision even when no one else does. Looking back, I realize that every obstacle helped shape Hostelsnearme into a stronger, more grounded brand.
Because the truth is — smooth roads never make skilled drivers, and these challenges are what gave my journey meaning.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At its core, Hostelsnearme is built to solve one of the most common — yet most overlooked — problems faced by students and young professionals: finding safe, comfortable, and affordable accommodation. We’re an online platform that helps users discover, compare, and book hostels from the comfort of their homes, without the stress of physically visiting multiple places or relying on word-of-mouth.
What truly sets us apart is our student-first approach. We don’t just list hostels — we verify, curate, and present options that focus on trust, transparency, and convenience. Every listing on our platform is carefully vetted for authenticity, ensuring that students don’t have to face the same uncertainty I once did.
We also stand out for the ease of our digital process — from viewing rooms and amenities to comparing prices and finalizing bookings online. Our goal is to make accommodation discovery as simple as ordering food or booking a cab — just a few clicks away.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how far we’ve come as a small, the startup that has touched the lives of so many students. We’ve grown entirely through word of mouth, student trust, and genuine value creation, not aggressive marketing. Each positive review, each student who finds a safe place through us — that’s what defines our success.
What I want readers to know is that Hostelsnearme isn’t just a platform — it’s a movement to redefine how the youth finds their second home. We’re building not just a business, but a community where students feel supported, secure, and confident.
What’s next?
The future for Hostelsnearme is all about growth, innovation, and impact. We’re working towards transforming the way students experience accommodation — not just by helping them find a place to stay, but by building a complete ecosystem around community, comfort, and convenience.
In the coming months, we’re focusing on enhancing our technology — integrating smarter search filters, AI-driven recommendations, and more personalized user experiences. We also plan to collaborate with educational institutions and housing providers to ensure that every individual can access verified, reliable accommodation options with complete transparency.
Another exciting step ahead is expanding our platform to include intern housing and co-living spaces, catering to young adults who are just starting their professional journeys. The goal is to make Hostelsnearme the go-to platform for anyone seeking a trusted home away from home.
On a broader level, I’m looking forward to building a stronger brand community — one where students and travelers can connect, share experiences, and support each other.
For me, the vision has always been bigger than just accommodation — it’s about empowering people to feel at home, wherever they go. And that’s the journey we’re determined to continue.
Pricing:
- $28.19
- $67.65
- $95.84
- $169.12
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hostelsnearme.in/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostelsnearme/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063913699951
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hostelsnearme/
- Twitter: https://x.com/hostelsnearme
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HostelsNearMe/videos
