More than just a place to stay, Northwest Portland Hostel has become a hub for connection, where travelers from around the world and locals alike come together to share stories and experience a sense of community.
For founder Jim Kennet, hospitality has always been about something deeper than just accommodation. “What gets me up every day is that I do enjoy providing great experiences for people,” he says.
From the moment guests walk through the door, that intention is clear. Whether it’s a solo backpacker, a young family, or a first-time hostel guest, the experience is designed to feel welcoming, social, and intuitive.
“Since I stepped in the door, I’ve felt comfortable,” one guest shares. “And that’s not always easy, especially traveling with a four-month-old.”
The best of both worlds
For many guests, Northwest Portland Hostel challenges expectations by combining the comfort of a hotel with the social energy of a hostel. It offers private rooms alongside shared spaces designed for interaction, discovery, and community.
“You can have a private room that feels like a clean, comfortable hotel,” says one traveler, “but still have that social aspect downstairs — meeting people, joining activities, exploring together.”
That balance is intentional. For Jim, it comes from years of understanding what travelers truly want, something he developed early on through his own experiences exploring hostels across North America.
“I’ve always had a knack for knowing what people want,” he explains. “When I walk into a hostel, I think—what do I want to see? What do I want to find?”
For him, the answer is always connection, and he’s designed Northwest Portland Hostel with that as a primary focus. From walking tours and shared meals to spontaneous conversations in common areas, the hostel creates countless opportunities for guests to truly engage — not just with the destination, but with each other.
Built differently. Run with purpose
Jim’s journey began with a simple idea and a willingness to take risks. From buying his first property for $9,000 as a student to gradually transforming spaces into welcoming environments, the foundation of the hostel was built on creativity, resourcefulness, and persistence.
That same spirit still defines the business today. The team operates with a strong sense of trust and collaboration, empowering staff to experiment, build partnerships, and connect with the local community.
“We’re always testing ideas, whether it’s working with local businesses or nonprofits,” one team member explains. “It’s about creating something bigger than just a place to stay.”
The hostel’s café, for example, serves as both a guest space and a neighborhood hub, blurring the lines between traveler and local.
Jim has seen firsthand how hostels can break down barriers, bringing together people from different cultures, backgrounds, and even countries with long histories of conflict.
“You meet someone you’ve been taught your whole life to see differently,” he says. “And then you realize you like them. That’s powerful.”
It’s this human connection that continues to inspire the team, and gives the hostel a deeper purpose beyond simply running a business.
Adapting through change
Like many in hospitality, Northwest Portland Hostel has faced its share of challenges. Declines in international travel and shifting guest preferences have required constant adaptation.
“We’ve had to rethink how we operate,” the team shares. “That means adjusting room types, being flexible, and finding new ways to bring people in.”
Dorms have been converted into private rooms to meet evolving demand. New ideas are tested regularly, and creativity has become essential, supported by systems like Cloudbeds that enable the team to adapt quickly and operate more efficiently.
“We’ve been through a lot—economic downturns, global crises, the pandemic,” Jim says. “But you just keep going. You keep finding the energy.”
A community that gives back
Over the years, Northwest Portland Hostel has built a loyal network of guests, locals, and partners who continue to support it through both good times and challenging moments.
“We’ve created a village,” Jim explains. “And now, when things get tough, people give back.”
That sense of shared ownership and belonging has become one of the hostel’s greatest strengths.
And when global travel fully returns, Northwest Portland Hostel plans to be exactly where it has always been, ready to welcome the world. “We should be here for you,” he adds. “We’re staying open.”
He continues, “the best thing you can do is just keep living, Keep doing what you love.”
