[caption id="" align="alignright" width="250"] Cheap wall mounted LED lamp[/caption]
Bunk beds and hostels have been intertwined for years. These two words are practically synonymous. This connection is so strong that many hostels are accessorizing their bunks, providing guests with additional value and differentiating themselves from the competition. Here are a few examples of what they are doing:
Power to Your Guests
[caption id="attachment_631" align="alignleft" width="209"] Universal outlet on Alibaba, check with local electrical codes to see if it is okay to use in your area.[/caption]
It has become a trend for hostels to install reading lamps and power supplies for each bunk. The reading lamps can be simple, hardwired, and utilize the latest advances in LED technology. They consume only 1-3 watts, and the bulbs can outlast the actual device. Regarding power outlets, we're seeing more convenience, with many hostels adding USB outlets and/or universal outlets. If you decide to include these, make sure there is a sticker indicating the voltage output, so no one accidentally damages their devices. It’s best to avoid any mishaps, even if technically it's not your fault. Hostels are also constructing shelves or attaching baskets to the bunks to ensure that charging devices and other belongings don’t fall to the ground in the middle of the night too.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="250"] A simple basket like this for books and glasses goes a long way. Simply mount with zip ties and you're good to go.[/caption]
A Little Wall Goes a Long Way
Privacy curtains on bunk beds are quickly becoming a thing of the past. To find out why, check your next set of dorm room curtains. Note how often those curtains are washed compared to the sheets. You will most likely see some stains there that will give you nightmares. [caption id="attachment_633" align="alignleft" width="300"] USA Hostels uses custom privacy walls fabricated out of metal to attach to standard Ikea beds. This wall adds more privacy. Also note the electric outlet, light, and shelf.[/caption] As an alternative, hostel designers are building bunks with privacy walls incorporated. These walls don't block the entire bed but provide enough separation to enhance privacy for the guests while avoiding the housekeeping downsides. This way, guests are less affected by others in the dorm. These privacy walls can be constructed from various materials, built with custom beds or added later to standardized beds like those sold at Ikea. Typically, a privacy wall separates one bunk from another and can be made from brick, plexiglass, metal, and sealed wood (which we do not recommend due to bed bugs). The front and back of the beds should be blocked and about 20% of the length of the bed should be covered to cast a shadow on the guest’s face. This helps insulate the guest from the lights, sounds, and even smells of other guests. Time has shown that claustrophobic people tend not to stay in dorm rooms to begin with, and such privacy additions are becoming increasingly popular today.
The Ability to Lock it Up
Now that every guest has some privacy and power, what about security? It is becoming an industry standard for every bed to have a locker. Some lockers utilize the space under the bed, next to the bed, or even outside the room. As long as there is a locker, guests can secure their valuables while they sleep or leave the dorm. Bonus points if guests can charge their devices while locked up; powered lockers are just as popular as the outlets in the beds too. [caption id="attachment_634" align="alignright" width="358"] Generator Berlin has the rolling lockers that fit nicely under the beds[/caption]
The Simple Things
You don't need to make a major investment to offer more value to your bunk beds. This can be achieved by simply adding an extra pillow on every bed. Some hostels provide a map to ensure every guest receives one. Others place a piece of candy on each bed. There have been rumors of hostels even placing a condom on every bed, but those treats seem too dispensable before every guest receives one. If you're looking for cool bunk design ideas and inspiration, Poshpacker.co has curated a fantastic list of detail-oriented hostels from around the world, showcasing many with innovative bunk bed accessories. [caption id="attachment_635" align="alignnone" width="300"] Wink Hostel Dorm Bed[/caption]