Backpacker hospitality company Zostel has entered the premium accommodation segment with the launch of Zo Selections, opening its first property in Jaipur as it seeks to serve travellers looking for more private and upscale stays without giving up the social and community-driven experiences associated with hostels.
The newly launched Zo Selections Jaipur by Zostel combines private accommodation with communal spaces and curated activities. The property features private rooms, jacuzzi suites and dedicated workstations, alongside common areas designed to encourage interaction among guests.
The Jaipur property also houses Amaano, an in-house restaurant focused on Rajasthani cuisine. Its interior design draws inspiration from Jaipur’s identity as the Pink City, giving the property a destination-oriented character rather than following a conventional hotel format.
According to the company, Zo Selections has been created for a growing segment of travellers who have moved beyond hostel dormitories but continue to value the social connections and community experiences that hostels provide. The brand aims to bridge the gap between traditional premium hospitality and Zostel’s community-led accommodation model.
Guests at the Jaipur property can participate in activities including bonfires, workshops and sundowners. The approach is intended to make the stay an experience centred not only around accommodation but also around meeting other travellers and engaging with the destination.
Zostel CEO Aviral Gupta said the company did not want to create another conventional five-star hotel, but instead wanted to build on the community it has developed over more than a decade. He noted that many travellers who first encountered Zostel during their backpacking years have since moved into different stages of life, including family travel and corporate offsites, while retaining an interest in social experiences.
The company said Zo Selections properties will be built around three core principles: anticipatory service, destination-inspired design and curated experiences. This positioning is intended to give the new brand a premium hospitality proposition while retaining the community-oriented character that has been central to Zostel’s identity.
Zostel began operations with a 24-bed hostel in Jodhpur in 2013. Since then, the company has expanded to approximately 5,000 beds across India, Nepal and Thailand, with its properties collectively recording more than five million journeys, according to the company.
Zo Selections will form part of the broader hospitality portfolio operated by Zo World, which already includes Zostel, Zostel Plus, Zostel Homes and Zo House. The premium brand is now expected to become an additional growth avenue as the group attempts to expand beyond its traditional backpacker-focused customer base.
Gokarna has been identified as the second destination for Zo Selections. The company also plans to establish properties in Mussoorie, Pench and Lonavla, expanding the brand’s presence across leisure and destination markets.
The launch comes amid a wider expansion drive by Zostel and Zo World. The company’s property in Phuket became the network’s 100th location, while the group has indicated plans for additional growth across Southeast Asia.
Zo World has also been expanding its international distribution reach. In May, the company announced a strategic marketing partnership with European hostel operator Safestay, under which properties from the two networks are being cross-listed on their respective booking platforms. The partnership allows both networks to broaden their reach while continuing to operate independently.
Zo World is targeting a network of 10,000 beds, with Zo Selections representing its move into premium hospitality. The new brand could allow the group to retain customers as their travel preferences evolve, while also opening Zostel’s community-led model to travellers who prefer private rooms, upgraded amenities and more personalised services.
With its Jaipur launch and a pipeline of destinations including Gokarna, Mussoorie, Pench and Lonavla, Zo Selections marks a significant extension of Zostel’s original backpacker-hostel proposition into a broader premium travel and hospitality segment.
Disclaimer: This report has been editorially prepared using publicly available information and official company disclosures. Readers are advised to refer to official company announcements/disclosures for further details.
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