The new social premium hospitality vertical opens its first property in Jaipur, targeting travellers who have moved beyond hostels but still seek community-led experiences
Backpacker hostel chain Zostel has entered the premium hospitality segment with the launch of Zo Selections, a new social premium hospitality vertical under its parent company, Zo World. The first property, Zo Selections Jaipur by Zostel, has opened with private rooms and jacuzzi suites.
The launch marks an expansion of Zostel’s hospitality portfolio as the company targets a growing segment of travellers who have moved beyond traditional hostel accommodation but continue to value social experiences and community.
From Backpacker Hostels To Premium Stays
Zostel began with a 24-bed hostel in Jodhpur in 2013 and has since grown to a network of around 5,000 beds across India, Nepal and Thailand. The company says its network has facilitated more than five million journeys and helped build one of India’s largest communities of young travellers.
According to Zostel, many of its early customers are now in their thirties and increasingly travelling with partners, families and colleagues. Zo Selections has been designed to cater to this demographic while retaining the community-driven proposition associated with Zostel.
Aviral Gupta, CEO, Zostel, said the company did not want to create another conventional luxury hotel, but instead build a premium hospitality format around the community it has developed over the past 13 years.
Community At The Centre
Zo Selections is positioned around a social model that brings guests together through curated activities and shared spaces. Bonfires, workshops and sundowners are integrated into the stay, while common areas are designed for entrepreneurs, families, couples and corporate offsite groups.
The Jaipur property features pastel, Pink City-inspired interiors, expansive common areas and dedicated workstations. It also houses Amaano, an in-house restaurant serving Rajasthani cuisine.
The company said each Zo Selections property will be built around three core principles: anticipatory service, destination-inspired design and personalised experiences.
Expansion Plans
Following Jaipur, Zo Selections is set to expand to Gokarna, with a coastal property focused on slow travel. The company has also outlined a broader roadmap covering destinations including Mussoorie, Pench and Lonavla.
Zo Selections joins Zostel’s existing portfolio, which includes Zostel Plus, offering premium hostel stays; Zostel Homes, focused on nature-led accommodation; and Zo House, a permanent hacker-house network.
The launch comes amid a wider expansion programme at Zo World. Zostel recently reached its 100th property and opened its first overseas location in Phuket, while the group has also expanded its European presence through Safestay across more than 20 destinations.
The group is targeting 10,000 beds, with Zo Selections forming its formal entry into the premium hospitality segment.
