While Faro's mayor Rogério Bacalhau dreams of 5 star hotels and the conference market, an energetic young company has responded to a real tourist market with the opening of Hostel 1878, located in the heart of Faro in a century-old building offering low cost accommodation to the younger tourist.
The redevelopment of the classified building has needed a high degree of skill and care. The hostel once was a school and latterly an institution for girls. Now guests can drop in, hang out and move on as they please.
The building retains its original facade and many interior details and architectural features have been retained such as stone arches and much of the tiling.
Faro therefore now can offer an additional 74 beds in eight bedrooms with some additional double bedrooms and two suites.
The goal of Hostel 1878 has been to provide a distinctly Mediterranean experience for the young and active seeking something more than relaxation on holiday, according to the company behind the venture.
With this in mind the management wants to promote Faro and its surrounds with tours, traditional cuisine dinners, nightlife advice, afternoon trips to Moncarapacho, exploring oil and salt production and even fishing trips.
So much more engaging than a new 5 star...
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See also: http://www.algarvedailynews.com/news/2939-faro-s-mayor-wants-more-hotels-but-is-this-the-answer
Hostel website: http://1878hostel.com/en/index.php
