Written by Brittany Kleinman: Recently, we got the chance to sit down with Jeff Pan the founder of Loftstel to hear how he went from business student to backpacker and relief worker to traveler’s savior. The Loftstel concept is exactly how the name sounds, a loft and hostel put together. Even though the company has only been around for 2 years, they have risen to the top among international students and interns who need a temporary place to stay while visiting the US.

Jeff grew up in Philadelphia and later attended Penn State for business. Like many fresh US college grads, he decided to hit the road and explore the world with only a backpack and a burning curiosity. Starting in Europe, and ending up in Thailand, Jeff spent 2 years exploring the world with his own eyes and found opportunities to give back along the way. Jeff was one of thousands of foreigners who have come to Phuket Island to help communities rebuild from the Dec. 26 tsunami. At age 22, he helped build a website called OneLife, for volunteers to find work in tsunami-affected areas and flew to Thailand to work in Bangtao. Click Read More for additional information and photos.

Upon his arrival back home, Jeff reflected on his travels realizing the things he remember most were not the places he went or the pictures he took, but instead the people he met.  The problem for backpackers however, is that the only affordable option for housing is a hostel.  Now for most visiting a city for a few days, this is a perfect solution.  But like Jeff, many choose to dwell for extended periods of time and experience the city full force. With this realization Jeff decided to give back once more, this time to his fellow backpackers, by founding Loftstel.

What makes Loftstel stand above the hostel crowd is their unique vision to create a space for the longtime guest. Most of the residents are international students on internships or people looking to relocate to the states.  Typically people stay anywhere from 1-5 months. During our visit, we got the opportunity to hear the inside scoop from one of the guests.  Joseph Ng is from Hong Kong and found Loftstel through a listing on Craigslist.  He is in NYC to find an Architecture job but isn’t sure where he will end up. For him, Loftstel is the perfect in-between before looking for a more permanent apartment.  Despite only checking in a few days ago, he says the people are great and make him feel right at home.

Loftstel has stretched out to 4 different locations in the United States, (NYC, DC, PA & LA) and has the hopes of expanding to Europe in the near future.  Currently there are around 30 full time employees that maintain the business across the country.  A regular housekeeping system and respectful tenants keep each Loftstel very clean.  Everyone seems to be in charge of their own mess and understands that communal atmosphere.  When people visit a city for 2 or 3 days and stay in a hostel you get a very superficial understanding.  People at Loftstel are interested in having a different experience that goes beyond the surface layer.  As Jeff says, “people have a real chance to get to know the city, and even time to make up their own mind about George W. Bush.”

GENERAL INFORMATION
Average length of stay: 5 weeks
Median age: 24 years
Gender ratio: 39% male, 61% female
International mix: 58% are foreign

FLEXIBILITY & LOW-MONTHLY RATES
If you reserve a spot for a month, you can check-out early at any time and receive a full refund on the days that you don’t use. This is a great option, especially if you’re new to Philadelphia and are in the hunt for an apartment.

WE CATER EXCLUSIVELY TO LONG-TERM GUESTS
While most hostels are designed to accommodate a revolving door of guests who only plan to stay for a few nights, we designed our hostel with the long-term guest in mind. This includes features such as spacious common areas like communal kitchens and living rooms.

FREE STAYS AT OTHER LOFTSTELS
If you are a former or current guest at Loftstel, you are more than welcome to enjoy a complimentary stay at any other Loftstel free of charge. Feel free to check our terms and conditions for details.

COMMUNAL LIVING & LOTS OF INTERACTION
Our Loftstels are designed to encourage interaction among our guests as much as possible. Our rooms (separated by gender) are shared, as are the bathroom facilities, kitchens, and living rooms. Note that privacy is limited, so if you’re relatively shy, you may want to consider other options. You’ll have the opportunity to meet students & interns from all over the world.

FREE AMENITIES

All of our room options include the following amenities:

+ Free wireless internet (if you have a laptop)
+ Free public computer to check your email
+ Free phone with free long-distance calls
+ Free HBO on demand & Wii on our flat-screen TV
+ Free detergent & dryer sheets with use of our washer/dryer
+ Free towels & linen are provided
+ Free kitchen access with cookware & dinnerware
+ Free personal locker & closet storage (bring your own lock)
+ Free sleeping masks and ear plugs
+ Funky design to make you feel right at home
+ A great place to meet other students from around the world

CONTACT INFO
New York | Los Angeles | Washington DC | Philadelphia
Corporate Office | 419 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10003
(office) 646.723.1421 (mobile) 917.520.1844 (fax) 212.228.6149

Loftstel Website
Loftstel Myspace

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