Rest Your Head. Open Your Eyes. Broaden Your Mind.

Hull Trinity Hostel opened toward the end of 2014 and has already gathered a lot of attention. The first of its kind in a city that welcomes tourists, business delegates, artists and musicians, inspirational speakers, theatre companies, festival audiences and even royalty on a regular basis, we've needed an independent, cultural and professional hostel for some time. 

The building has been through many guises over the years, including a Georgian period house, a 700-seat auditorium, functional offices and warehouse storage. Owner and manager Nicc Irvin was kind enough to give me a tour, which was especially interesting as I once worked in what is now its guest lounge, back when it was a market research company. Following thorough redecoration and the removal of dozens of ethernet cables, the space where I once sat and asked people in Peckham about crime levels has been filled with an immeasurably more comfortable sofa. It's a shame it wasn't there when I was a telephone interviewer, probing Edinburgh residents about their weekly bin collections. 

A charming hotchpotch of twists, turns, dips, steps, cubbyholes and many windows, Hull Trinity Hostel doesn't just present a place to rest your head, store your bike and have a cuppa with likeminded people, it's also a celebration of all things Hull. From sports paraphernalia and local art to historic photographs and vintage music posters, the reception, stairways and bedrooms are gradually accumulating all kinds of tributes. And, as is to be expected, there's a map of the world that invites visitors to add a pin to their hometown, which is a lovely touch and already demonstrating the success of this essential business.

Offering 2-bed, 4-bed and 6-bed dorms, WiFi, guest laundry, a prime location in the heart of the Old Town and prices starting from just £13, it's understandable why Nicc has found people are bunking down for entire weeks as well as fleeting overnight stays. Plus with the bells of Holy Trinity Church, the inspiration of the Museums Quarter, Humber Street's nightlife, Hepworth Arcade's boutiques and Trinity Indoor Market's array of flavours all only a few footsteps away, visitors can enjoy a comprehensive taste of Hull even if they're only here for a matter of hours.

You can find out more about Hull Trinity Hostel on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram and YouTube.

Author: Rich Sutherland, @beardybiscuits