By ELLEN CREAGER
Free Press Travel Writer

Great world cities have youth hostels.

Now, the first hostel in Detroit in 15 years will open in early 2011.

"People who come here want to explore the city," said founder Emily Doerr, 25, who lives in Corktown. "We want to give people a clean, safe and inexpensive place to stay."

Hostel Detroit is to open in April at 2700 Spruce St., in sparsely occupied North Corktown, north of the site of long-gone Tiger Stadium. It will have nine bedrooms, a total of 20 bunk beds and four double beds. Rates are $25 a night for a single, $45 for a double.

Doerr said she's had lots of support, with "local people signing up to be ambassadors. They'll even pick people up here at the hostel and show them around town."

Added supporter Ashley Woods, 26, of Detroit: It's "sort of like a grassroots concierge to show you the best bands, the best restaurants."


1st Detroit hostel in 15 years to open in Corktown in April

Step out of Hostel Detroit's front door at Spruce and Vermont in Corktown, and fields grow wild. Fisher Freeway traffic roars nearby. The ruins of Michigan Central Station loom like a mirage.

"This is close to everything," said Emily Doerr, a 25-year-old Detroiter who sees possibilities, not obstacles, for Hostel Detroit, the city's first hostel in 15 years. It is set to open in April. "The Gaelic League, Slows [[Bar BQ), the train station are within walking distance. There are hundreds of couch surfers who come to this city, and they all want to see the train station," she said.


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