Why We Exist
Our story begins in 2015, when Fiona opened one of Myanmar's first places to stay locally...
2015-2016: Discovering the power of independent hospitality.
In November 2015, our founder arrived at Song of Travel in Inle Lake, Myanmar (Burma) the first week it opened and met Yin "Fiona" Aung, the incredible entrepreneur who opened the first hostel built from the ground-up for backpackers, the first social enterprise hostel, and the fourth hostel in the entire country.
Fiona asked Evan to help her setup Song of Travel, and for the next six months, Evan would experience both the transformational power Song of Travel had in supporting the local community, as well as the many extraordinary challenges Fiona and her staff faced every day.
Fiona and Song of Travel would go on to be named The World's Top 10 Medium Hostels in 2018 and Myanmar's Best Hostel in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
2018-2020: Uncovering the challenges of independent hosts.
Evan started meeting with other independent hospitality entrepreneurs throughout Asia, who all shared similar stories. Not only were they all dealing with the same challenges Fiona had, but everyone felt alone in dealing these challenges.
In October 2019, Evan decided to take the plunge full time and launch a community network for independent hospitality entrepreneurs in Thailand to empower and support each other. In January 2020, he moved to Bangkok, two months before the world shut down.
2020: A false start, and a new beginning.
At the height of the pandemic, our team united 15 hosts from over a dozen countries to discuss our shared interests and priorities for a virtual community network for independent hospitality entrepreneurs.
Apple, Rai Ruen Rom, Thailand
Bheki, Curiocity, South Africa
Alvaro & Cynthia, Kuka y Naranjo, Mexico
Eric, Star Hostels, Taiwan
Fiona, Song of Travel, Myanmar
Juan Carlos, Andean Lodges, Peru
Katlyn & Paul, The Mushroom Farm Eco-Lodge, Malawi
Keren, Kasaba, Portugal
Lebo & Maria, Lebo's Soweto Backpackers, South Africa
Liz & Jonathan, Losodeli, Mexico
Luca, Omhom, Italy
Marine, Envoy Hostel, Armenia & Georgia
Robin, BUNK Hotels, The Netherlands
Saleem & Minwer, Wanderers Hostel, Jordan
Saskia, Hotel con Corazon, Mexico
2021: Uniting independent hosts in Mexico.
In 2021, we united eight independent hospitality entrepreneurs to discuss how a community network could support independent hospitality entrepreneurs as well as local & sustainable economic development.
Mau, Agrado Guest House
Angel, BKL Hotel
Eva, Boulenc Bed & Bread
Aurora, Casa de las Bugambilias
Maria, El Diablo y La Sandia
Saskia y Silvana, Hotel con Corazón
2022: A finalist at the Madeira Startup Retreat.
In 2022, we sharpened our value proposition, improved our business model, developed a new rewards plan, and began gaining buy-in from our hosts, partners, and teams. Hosts liked how we were better aligned with their interests. Partners and investors did too.
In May, we were the only startup from the United States, one of two hospitality technology startups, and one of two impact startups selected to join Madeira Startup Retreat, a six-week accelerator hosted by Startup Madeira, Turismo de Portugal, and Nova SBE.
In June, we were one of three startups invited to pitch at Independent Lodging Congress in the pre-seed category.
2023: Uniting independent hosts globally.
In 2023, we launched The StayAltered Hosts Collective with 47 hosts of 56 places to StayAltered in 19 countries.
2024: Launching our booking platform.
In 2024, our collective doubled to over 100 hosts of more than 100 places to StayAltered in 30 countries.
2025: Launching Welcome, Recognize, and Rewards.
In 2021, we united eight independent hospitality entrepreneurs to discuss how a community network could support independent hospitality entrepreneurs as well as local & sustainable economic development.