The Social Stays is a vibrant new hospitality brand redefining travel for the modern youth. With stylish accommodations in prime locations, on-site cafes catering to all dietary needs, and thoughtfully designed co-working spaces, we offer more than just a place to stay — we create a community for adventurers, creators, and digital nomads.
When did you started your journey as entrepreneur?
I started my journey as an entrepreneur in a different way. Even though I studied Art History, I ended up working as the CFO of a large business group that was involved in FMCG, renewable energy, hospitality, and financial markets. This helped me learn how to manage big businesses and handle finances well.
On the other hand, Shashank began his journey in 2018 when he opened a boutique backpacker hostel in Manali. He has always been passionate about hospitality and was one of the first to see how the youth travel space was changing. In 2022, we came together to start the first ArtBuzz Youth Hotel (Now The Social Stays) in Mussoorie. With Shashank’s ideas and energy, and my skills in finance and operations, we are building something exciting for young travelers.
How does The Social Stays curate its community and spaces to foster creativity and collaboration among digital nomads, artists, and youth travelers?
At The Social Stays, we focus on creating spaces that bring people together and encourage creativity, connection, and collaboration. We have lively common areas where guests can relax, socialize, and make new friends. For working professionals and digital nomads, some of our properties offer dedicated workspaces with a comfortable setup so they can work with ease while being part of a vibrant community. Our community is mainly built for youth—where like-minded people can come together, share ideas, and even work on projects side by side. Whether you’re an artist, traveler, or remote worker, our spaces are designed to help you feel inspired and connected.
With the rise of remote work and digital entrepreneurship, how is The Social Stays evolving its co-working offerings to remain relevant and supportive of modern work cultures?
At The Social Stays, we understand how work is changing, and we’re evolving with it. That’s why we offer different types of co-working setups to match the needs of today’s remote workers and digital entrepreneurs. If you’re just dropping by for a few days, we have affordable day passes. For those who come regularly, we offer weekly, monthly, and even yearly passes to make things easy and flexible.
You can choose a dedicated seat if you want a personal desk just for yourself, or go for a flexi desk—a more budget-friendly option where you can share space with other co-workers. We also have private cabins for teams or individuals who want more privacy, and meeting rooms for when you need to brainstorm or take calls. All of this comes with high-speed Wi-Fi, tasty food, and an amazing vibe that keeps you focused, yet connected.
What role does art and cultural programming — such as retreats, residencies, and exhibitions — play in shaping the identity of The Social Stays as more than just a hostel?
These experiences help bring together people with similar mindsets—creative thinkers, artists, and curious travelers who are open to new ideas and connections. By hosting these events, we create a space where people can share their work, learn from each other, and grow together. It adds meaning to the stay and turns our spaces into hubs of inspiration, creativity, and community.
Sustainability and conscious travel are becoming central themes in hospitality. How does The Social Stays incorporate ethical and environmentally friendly practices into its operations and guest experiences?
At The Social Stays, we’re deeply committed to protecting the environment and promoting conscious travel. We ask our guests to keep both the property and surroundings clean—especially in places like Kasol, where we’re very cautious about preserving the Parvati River. Littering is strictly not allowed, and a fine of ₹2000 is charged if anyone is found doing so, including throwing anything into the river.
We’re also taking steps to reduce water wastage. For example, we ask guests to leave their towels on the floor only if they need a fresh one—helping us avoid unnecessary laundry and save gallons of water. These are just a few of the practices we follow, but our overall goal is to create travel experiences that are both fun and environmentally responsible.
Having hosted over 10,000 travelers and 1000+ solo female travelers, what have been the biggest learnings in terms of safety, inclusivity, and community building for a youth-focused hospitality brand?
One of our biggest learnings is that creating a safe and welcoming environment starts with the little things: well-trained staff, clear rules, and a respectful culture where everyone feels comfortable and valued.
For solo female travelers, we’ve made sure our properties are well-lit, secure, and have team members available 24/7. We also pay attention to creating social spaces where guests can easily connect, make friends, and feel part of a larger community—especially important for those traveling alone.
Inclusivity has been key to building the kind of environment where everyone—from different backgrounds, genders, and cultures—feels at home. At the end of the day, it’s about creating a vibe where people feel safe, seen, and supported—and that’s what The Social Stays stands for.
How does The Social Stays strategically select its hostel and co-working locations to align with the evolving preferences of young, experience-driven travelers and remote professionals?
At The Social Stays, we strategically lease properties and fully brand them under our name, taking complete ownership of operations to ensure that quality and guest experience are never compromised. We specifically look for newly built properties that align with the modern needs of young, experience-driven travelers and remote professionals. This allows us to design the space from the ground up—whether it’s creating vibrant common areas, quiet co-working zones, or thoughtful design elements—making sure every location reflects our vibe and meets the expectations of today’s travelers.
How does The Social Stays Kasol leverage its prime riverside location and proximity to the main market to create a distinct guest experience that balances natural tranquility with cultural immersion?
Situated by the serene Parvati River, guests can enjoy peaceful moments by the water, whether it’s relaxing by the riverbank, taking in the scenic beauty, or practicing yoga in a calming environment. At the same time, being close to the main market allows our guests to easily explore the vibrant local culture, try delicious local food, and shop for souvenirs. This balance between nature and culture provides a well-rounded experience, allowing guests to unwind in nature while also connecting with the lively atmosphere of Kasol.
