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http://www.omniture.com --> Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Advertisement Email Story to a Friend May 9, 2006 Above: Sammy Boles, a self-proclaimed traveler who has found employment as a handyman for the new owners of the Ashland Hostel, carries in a mattress. (Mail Tribune / Roy Musitelli) Ashland hostel reopens By chris conrad Mail Tribune ASHLAND — Low-cost lodging has returned in time for the busy tourist season with the reopening of the Ashland Hostel. The new owners of the 95-year-old, olive-green Craftsman home at 150 N. Main St. welcomed back guests May 1, eight months after it was put on the market. At first, Steve Shekell, 55, and his business partners, Joseph Friedman and Jonel Baldwin, all from Ashland, intended to fix it up for resale. "I actually didn't know it was a hostel at first," Shekell said. "There was so much desire within the community to have it stay a hostel, we decided to keep it that way, to go with the appetite." Getting the place back on its feet hasn't been easy. Previous owners weren't much on maintenance, leaving Shekell and his partners will faulty plumbing, bad carpets and damaged kitchen appliances — problems that are being addressed. Also, the lack of records has forced Shekell to track down the various schools that book the hostel during the Shakespeare Festival. "We're having to restart from scratch," he said. "But we're getting it together." The 40-bed hostel will add another private room, bringing the number to three. Shekell also is considering making one of the dorms co-ed. Rates are $25 per person and $50 for a family room. Check-in times are 5 p.m. To make a reservation, call 541-482-9217. Had the hostel remained closed, travelers wanting to check out plays or Pacific Coast Trail hikers seeking a soft bed for the night would have had to shell out big bucks for an evening in Ashland. "There are tons of bed and breakfasts in Ashland," Shekell added. "We like offering something more affordable." The owners haven't established many rules for guests. They want to listen to them before making those decisions, Shekell said. "We are not really sure where it's going," he added. "But after seeing how much love there is here for the hostel, we'll give it a whirl." Reach reporter Chris Conrad at 776-4471, or e-mail [email protected] . Advertisement s Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Ashley Furniture HomeStore Send Flowers Southern Oregon Loans California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Online Pharmacy