A new generation hostel, between rooms, bar, restaurant, grocery store and coworking space: the Koskenia hostel is the new friendly place in Bidart. Guided tour with Christine Larralde, co-manager of the establishment.
What is the origin of the Koskenia project?
It is part of the rehabilitation and extension of the old Post office driven by the town hall of Bidart. On the village square, we wanted to carry a concept full of common sense and good ideas that enriches the range of accommodation and creates a new dynamic in Bidart. Our project highlights the values of the society of tomorrow which correspond well to the image of our village: authenticity, altruism, collective, ethics, transparency.
What services are you developing?
We doubled the area of the building to expand our services. Our ambition is to meet the expectations of a new clientele in search of an eclectic place located in the heart of local life. Innovation is about bringing people together, crossing cultures and origins in order to invent something. Upstairs, the building accommodates five dormitory rooms and three classic rooms.Outside the summer season, we favor the reception of groups with 26 dormitory places, schoolchildren, associations, hikers, or even cycle tourists. borrowing the Velodyssey. We can also host internships on behalf of local companies and clubs. The ground floor is an open and warm space with different services. The local produce grocery store is the front door to the inn and a showcase for artisans. At theKoskenia Hostel, we want to welcome all audiences. This is why we have also created a relaxation and coworking space for students of theEstia - the Bidart Engineering School - and young entrepreneurs.
Our project highlights the values of the society of tomorrow which correspond well to the image of our village: authenticity, altruism, collective, ethics, transparency.
Is the Koskenia hostel in the heart of the village quite a symbol?
Yes, because beyond our ideas and our desires, we want visitors and Bidartars to appropriate this new place of life. The choice of name is not neutral. It refers to the Koskenia watchtower, which watched over the village and served as a landmark for the population. We will accentuate this central position by hosting events. Each month, around an open stage, we schedule musical and theatrical performances, round tables, improvisation matches, tastings, exhibitions, and literary book launches. Priority is given to the diversity of activities by highlighting local talents and artists.
Are you bringing this project to three? What are the values that unite you?
Julie Alday and Bénédicte Zara are supporting me in this project. The first time we discovered this building, when we looked up at its incredible volumes, we had the feeling that something new was going to happen here, that we could open up new paths, that everything was possible. This feeling is great. We really believe in it. And we are giving ourselves the means to always go further, just to animate this ecosystem in full force of age and to make our village even more attractive.
