INOUT HOSTEL is a Special Work Center dedicated to the hotel and catering industry, opened in 2004 by Icaria Social Initiatives, a non-profit entity.

INOUTHOSTEL is located in Barcelona, in its privileged nature park, with a tube station (zone 1), 300 meters uphill until the reception. It offers almost 260 beds in shared rooms in a regime of four, six, eight, and ten people. Shares some targets with the leading tourism industry: provide the best customer service and generate a sufficient level of resources to get benefits, by obtaining customer satisfaction scores above 80%.

INOUTHOSTEL is the first hotel service in Europe where 90% of its staff consists of disabled workers, mostly intellectual.

What sets INOUT HOSTEL apart from its competitors?

INOUT Hostel is distinguished for being the first hotel service in Europe where 90% of its staff is made up of workers with disabilities, mostly intellectual, promoting real and significant inclusion in the industry. Located in a privileged natural environment in Barcelona, in its Natural Park, it combines excellence in service with a strong social commitment, achieving customer satisfaction of over 80%.

Its innovative model not only offers quality accommodation, but also generates a positive social impact, transforming lives and challenging traditional norms of the hospitality sector. In addition, its large accommodation and restaurant capacity specialise in serving large groups.

What sustainability practices does your hostel implement in its operations?

INOUT Hostel is deeply committed to environmental sustainability, implementing a variety of practices that reduce its ecological impact. We have installed almost 200 solar panels to take advantage of photovoltaic energy, and we reuse treated wastewater for garden irrigation. In addition, we use home automation solutions, with motion sensors that optimise the use of lighting in hallways.

The use of plastics is also reduced, a biomass boiler with local pellets is used for hot water and heating, and charging points for electric vehicles have been installed. Its commitment includes the reuse of furniture from other hotels and the implementation of a Good Practices Manual of the Collserola Natural Park to minimise the impact of visitors.

What specific accessibility features are available at the hostel to accommodate guests with disabilities?

INOUT Hostel strives to be accessible to all guests, adapting its facilities to various physical, visual, auditory, and mental needs.

• For physical accessibility, the hostel has ramps, an elevator, adapted parking, 100 accessible beds, adapted bathrooms, and a double-height desk at reception.
• In terms of visual accessibility, there are contrasting colours on ceilings, floors, and doors; braille signage in elevators; tactile signage in a building; and high lighting, as well as magnifying glasses available at reception.
• For guests with hearing disabilities, alternative lights to emergency sirens have been installed.

How does INOUT HOSTEL ensure customer satisfaction, and what specific steps are taken if a guest has any concerns during their stay?

INOUT Hostel guarantees customer satisfaction through a personalised approach and a constant commitment to service excellence. The staff is trained to proactively address guest needs and resolve any concerns quickly and effectively. Customer experience is continuously monitored, including surveys and feedback reviews, to identify areas for improvement. If a guest has any concerns during their stay, the team is available 24 hours a day to offer immediate solutions, ensuring a positive and memorable experience.

Are there any thoughts or updates you would like to add? 

INOUT Hostel has celebrated this April an exceptional milestone in its history.  On April 26, the hostel commemorated the 20th anniversary with a party that brought together more than 400 people, including workers, collaborators, family, and friends.

Since its birth in 2004, INOUT Hostel has been at the forefront of workplace inclusion, with 90% of the staff made up of workers with intellectual disabilities. This pioneering initiative in Europe has not only proven to be a model of success in labour inclusion but has also become a benchmark in the tourism sector for its exemplary work and commitment to sustainability.