The RAD Hostel property has a fascinating history, beginning in the mid-20th century when it was a classic 1950s roadside motor lodge. A few decades later, it served as a ComCor rehabilitation correctional facility throughout the 1980s, preserving much of the same original layout but serving the community differently. It then sat vacant for many years, waiting for its next chapter, when it was given new life and transformed into a top-rated hostel in Colorado.
Erin Welch, a longtime Colorado Springs resident, honed her hospitality chops managing motels in the area. After seeing the future RAD Hostel site sit unused for so long, she planted the seed of a dream to start a hostel, combining her wealth of lodging/hospitality experience with a passion for travel and fostering connection.
A labor of love, the long-neglected property was resurrected and reimagined. Along with new bedding and furniture, A/C units, a renovated kitchen, and the construction of a shaded back patio, Welch expanded the different room options to accommodate every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking to stay in a dorm, a private room, or a camper van space, check the availability calendar and reserve the option that suits you best.