Hostelworld adds PayPal as payment option


8 Apr 2008

Online accommodation booking site Hostelworld.com has added PayPal as a payment method following research into user priorities.

A recent survey found that security was a top concern of respondents, with almost a quarter (24pc) voting it their most important consideration.

The PayPal service allows users with PayPal accounts to pay online without divulging credit card details to a third-party site and expands the range of payment options available to users with PayPal accounts, including debit card, bank account or PayPal account balance.

“We are delighted to give Hostelworld customers the added convenience and security of PayPal when they book on Hostelworld.com”, said Niamh Ni Mhir, chief marketing officer, Hostelworld.com.

“According to a recent hostel user survey we conducted in conjunction with Zoomerang, we found that security of payments is paramount to customers, with 24pc voting it ‘most important’ when choosing a hostel booking website. With PayPal becoming an increasingly popular method of payment for our customers, it was logical for us to cater to their needs.”

The addition of PayPal is one of a number of initiatives that have been recently announced by Hostelworld.com. Others include the launch of an iPhone-ready version of the website and an integrated map application with the ability to shortlist favourite hostels.

Hostelworld.com is headquartered in Dublin and is owned by Web Reservations International.

By Niall Byrne