About Our Hostel

To us, the apple represents the place where you are – the source of knowledge and wisdom.

We understand that you’ve travelled from all corners of the planet seeking new places, new friends, and new adventures. You’re not satisfied with simply knowing where you’re going or how to get there – you crave an experience informed by newfound sights, sounds, tastes, and ideas. In short, you want to know where you’ve been.

Apple Hostels was dreamt about for quite some time but finally came together in the spring of 2008 when we purchased the Bank Street Hostel, located in the Old City just steps from Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and surrounded by great pubs, bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Our goal is to have the best reviewed hostel in North America, so having a great building in the perfect location has gotten us off on the right foot. Now we want to be sure to offer each of our guests a clean and safe environment, the friendliest and most knowledgeable employees, and a great variety of tours and activities.

We hope to get the opportunity to meet you and have you as one of our guests. Please be sure to let us know if there’s anything we can do to make your stay more enjoyable, either by completing one of our surveys or writing directly to one of our staff listed below. We’re looking forward to meeting you!

MickeyCEO

Mickey’s life is a tale of rags to riches. Mickey was abandoned at the USA Hostels Hollywood hostel when he was just 5 months old. As adorable as he was, the staff took him in and quickly trained him to do their jobs. Before he knew it, he was checking in 20 guests at a time, cleaning the toilets and doing the reports. All this while negotiating contracts with the hostel’s vendors. Realizing that he deserved more for all this than just dog food and belly rubs, he set out to create the world’s best hostel.

Marc DesmaraisOwner

Marc has more than 25 years of experience in the hostel business. Originally from Montreal, Canada, Marc moved to California in 1998 and joined USA Hostels where he helped grow the company into one of North America’s finest chain of hostels. In 2007 he set out with Mickey and Ines to form Apple Hostels, in what they hope will be another success story. At the very least, it should keep them out of trouble for a while.

Marc’s interests include travel, home renovation, hiking and extreme ironing.

MichaelAssistant General Manager

Born in Florida, Michael (AKA Chuck) Moved to West Philly with their partner over 6 years ago with the intent on setting up permanent roots in the city. A true jack of all trades, they’re passionate about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Chess, Cinema, Dungeons & Dragons, and all matter if outdoor recreation. Michael has been living in West Philadelphia for as long as they’ve been in the city and is more than happy to help you get to know the farther out natural sights that the city has to offer.

Max SvalgardNight Audit Manager

Max has spent most of his life living in Pennsylvania (so he knows the public transit REALLY well) and has toured the US with his former band nine times. With family from all over the world he’s seen his fair share of it and is looking forward to visiting family in Argentina in the future. Max is an avid fan and member of the Philadelphia Art Museum so feel free to ask him about current and upcoming exhibitions.

JazzGeneral Manager

Jasmine has been living in Philly since the end of 2022. She grew up in Buffalo, NY but has traveled all over the states and even has roots in the Hawaiian Islands. Aloha fam!
Her interests involve collecting comics & vinyl. She also loves to cycle around the city to different parks & loves to be by the water!

Jasmine’s knowledge of Philly focuses on community involvement, volunteer opportunities, live music & local events.

A hospitality natural with over 10 years of experience in the industry, her goal is to help curate your journey here at Apple Hostels. Ask her what’s going on in the city during your visit!

LucasReceptionist

Lucas was born and raised in Montclair, NJ and has lived in a few cities across the U.S. as well as spending a year living in Brazil! He is a member of a punk rock band and has been a part of the music industry for years. He knows a lot of the great venues and can help anyone looking to check out the Philadelphia music scene. He is also a super cyclist and holds records for fastest deliveries in Philadelphia. If you need any recommendations on bike paths, trails, or shops he’s your man!

ChloeAssistant General Manager

Chloe has been living in Philadelphia for almost three years. Originally from the Midwest, she enjoys traveling, hiking, film, and music. Chloe also loves exploring the city and finding new places to eat and drink around Philly, as well as going out to see live music. She’s a great person to ask if you’re looking for advice on what to do while visiting the city!

BenFuture Receptionist

Ben is currently in the maturing process and will be joining the team soon!

EvanReceptionist

Evan grew up in New York but has resided in Philadelphia for the past 15 years. He is our in-house real estate agent and you can come to him with questions if you’re thinking about moving to this wonderful city! In his free time he loves checking out new local restaurants, visiting and learning about historic sites in the city, and checking out music shows.

DannyReceptionist

Hey there! I’m Danny , originally from San Jose, California, but I’ve spent a lot of time bouncing between there and Philadelphia. With Vietnamese and Jamaican roots, I have a deep love for fashion, music, and delicious food. I’m your go-to person for discovering amazing local Vietnamese cuisine and the coolest cocktail bars around the city. When I’m not here at the hostel, I’m probably hanging out with my cat, Demetrius. I can’t wait to share some great stories and help make your stay awesome!