Bitcoin Hostel in El Salvador

Episode XVII. Block Height: 847500. Running a Bitcoin-only hostel in the heart of El Salvador. Sun, Beach, and Education, this is Forever, Laura!

Jun 11, 2024

Everything started back in early 2022 when I arrived in San Salvador. Although I've had the dream of opening my own spot since my first major trip through South America in 2018, the idea has stuck with me ever since. Now it seems I have also found the perfect place to fulfill my dream. Sun, beach, super nice locals and of course Bitcoin, all combined in a relatively small country in Central America. Sometimes fiction becomes reality.

I had spent years backpacking across continents, witnessing firsthand the struggles many travelers face with currency exchange rates and transaction fees, making travelling a hassle; waiting in line for hours at banks and being cross-checked including passport scans just to receive a huge stack of paper notes that devalue by the minute; and waiting for larger transactions to arrive months later because three banks are involved who charge exorbitant fees for nothing; or credit cards and bank transfers not working at all. On the other hand, I saw the transformative potential of Bitcoin in streamlining payments and fostering economic inclusion first hand in El Salvador. It just takes a spark to lit up a fire.

“Envision your dreams and they become reality.”

Why El Salvador

In recent years, El Salvador has emerged as a pioneer in the adoption of Bitcoin, making headlines worldwide with its decision to recognize Bitcoin as legal tender. This bold move has catalyzed a wave of innovation and experimentation in the countries’ economy. Among the novel enterprises inspired by this digital revolution is the concept of a Bitcoin-only hostel/hotel, a unique blend of hospitality, education, connection, and recreation powered by unfuckable money called Bitcoin. No currency exchange, no waiting in line for hours, no cross-checking, no penalties for exchanging currencies, just pure Viva La Vida.

In a digital age, where borders are an artifact of past history, people will choose the place to live/travel where their ideas and capital are treated best. The Bitcoin community and people who are interested in Bitcoin are growing rapidly, fuelled by the fact that more and more people are fed-up with the current fiat robbery. In El Salvador, where Bitcoin is legal tender and faces no discrimination to fiat currencies, our money (Bitcoin) is treated best. Therefore, an increasing amount of people will flock to El Salvador, enjoying freedom of choice regarding the use of money.

The trend towards location-independent work and the use of a worldwide decentralized payment network, including the political changes in El Salvador, screams for a spot to bring together people all around the globe. Spreading Bitcoin adoption and education in one breath.

Forever, Laura!

Forever, Laura! the striking name of the Bitcoin-only accommodation offers a seamless, tech-savvy travel experience for the modern, digitally inclined traveler. This concept aligns with El Salvador’s national strategy to integrate Bitcoin into everyday transactions, fostering a more inclusive and innovative financial ecosystem for everyone. A unique experience where all transactions, from booking to local excursions, are conducted exclusively in Bitcoin, thus providing a practical demonstration of Bitcoin’s utility and boosting a Bitcoin circular economy. Breathing and living the Bitcoin Standard integrated into its operations, providing a holistic, unique and innovative experience for all senses.

Increased Bitcoin adoption, not speculation, only works with knowledge. The best way to pass on knowledge is to create the right space for it to spread. I was fortunate enough to join the greatest Bitcoin community over the last couple of years, for which I am truly thankful. Spreading the Bitcoin word online is fine, but for most, providing a full Bitcoin experience also means meeting like-minded people and using/spending some sats, further promoting the Bitcoin circular economy and solving the Bitcoin adoption dilemma.

Therefore, securing a prime beachfront property and beginning to transform it into a modern, eco-friendly spot for Bitcoin folks is my next big goal. The design incorporated sustainable materials, photovoltaic modules and a small scale Bitcoin mining facility mostly for educational purposes, but where the excess heat would be used to warm up a pool and/or sauna. The centerpiece of the hostel, however, will be its open-air common area out-looking to the ocean, co-working spaces equipped with fast Wi-Fi and a Bitcoin library, creating room for knowledge to spread through generations independent of the background.

To fulfill this generational independent share of knowledge, the rooms range from shared budget friendly dormitories to private suites and beachfront bungalows, each equipped with digital locks that guests can unlock using a unique QR code sent to their smartphones upon booking. Furthermore, a healthy and protein rich breakfast menu will be offered, including proof of work made Espressos and Americanos. Crispy homemade Bitcoin Pizza will be offered in the evening, including Satoshi’s favorite, Pineapple and Jalapeños, of course. Transactions for stays, meals, and other services were conducted exclusively in Bitcoin. No Bitcoin yet, no problem because the property will also feature a Bitcoin ATM with super low fees, sucking in your paper notes and sending Bitcoin directly into your wallet, getting you ready for an unforgettable Bitcoin experience.

Knowledge is Key

Understanding Bitcoin is crucial because it sits at the intersection of finance, technology, and socio-economic change. As a decentralized digital currency, Bitcoin offers a new way to transact and store value, providing an alternative to traditional financial systems and enabling financial inclusion for the unbanked. By providing a safe and hip place, I am able to reach people I am not able to reach right now. I love X and Nostr, but let’s be honest, it’s one giant bubble. Thus, to onboard more people to the Bitcoin Standard, we need to make Bitcoin touchable, outlining its usefulness by real word projects. Talk is cheap, let us take action!

“Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.” – Marcus Aurelius

Empowering the Bitcoin Economy

By integrating local businesses into the Bitcoin economy, I want to further help increase Bitcoin adoption and reduce reliance on the traditional banking system, which is still very discriminatory. Bitcoin allows for seamless, borderless transactions, making it easier for both locals and travelers to engage in economic activities without relying on the traditional banking system.

This economic empowerment fosters a stronger, more resilient community in El Salvador. Forever, Laura! will become a hub for innovation, Meet-ups, Bitcoin Workshops (Running a Node; Self-Custody; …), and digital nomad retreats. It will demonstrate how technology, when used thoughtfully, enhances travel experiences, fosters community, and drive economic inclusion, proofing that innovation and social good goes hand in hand. Working in cooperation with MiPrimer Bitcoin and Bitcoin Beach, hosting workshops and Bitcoin events.

Lowering Transaction Cost

Bitcoin transactions lower fees associated with currency exchange and international transfers, providing cost savings for both the host and its guests. Especially when using the Bitcoin Lightning Network, a layer two solution which offers significant benefits by addressing scalability and transaction speed limitations of the main Bitcoin blockchain. It enables faster, low-cost transactions by creating off-chain payment channels, which allow multiple transactions to occur between parties without broadcasting each one to the blockchain. This reduces congestion and lowers fees, making small transactions economically viable. The Lightning Network also enhances privacy, as transactions within the channels are not publicly recorded until the channel is closed. This efficiency will improve the guest experience by offering quicker check-ins and payments for services.

As the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, casting a golden glow over Forever, Laura! I stood on the beach, reflecting on the journey. Forever, Laura! is more than just an ordinary option to explore El Salvador; it represents a convergence of innovative technology and hospitality, a testament to the power of vision, technology, and community. The benefits extend beyond operational efficiencies and cost savings, influencing broader economic and social dynamics. By fostering financial inclusion, boosting the local economy, it will play a significant role in El Salvadors pioneering journey into the Bitcoin Standard. And as more guests arrive, eager to be part of this unique experience, the knowledge about Bitcoin spread unstoppable and the story of Forever, Laura! was just beginning.

Crowdfunding

So far, this is just a vision! But if you want to make a difference in this world, join my mission on Geyser Fund to build the best and coolest #Bitcoin-only accommodation in El Salvador, bringing together people all around the globe, and spreading tangible Bitcoin knowledge. Your support makes all the difference:

P.S: I would also highly appreciate your Feedback and any ideas that came up while reading this episode. I am also open to a strategic partnership. Just reach out. Together strong.

The End

That's it for this episode. I hope you got excited about my latest project. If we can dream it, we can do it. Making the world a better place, powered by Bitcoin. Knowledge is key. Thanks for reading and see you in the next one.

₿ critical, ₿ informed, ₿ prepared. Yours,

Not your keys, not your coins

Get yourself a proper hardware wallet: Shiftcrypto’s The Bitbox Bitcoin only is my favorite. Swiss made, Great customer support and worldwide shipment.