Plantation Manor?

May 23, 1997

The other day, while taking a stroll around Lake Eola, I swung by Plantation Manor on the corner of Robinson St. and Eola Dr. to see some friends of mine who work the night shift there. This three-story yellow stucco building has been called everything from a flop house to a home for runaways. Not too many people realize that Plantation Manor is a hostel where members from around the world can stay for $13-$22 dollars a night. Visitors can choose either a private room with a single bed and dresser or a dorm room, which is usually one large room housing several bunk beds. (Private rooms usually cost a few dollars more.) The hostel also has a full kitchen with a community eating area, a community shower, and a laundry room.

Not every city is lucky enough to have one, but Orlando is blessed with a hostel. Budget travelers can use it to find a plethora of travel information. If you have never seen a hostel from the inside, a visit to Plantation Manor is a great way to check out a typical one. While you're inside feel free to question the host at the desk, pick up one of the many brochures, or even talk to some of the guests.

Plantation Manor is also your gateway to hostel adventures abroad. Many people do not realize that over 5,000 hostels are currently operating in 70 different countries; 260 are in the U.S. and Canada. Hostels are a wonderful way to travel and meet people. Joining is easy. You simply need to fill out a basic form and pay a $20 membership fee which is good for a year. During that time you will receive updates in the mail on things like new hostels and travel tips.

I recently bought a membership and went skiing in Colorado for seven days. I stayed at a local hostel in Denver, and my room and board totaled $82 for the week! During this time I met people from England, France, Tokyo, South Africa, and Tasmania.

If you live in Orlando and love vacations that don't blow your budget, I recommend heading over to Plantation Manor and asking about a membership. It is a great resource that will help make your next adventure an affordable one.

Carl Walters
When not down at the local movie theater, I can usually be found working on a script (La Fin Du Monde) or hanging out at Hooters (I swear I go for the food). My interest in literature came from its ability to let me escape into other worlds. Today I read a lot of Guy De Maupassant along with Albert Camus and Hemmingway. It is appropriate that I write for Slant since my therapist keeps using the word "Slanted." The words I live by "Any man who would do less...is less than a man."