Would you share your hotel room with a stranger to save some cash? This startup is betting on it

There are no shortage of innovative companies sprouting up all over the country, perpetually changing the accommodation landscape. Winston Club founder Bryon Shannon has the imagination and creativity to stretch accommodation innovation further with a soon-to-launch members-only booking service that allows solo travelers to share rooms in order to save huge on hotel bookings.

We caught up with Bryon to learn more about Winston Club and how the startup intends on disrupting the industry.

RWV: What problem does Winston Club solve and how does it work?

Bryon Shannon: We started Winston Club because we felt there should be an easy way for people to connect when they’d like a low-cost way to access the comfort and convenience of a hotel. We wanted a safe, reliable, economical solution that provided a better experience than hostels or CouchSurfing alternatives.

Winston is a free members-only booking service that delivers the best reservation prices at top hotels by enabling members to split rooms. For an optimal experience, Winston doesn’t only pair members who have the same travel plans, but also considers members’ interests and background information. When members approve pairings, Winston completes the hotel booking and payment process for them, making it simple to split a hotel. Members merely check in and enjoy their stay.

RWV: What makes Winston Club different from other members-only booking services?

BS: Today, most members-only booking services offer the benefit of discounted pricing not available to the public, and they largely cater to the leisure traveler. Their members have a one-way relationship with the company, not other members. With Winston, solo travelers are connected with each other.

As many as one in four adults in the US planned to take a trip by themselves this year, according to a 2015 MMGY Global survey of 2,300 US Adults. Take business travelers for example — people who are away from family and friends, alone in places they’re not entirely comfortable with. Winston thrives when these members are able to connect with each other, making their trips more enjoyable.

RWV: What would you say to travelers who are skeptical about sharing a room with a stranger?

BS: Room-sharing isn’t for everyone – or all the time. We get it. We personally wouldn’t want to share a room with someone who we wouldn’t click with either. That’s why we invest a lot of time in getting to know each member before their first trip, and we make thoughtful pairing recommendations that you can always accept or reject.

People have been room-sharing in dorms, on couches or in hostels since before our grand-parents were kids. Winston’s community approach lets you become familiar with the person you’re rooming with well before you check-in. Additionally, hotels offer much more security than a private home or other alternatives. A recent PWC survey found that consumers familiar with the sharing economy are 34% more likely to trust a leading hotel brand than Airbnb. Because of Winston’s thorough membership screening and the nature of the check-in and check-out process, security is not a normal concern for Winston members.

RWV: What, if any, safety measures are in place?

Safety is a top priority and it goes right along with ensuring we have a well-vetted community of members. All of our members must produce five forms of verification: phone number and professional email at account setup, one verified social media account and credit card at booking, and one photo ID at check-in. Rather than staying with an anonymous stranger, you're sharing a space with someone who has been screened and is accountable for their actions. Of course, this comes along with all the safety you'd expect at a top hotel including a 24/7 front desk, secure entry to your room and common areas, and being located in great neighborhoods.

RWV: What type of traveler does Winston Club appeal to?

BS: Winston appeals to the growing segment of consumers who are comfortable and familiar with the sharing economy and operate on a self-funded travel budget. Typical members are small business owners, graduate students, conference attendees, avid travelers and even Airbnb hosts themselves. A significant portion are Millennials aged 20-35.

RWV: Name one stand-out feature of Winston Club.

BS: The chance to explore some of the best hotels in the best cities for half price. You have tons of options to save 10, 20 or 30% when you travel — but it’s exciting to think about the places you might not otherwise consider visiting until now, when you can stay in some of the most exciting neighborhoods in the U.S. and pay half price.

RWV: When taking a startup from idea to reality, what is most crucial to make it happen?

BS: Listening to your community. For many startups these days, it’s their users. Many times, founders spend a significant amount of time developing a prototype before receiving their first round of external feedback. The earlier you can learn, build, re-build, pivot, the better.

Use your own product, be your biggest advocate, and listen to your core community.

RWV: What are the future goals for Winston Club?

BS: We are fully focused on enhancing the community experience our members have. This means we’re thinking about things like reviewing other members or messaging members through an app in the future. We also love what “experience-based” startups are doing in the travel industry and think there are neat opportunities to create unique Winston Club activities or excursions for members in the cities you can book a hotel with us.

Jessica Festa is the founder on the solo and offbeat travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and the online responsible tourism and culture magazine, Epicure & Culture. She's constantly searching for local experiences beyond the guidebook. You can follow her travels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.