Wanderstay is revolutionizing the hospitality industry by offering affordable and thoughtfully designed accommodations that foster meaningful connections among travelers. Founded in 2018 by Deidre Mathis, the first Black woman to own a hostel in the U.S., Wanderstay offers two distinctive properties in Houston: the Wanderstay Houston Hostel and the Wanderstay Boutique Hotel. Inspired by her extensive travels to 49 countries across all seven continents, Mathis wanted to bring the sense of community and cultural exchange she experienced abroad to travelers stateside. The Wanderstay properties are designed to be more than just places to sleep—they are welcoming spaces where guests can connect with others, cook together in shared kitchens, and engage in vibrant community life.
In 2023, Wanderstay expanded with the opening of its Boutique Hotel, a 10-room property with themed accommodations, offering guests a unique, immersive stay. Both locations emphasize community interaction with shared kitchens that encourage healthy cooking and social dining, enhancing the guest experience. The hotel also partners with local businesses to offer added amenities, supporting Houston’s small business ecosystem and deepening ties with the community.
The Wanderstay Origin Story
Wanderstay was born out of Deidre Mathis’ passion for travel and her vision to create inclusive spaces where travelers feel welcome, connected, and empowered. Mathis’ journey began with a study abroad program at Florida A&M University, which sparked her love for exploration. Over the years, she visited 49 countries, staying in hostels and boutique hotels where she found a sense of community she hadn’t experienced elsewhere. Recognizing a gap in the U.S. hospitality market, she set out to create spaces where diverse travelers—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds—could feel seen and welcomed.
In 2018, Mathis launched the Wanderstay Houston Hostel, a 24-bed property offering both shared and private rooms in a dynamic, culturally significant neighborhood. Following its success, she opened the Wanderstay Boutique Hotel in 2023, expanding the brand’s presence and providing travelers with an even more immersive experience. Each property reflects Mathis’ belief that hospitality is about more than just accommodation—it’s about building community and meaningful connections.
How Wanderstay is Changing the Face of Hospitality
Wanderstay is more than just a hospitality brand—it’s a movement toward greater diversity and inclusion in the travel industry. With only 2% of hotel owners in the U.S. being Black, Deidre Mathis is using her platform to change that narrative, proving that people of color can thrive in leadership roles within hospitality. Through her work, Mathis aims to inspire others to pursue hotel ownership, especially young people from marginalized communities who may not have seen themselves represented in the industry.
Deidre’s innovative approach to hospitality has earned her national recognition and several prestigious accolades. She is a Beyoncé BeyGood Entrepreneur Grant recipient and a Tory Burch Fellow, achievements that highlight her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to making a positive impact. In 2020, Mathis was honored as one of Houston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, and in 2023, she was recognized as an Influential Woman in Hospitality by Questex’s Hotel Management.
Wanderstay is also committed to supporting the local economy by partnering with small businesses in Houston. These partnerships not only enhance guest experiences but also strengthen community ties, reflecting the brand’s commitment to creating positive impact beyond its doors.
Wander Abroad Foundation: Travel with Purpose
A key pillar of Wanderstay’s impact is the Wander Abroad Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides passports and study abroad scholarships to underrepresented college students. Mathis understands firsthand how transformative travel can be, and through Wander Abroad, she aims to ensure that more students have the opportunity to gain global experiences. Since its inception, the foundation has provided 19 scholarships and 6 passports, with a goal of sending 150 students abroad by 2030.
The foundation focuses on empowering students who might not otherwise have the chance to study abroad, helping them develop a global mindset and create new opportunities for personal and professional growth. By covering key travel expenses, the Wander Abroad Foundation ensures that financial barriers do not prevent students from pursuing international experiences.
How You Can Support Wanderstay
You can support Wanderstay’s mission by booking a stay at one of their properties and experiencing their unique approach to hospitality. Each stay contributes to their work of creating inclusive spaces and funding the Wander Abroad Foundation, which empowers students through travel. You can also spread the word about Wanderstay to help raise awareness of their mission and inspire more travelers to choose accommodations that make a difference.