Australia's Mad Monkey Backpackers: 11 hostels, 1,600 beds, and one API to make their own rules

OPERATIONS

Mad Monkey is an independent hostel group operating 11 properties and 1,600 beds across Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns. Using Cloudbeds’ open API, the group has developed custom housekeeping tools, real-time reporting dashboards, and automated pricing models designed around the unique demands of hostel operations.

Why it matters: Cloudbeds gives Mad Monkey the flexibility to build technology around its own operating model rather than adapt to the limitations of off-the-shelf software. By accessing hotel data and writing pricing decisions back into the platform, the group can automate manual processes, improve visibility across properties, and act on its own revenue strategies.

Using the Cloudbeds API and webhooks, Mad Monkey has built a connected system of custom housekeeping reports, portfolio-wide analytics, and automated pricing tools. Cloudbeds Guest Experience also helps the team manage reviews and maintenance tasks across its growing portfolio.

Top 3 Core Objectives: After expanding from five to 11 hostels in just two to three years, Mad Monkey needed technology that could support increasingly complex operations across multiple cities. The group wanted to reduce manual work, gain better visibility into portfolio performance, and develop custom tools that reflected the specific needs of shared accommodation.

Simplify hostel housekeeping: With guests checking in, checking out, and extending stays within the same shared dormitories, traditional room-based housekeeping reports weren't sufficient. Mad Monkey needed a way to identify which individual beds required cleaning and give housekeeping teams clear, actionable information.
Centralize portfolio insights: Managing 11 hostels across three cities required better visibility into performance at property, city, and group levels. The team wanted customized reporting that could track reservations, booking trends, and operational metrics using its own definitions.
Automate pricing decisions: Mad Monkey wanted to develop a pricing model based on its own data and revenue strategy. Beyond analyzing demand, the team needed the ability to automatically apply pricing decisions within Cloudbeds without manually updating rates.

Innovators Mentioned

Cloudbeds

Dan McConnell

General Manager

Mad Monkey Backpackers

"The great thing about being an independent is that we can do what we want. We can do crazy things, like hire a data scientist fresh off his master’s degree."

Dan McConnell

General Manager

👍 General Manager Dan McConnell said that For Dan, being independent means having the freedom to experiment with new ideas and invest in unconventional solutions.:

"The great thing about being an independent is that we can do what we want. We can do crazy things, like hire a data scientist fresh off his master’s degree."

⚖️ The selection process: During their research process, Dan McConnell evaluated Cloudbeds's product differentiators, customer support, and holistic value as a strategic partner and ultimately decided that Cloudbeds was the best fit solution:

General Manager Dan McConnell said, about their decision: "Now I pretty much do not make a decision without really looking at the data. It's one of those crazy things where you think, how have I ever lived without it?"

📈 The results: Cloudbeds has enabled Mad Monkey to build a custom technology ecosystem around its hostel operations. By combining API access, webhooks, and write-back functionality, the group has simplified housekeeping, created more timely portfolio reporting, and automated pricing decisions across its properties.