Hostels - What are they like to stay in

TBeckett100

After watching Hostel 1 and Hostel 2, i would never stay in a hostel.

Arkwright007

I travel regularly throughout Europe and would heartily recommend staying in hostels. Like you I was reluctant at first but if you read the reviews and don't go for the absolute cheapest you will rarely be dissapointed. Other residents are usually quite friendly and happy to chat. I am in my late 50's and find that almost half of the people using hostels are in a similar age range. Also membership of the YHA can bring discounts abroad. Have fun, oh, and take (along with earplugs just in case) a small padlock as you may need it for the locker in your room/dorm.

SallyD

I endorse Arkwright007 comments. I have stayed in the International Youth Hostels which you will find through the UK YHA site www.yha.co.uk . I thoroughly recommend Berlin and Luebeck have stayed in both dormatory 4 bedded) and twin rooms. Dusseldorf was the best hostel I have ever stayed in - only opened in 2007. Booked a twin at Dusseldorf and the room was Ikea furnished with a super en suite brand new shower room and seperate WC *** room by any hotel standards. Stayed in France,Italy,Israel,Barcelona,on a boatotel that offers hostel cabins in Budapest and an ex-army war ship hostel in Stockholm.The standard does vary but generally okay and generally well located. My only disappointment was in Krakow. The hostel was part of a college halls of residence,a good bus ride away from centre of town on a housing complex.The room was the length of a single bed with wardrobe at one end and the width of two single beds with a side table in between, but there was a fully equipped kitchen and good bathroom facilities, but thats all part of the fun of hostelling. I have met some wonderful people and chatted with folk from all over the world. I corresponded with an Aussie living in China and an Israeli both of whom I met over breakfast in the Florence hostel 5 years ago - we have become firm friends and meet up frequently. In England I find the standard pretty poor in the City hostels, but places like Windermere are a good example. I do so wish I had found hostels years ago,I have only been using them about six years with friends and on my own. Good mix of ages, young and old (I'm 56)
It is a good idea to take a padlock with a long hasp and always check if towels are provided.
GO HAVE SOME FUN!!!!!!

jopsey

Has anybody used them in the uk ? I really fancy trying the one in York out.

SallyD

I stayed in York YHA a good few years back. Very impressive Victorian building, situated outside the city walls. A good 20 minute walk but bus from the station stops close by. Self catering kitchen.Busy hostel, the ones in city centres always are,especially over the weekend. Bath YHA is very nice, mansion style house up Bathgate Hill. Buses stop right outside the drive that drop you off right in the middle of town or a good 10-15 minute stroll,also a self catering kitchen,but cooked meals available. Conwy, North Wales is excellent, great for walking/cycling. Personally, I feel the european ones are a better standard than UK but at the end of the day they are reasonably priced and although great for friends/family travelling together they are great if you are travelling alone. You could also look into Halls of Residence during holidays. Don't forget to check out the Travellodge offers....Enjoy!

foreign_correspondent

I love youth hostels! Last year I stayed in a lovely 'naturfreundshaus' in Berlin, bed and breakfast for £8 a night each in a beautifl leafy suburb, a bizarre empty university in Prague city centre for less than a fiver a night, and the stayokay in amsterdam, which was about £25 a night b&b. I even made my mum stay in one in a mixed dorm with me - hahaha - she was a bit dubious but it was fine!!
I love them - they are cheap, friendly and often interesting!

LondonDiva

Have a look on www.tripadvisor.com for reviews

Jo_anne_2

jopsey wrote: »

Has anybody used them in the uk ? I really fancy trying the one in York out.

I have stayed at the York YH too, it was nice with good breakfasts as I recall. The walk along the river to the city was very pleasant. I have stayed in other UK YHs and two of my favourites are Grinton Lodge (N. Yorks) and Pen y Pas (N. Wales). We usually book a family room. I'd recommend them.

Lemmy_Caution

You do not have to do any "duties" in hostels these days. Most of the time it is fun to stay in hostels. Better if you are traveling by yourself, as you will meet other people. Not so good if you are with your partner. German hostels tend to be O.K to good.

SallyD

Foreign Correspondent could you tell us a bit more about Naturfreunds Haus. I have checked out their website but text in German. Is there a site in English?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.