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FAQ - Frequently asked questions - Youth Hostels / London Hostels
 

There’s more than one way to see London. You may want to travel, experience new cultures and see unfamiliar and beautiful landscapes, architecture and people.

What’s stopping you?

For many it’s a lack of the vast amount of money that they think will be necessary.
Youth Hostels were devised to provide cheap accommodation to young people who wanted to travel and appreciate nature. From their humble beginnings in a German schoolroom in 1907 there are now over 5000 youth hostels around the world in over 150 countries.
Millions of people stay at youth hostels every year, but maybe you think a hostel isn’t right for you.

But then again, maybe you’ve got the wrong idea about youth hostels:


COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT HOSTELS

1. "I’m too old to go to a youth hostel."
If you are over 26 years of age then the ONLY youth hostels you’re too old for are the ones in Bavaria, Germany. These are the only hostels in the world which still have an official age limit. Youth hostels everywhere else accommodate people of all ages.

2. "I’m not a member so I can’t use the London youth hostel."
People who are not members of any hostelling association can still stay at youth hostels, although in the busy seasons, when rooms are scarcer, priority will be given to members. Rates are slightly cheaper for members. Membership brings with it other benefits, including entitlement to discounts on select local services and attractions. If you’re not sure how much hostelling you’ll be doing, and whether the up front membership fee will be worth it, you can opt to join gradually by collecting stamps on a membership card. Each time you stay at a hostel and pay the extra rate you are entitled to a stamp. Collect enough stamps and you become a member.

3. "They only take backpackers at London youth hostels."
It’s true that a lot of backpackers stay at youth hostels because they are an economical answer to the perennial holiday accommodation problem. But all types of holiday makers utilize youth hostels.

4. "I can’t go to a youth hostel because my children are travelling with me."
Anyone can stay at youth hostels, however as most hostels in London are quite busy and social, it may not be best type of accommodation when travelling as a family, as some people may find it noisy and a little too active. Most people only use Hostels as a place to sleep, so that means people do come in at various hours of the night back to the hostel. A Bed & Breakfast may be a quieter alternative.

5. "I’m travelling alone and I won’t know anyone in the hostel."
The whole philosophy of youth hostels encourages travellers to meet and befriend others and share their experiences. A lot of hostels have common rooms where you can swap helpful travel tips with other guests. Generally hostels are very busy places, with many people coming and going.

6. "I don’t think I’d be comfortable in a dormitory, I was thinking of London youth hostels"
Many hostels offer rooms to accommodate two, four or six people as well as larger dormitory style sleeping accommodation. The smaller private rooms often need to be booked in advance.

7. "I’m not carrying any bedding with me, so I can’t stay at a youth hostel"
The hostels provide all bedding except for some sheets and pillowcases. What has been suggested by many travellers is to make a sleeping sheet which is one sheet folded over and sewn down the side. It doesn't usually take up too much space. Or you can hire sheets from the hostel for a small charge. You can also hire towels.

8. "I wanted to self-cater to save money and youth hostels don’t offer those facilities."
Some hostels do have self-service kitchens, cafeterias and dining areas. The best way to check the facilities of a particular hostel to see if it will suit your needs is to check the listing of each hostel. This lists features of the hostel, location and information that may be applicable to the rooms.

9. "I want to plan my holiday and book ahead and you can’t do that with youth hostels."
Simply fill out a reservation form on our website, and yes, you can book in advance, in most cases you can book a dorm bed in advance also. If you have any questions, simply send us an email.

10. "My flight arrives in the middle of the night and youth hostels are closed then?"
Most hostel receptions in London are open 24 hours, however it is best to check with each hostel listing to make sure before booking.

11. "I don't want to stay in a hostel as I am worried about the security of my luggage"
Most hostels will have a facility to secure your luggage. For some, it is a larger locker at reception, for some there is lockers in each room. In some cases you will need to supply your own padlock, other times the hostel may provide it for a small fee.

12. "All hostels are dirty and noisy accommodation"
It depends on each hostel. Just because a hostel is cheap, it does not mean it is bad or dirty. London hostels are quite busy compared to other hostels in the the UK, so with the greater numbers of people it can be noisier. It comes to this - a Hostel is a Hostel - do not expect the Ritz!