Please tell me what I need to know about youth hostels.

[onitlikeacarbonnet]

I took my 2 dc (age 10 and 12) to Alnwick for a couple of days during the Easter break. I booked the youth hostel on a whim but they loved it so much I’m considering a YHA membership.
But I have some reservations regarding costs and suitability for families (esp as a single mum).
Alnwick was in a nice building, central, and had great facilities for families but it was quite expensive (£100ish for a family room) when a b&b could be cheaper.
I’d appreciate if you could please help me make up my mind one way or another by giving me all your pros and cons.

They let male-bodied people into all-female dorms.

We got some very good family rooms.

Especially if out of season.

I think we paid £40 - £50 for a family room. There were lots of families enjoying themselves. Some families had met up. It's fun watching families cook for about 10 people.