hostelling a brilliant lowcost break

[redmapleleaves1]

We used to use youth hostels (and their family rooms) alot when the children were young. I haven't been back for over 10 years, but booked a single room at Streatley, by the Thames, when I needed a last minute break. £31 for a clean, pleasant single room, excellent thoughtful self catering kitchen, nice communal areas, clean showers and toilets, interesting chats with travellers and next to one of the most stunning bits of the Thames and the Ridgeway.

Its funny how we get out of the habit of doing things and then we forget them. Writing really to encourage others - I'm a woman in her late 50s and it felt fine, fun, life enhancing to be there alone. I've just read their annual report and it is not surprising they've had a hard time since Covid, but have been making a massive difference to vulnerable people, including young carers and people in deprived communities. yha dot org dot uk

Don’t know if anyone will see this but I’ve failed to start a new thread 🙄Going to Edinburgh next week for 3 nights solo. Don’t have much money - thinking about a hostel by tv I’m not “ young” not sure any of them have any single rooms available.
just wondering what advice or experiences you’ve had ? x

Hi there. I'm the original poster, so biased, but not young (58) but have had excellent experiences with hostels. You can filter on their website for single rooms for the time you're planning. I'm guessing there are lots of other non official hostels in Edinburgh too - might be worth seeing if its university term or you can stay in student rooms too? Good luck

Brilliant thanks so much that’s great to know. I’m a few years older (62) I am def going to go with it as I think it sounds a bit more sociable if you’re travelling alone as well 👍

I grew up Youth Hostelling. It enabled us to have loads of holidays and short breaks on a small budget. Money was a bit tight when we were young. My sister worked for the YHA for years as does her husband. That's how they met. YHA was always my go too. But for city breaks, it have found its usually better value in a cheap chain hotel. The YHA has lost its way a bit. And my sister thinks it won't last much longer.

I stayed in Edinburgh YHA a few years ago and it was lovely.

Thanks that’s good info
i was looking at independent hostels not looked at YHA but will see if they’re still there 👍

I’ve stayed at the central youth hostel in Edinburgh admittedly in a single room and it was very nice.

I love youth hostels. I’m nearly 50 and stay in them all over Europe, catching trains from one place to another. Love it. But I always book a private room, don’t mind sharing a bathroom but I can’t be doing with people making tiktok videos at 3am in the dorm!

This was the room I had https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGerGVd7h/

I’ve stayed in Bath before with my daughter. It was absolutely fine. I think Youth hostels can be a complete gem in a city of more expensive accommodation. I wouldn’t do a dorm but a single took in my own absolutely.

Really no thanks. I couldn't get past it:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hostel_(2005_film)

That’s incredibly helpful thankyou ! x

Haha not gonna watch that but thanks for the warning !!! 🤣🤣😱

Incredibly helpful thanks xx

@letsallmeetupinthehyear2000

I wouldn't watch it if I were you. I wish I hadn't. It's like a snuff movie.

(not that I've actually ever seen a snuff movie you understand but what I imagine one to be like)