How do youth hostels work?

[KatyMac]

What do I need to know?

I can join through Tescos & they seem quite nice

Are there rules?

What sort of rules are you wondering about? Youth hostels vary a lot. Some have lots of facilities and some are much more basic, but you can find out about what hostels have what facilities on the YHA website. With a lot of hostels, you would have a choice of accommodation, whether to book a bed in a dormitory or whether to book a "family room", ie a private room (-you don't have to be travelling with your family to book one). Below a certain age, children can only stay in a family room, not a dorm, but I can't remember off the top what the relevant age is. I think that some hostels don't allow children under 3, but many do. If you are sleeping in a dorm at a more basic hostel, you might have to be out of the hostel by a certain time in the morning, with the hostel not re-opening until late afternoon. I think that with most, if not all, family rooms you would have access to the room throughout the day. As far as I know, all YHA hostels in England and Wales offer kitchen facilities for guests wishing to self-cater. Some hostels offer meals. For a lot of hostels you would need to be in by a certain time at night. Depending on licensing arrangements, you may not be allowed to bring alcohol. Hope that helps! You'll find much more info on the YHA website.

Was chatting at someone staying at the Whitby YHA 3 wks ago.

It was right next door to the Abbey and they had swipe cards for entry/exit so could come and go as they pleased.

Thanks for this - it explains some of the bits of the website

I love yh but I am a member of the SYH because it is cheaper and you can still use YHA places.

If you want your family of say 5 to sleep together in a dorm it is well worth paying for the extra bed in a 6 beded dorm because you never know, they may put some on in that bed. (It happened to us in Bratislava once!)

Even though my boys are older Eldest is 14, I prefer it if we all sleep in the same room.

You don't have to take your own sleeping bags any more they provide the bedding.

The kids favourite YH is at Arnside. I have stopped at Keswick several times while I have been away working and that is a good base.

There are so many different types of hostel from city centre ones such as Manchester, Liverpool and Edinburgh, They are all good, to remote isolated ones such as Black Sail which I wouldn't recommend if you have very small children for the following reasons:

'Due to poor reception YHA Black Sail is a TV free zone. There are no electric sockets or electrical items in the kitchen and mobile phone coverage is very limited. No credit card facilities at the property. Meals should be booked at least two weeks in advance but prior notice would be appreciated - meals are from a 3-course, one-pot menu. Special diets can be catered for if informed in advance. Drinks are available during reception opening times and only alcohol purchased from YHA may be consumed on the premises. Bedrooms, shower and toilet are all accessible from outside - bring a torch and light outdoor footwear.'

I love it there though it is really great.
Have some good adventures!

We stay in them quite often - we always get an ensuite family room (you cannot stay in dorms if your children are young). Many are being upgraded to this sort of accommodation now. Whitby is wonderful - lovely sitting rooms, views, free entry to the Abbey, free parking (which is marvellous for Whitby!). Hartington and Ilam are lovely - super old houses in the Peak District.

Always lots of families, games rooms, outside play areas and the food is very good quality in these three although you can always do self catering if you prefer. Ilam for example is a National Trust property so you get free access to the wonderful grounds whilst there.

The only drawback we find is the bunk beds are just not that comfy for adults with bad backs!