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Frequent Asked Questions.

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 you're not familiar with hostels?

We have answered the most frequently asked questions about hostels for you!

1. "Is there an age-limit to youth hostels?"
Only youth hostels in Bavaria, Germany, have an age-limit of 26 years. 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. "Does one have to be a member to sleep in London youth hostels?"
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 selected 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. "Do 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. "Can I go to a youth hostel when 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 the 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. 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, but are there also private rooms?"
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. Is it still possible to stay at a youth hostel?"
The hostels provide all bedding except for 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. Do youth hostels 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.
 
9. "I want to plan my holiday and book ahead. Can I book hostels before I arrive?"
Yes, you can book in advance. In most cases you can book a dorm bed in advance also. You can use the booking form or e-mail us if you have any questions.
 
10. "My flight arrives in the middle of the night. Can I still check in?"
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. "When I stay in a youth hostel, is my luggage safe?"
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. "I have heard that hostels are dirty and noisy accommodation. Is that true?"
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!