Beginner's Guide to Hostelling

If you've never stayed in a Hostel before, this guide aims to outline the things you need or want to know about our Hostels. Don't hesitate to telephone our friendly customer service advisers on
0870 1 55 32 55 if you have any questions or concerns that have not been covered in this section.

Accommodation

Accommodation is normally in 2 - 6 bedded rooms although facilities do vary from place to place (anything from twin rooms to dorms). All our Hostels are graded by independent assessors from VisitScotland (1 to 5 stars), so you know what standard of accommodation to expect.

• Higher grade hostels offer a high standard of accommodation generally in smaller rooms, sometimes with en-suite facilities and internet access. These hostels have late night access , letting you enjoy the local night life. Please note that reception closes at 11pm.
• Standard grade hostels offer comfortable accommodation although with fewer facilities than higher grade.
• Simple rustic hostels are usually found in more remote locations and although they may not offer all the facilities of other hostels they have a special atmosphere all of their own!

 Bedlinen is provided except at the following rustic Hostels, Glen Affric, Loch Ossian and Craig, where you are advised to bring your own sleeping bag.

Catering

Many Hostels offer great value meals, however, some only offer meals to groups (minimum 15 people), check when you book or telephone our reservations team who can advise.

• Continental breakfast - £2.60
• Traditional Scottish Breakfast - £4.25
• Packed Lunch - £3.35
• Evening meal - £6.50

Many people prefer to self cater so all our hostels have well-equipped self-catering kitchens often with microwaves- all you need bring is the food!

Membership and Family Hostelling

You can join the Youth Hostelling Federation on arrival at our Hostels. Your card lets you stay in over 4,000 Youth Hostels in 80 countries worldwide - and also entitles you to some great discounts. There is no upper age limit! Join the Scottish Youth Hostels.  National Discounts for SYHA members .

Accommodation for families

Please note: Parties arriving with young children (under 5) must only be accommodated in family rooms. Young children can share accommodation only with their parents or guardians. From the age of 5 to 13 years, children accompanied by a parent or guardian may be put into a single sex dorms with the parent or guardian and others, at the discretion and responsibility of the parent or guardian. The children, the parent/guardian and the other occupants of the room must be of the same sex.

Requesting a family/private room

We stress that bed and room allocation is entirely at the Manager’s discretion and subject to availability. Although Managers will make every effort to accommodate your wishes, private rooms may not be available under certain circumstances. It is best to book in advance, requesting a private room.

Finding a Hostel

This website allows you to search for a particular hostel by name, location and type. Search for a Hostel. If you would like a copy of our free Hostel Guide Leaflet please contact our Customer Service Team by phone, email, post or request one on our on-line feedback form.

Booking a Hostel

Booking a bed in a Scottish Youth Hostel couldn't be simpler. You can book on-line using your credit card, or telephone our friendly Central Reservations Team (no booking fee). You can also e-mail the team or phone up the Hostel direct. Please note that our Central Reservations team require full payment at time of booking. SYHA Booking Information

Cancelling a Booking

Cancellations require 3 days notice. 90% refunds will be given provided 3 days notice is given. No refund will be given if a booking is cancelled within 3 days of the arrival date.

Checking In / Opening Times

All Hostel reception desks are open from 5pm, many open at 2pm. Opening times for Hostels are available from the Hostels themselves, or by contacting the Customer Services Team at our National Office.

At most major Hostels in towns and cities, access in available until 2am (although reception closes as 11pm), and at other large Hostels, access is available until 11:45pm. Smaller Hostels are open until 11pm.

Regulations within our Hostels

We have a minimum of rules in our Hostels. The days of chores are long gone!

When checking in, the reception staff will make you aware of the procedures particular to that Hostel. There are a few common sense rules which all Hostellers are requested to adhere. Gambling and the use of drugs is prohibited and all of our hostels operate a no smoking policy.