What is Hostelling?
Hostelling is a fantastic way to have fun, discover new and exciting places and meet people from all walks of life.  Our hostels are extremely diverse and range from small rustic cottages and historic buildings to Georgian mansions and modern purpose-built buildings.  Whatever your interest, be it sight-seeing, wildlife watching, hill walking, mountain biking, water sports or just simply relaxing, we have a hostel for you.

Hostels are generally sociable places with plenty of opportunities to chat to others, share travel stories and get tips on what the local area has to offer.  If you are looking for peace and quiet, you will also be able to find it by retreating to one of your quiet rooms or lounges.

Who uses our hostels?
Hostelling is not just for young people but also the young at heart.  At SYHA Hostelling Scotland Youth Hostels we welcome people  of all ages, nationalities and cultures.  Individuals, families, small and large groups are all welcome, and it is this mix of visitors which makes youth hostelling such a unique and interesting experience. 

What to expect
All SYHA Hostelling Scotland Youth Hostels provide self-catering facilities and traditional multi-share rooms.  For those travelling on a tight budget or on their own, buying a bed for the night still remains one of the cheapest and friendliest ways of staying in some of the best locations across the country.

However, times have changed and so has hostelling.  At SYHA Hostelling Scotland we recognise that some of our customers, especially families and couples, require more privacy or wish to stay in the same room as each other.  Consequently you'll find most of our hostels have private and family rooms, some with en-suite facilities.

The facilities at each hostel are reflected in the VisitScotland star rating.  Most of our hostels have laundry and drying facilities, a quiet room, TV room and dining area.  Many hostels also have a small shop selling basic toiletries and food items.  Check the relevant hostel description to find out what facilities are available at each hostel.

Opening Hours
Generally hostel opening hours are between 07.30-10.30 and 17.00-22.30, allowing time for cleaning during the day.  Some hostels will have a doors-closed policy at night so that sleeping guest are not disturbed by others returning late.  Some of our hostels have access outwith these times and our city hostels are normally open 24 hours.

Please note that we do not accept stag or hen parties at any of our hostels.

Catering
Catering is provided in some hostels, and this varies from a coffee-shop service to a licensed restaurant, depending on the location. All hostels have self-catering facilities as well, so you can choose that option if you want to keep costs down or have fussy eaters to feed!

What to bring
Bedlinen is provided, along with a duvet and pillow. You may wish to bring a sheet sleeping bag with you, but this is not necessary except at Loch Ossian and Glen Affric hostels, where you will need to bring your own. Remember that you may be sharing a dorm with strangers, so for the sake of decency, don’t forget your pyjamas!  Towels are available to hire, or you can bring your own with you.

You might also want to bring a small padlock with you. Youth Hostels are generally very safe environments, but where storage is available you may choose to use a padlock for extra security.

Download: Hostel Guide 2011

This text is from 'Our Hostels' in the 'About Us' section