YHA myths and legends
What do you think of when someone says ‘youth hostel’? YHA is asked lots of questions by visitors who are new to hostelling. Read below to discover how staying with YHA isn’t your typical hostel experience.
What can I expect when I stay with YHA?
When you stay with YHA, you can be assured of a warm welcome and comfortable and clean accommodation. Many hostels have all the facilities you need for your stay, but if you are planning a residential and require something specific during your stay, contact your chosen hostel and they will be on-hand to help. YHA offers great membership benefits, including discounted rates on bookings.
For all DofE discounts, including £1 membership and 10% off stays, visit our YHA offers page.
Is YHA just for the young?
You might have spotted the word youth in our name, but we are genuinely here to offer everyone an amazing hostelling experience. As the YHA charitable objective states, we are here “to help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, and appreciation of the cultural values of towns and cities, particularly by providing youth hostels or other accommodation for them in their travels, and thus to promote their health, recreation and education.” By staying with us, you are already helping us to achieve this. We are a not-for-profit organisation and, as such, the money we make is put straight back into improving our hostels and providing affordable accommodation so that more young people can stay with YHA.
Do I have to share a room?
We offer a range of private, twin, shared and en-suite rooms at hostels within our network. Plus we have a range of accommodation – including camping pods, camping barns and space to pitch your tent– offering you plenty of options to choose from. All of our hostels are different, and it’s what makes us so special. If you want a specific type of stay, we recommend you check in with your chosen hostel. But it’s worth remembering that sharing rooms is a fantastic way to meet new people, plus it’s cheaper. As part of the DofE network, you can save 10% on your accommodation bookings – click here to find out more.
Do I have to do chores?
No, YHA staff will take care of everything so that you can get on with enjoying your stay. However, if you did want to give something back you could look into volunteering your time. YHA also offer fantastic opportunities for participants to complete the Volunteering section of their DofE Award, with options including working on hostel projects, or supporting the National Office. YHA also offer residentials for Gold DofE participants – click here to find out more.
Do I need to bring my own bedding?
Our hostels provide all of your bedding and will have your bed made ready for your arrival (unless you have chosen a camping option, in which case you will need to bring your own sleeping bag). Please note that we do not supply towels, so you will need to bring one with you or rent one from reception when you arrive. Our hostel shops can also provide any toiletry items you may have forgotten too, so don’t worry if you have overlooked packing your toothbrush.
Is there anything else I need to know?
Last year 288 Gold DofE participants stayed with YHA for their Residential section – twice as many as the year before. To discover the benefits they reported, and to find out more about YHA, click here or call YHA today on 01629 592465.
