Hostelling International

Asia's love of beautiful architecture transcends time and can be seen in both new, modern construction and old, traditional builds. Pic 1: The traditional Huizhou style of architecture with its unique regional cultural features creates a distinct genre of architecture in late ancient China. Pic 2: In the concrete jungle of Fukuoka, Japan stands an architectural masterpiece that integrates technology and nature; the iconic ACROS Fukuoka building was inspired by the lush green of the mountains and boasts a full-on rooftop garden. 🌱 Pic 3: Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is the newest and most iconic landmark of the Korean design industry, and is known as a hub where new products and fashion are introduced, expanding throughout Asia and the world.

China, Japan, and Korea have some breathtaking mountain landscapes. Pic 1: A Chinese geographer from the Ming dynasty once said, "Trips to China's five great mountains render trips to other mountains unnecessary, and a trip to Huangshan renders the trip to the five great mountains unnecessary". Pic 2: The hiking season at Japan's Mt. Fuji begins in July and ends early in September. Most people spend at least 6 hours climbing, but the views at the top make everything worth it. Bring plenty of water, food, and good rain gear! Pic 3: Hallasan is the highest mountain in South Korea and is worshipped by people who believe that gods and spirits live on it. The mountain is a massive shield volcano which forms the bulk of Jeju Island, and is often taken as representing the island itself.

This week our friends in China, Japan, and Korea are sharing what makes their countries so great. First up? Noodles! Because who doesn't love a big bowl of delicious noodles? Pic 1. China's Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Beef Noodles, which are also known as Lanzhou Clear Soup Beef Noodles, is one of they country's most popular noodle dishes. Pic 2. Sure, it’s street food, but making the perfect toppings is an art in and of itself, and ramen cooks in Japan spend years perfecting the taste of the broth and marinated eggs. Pic 3. Naengmyeon noodles from Korea are handmade buckwheat noodles served cold in a flavoured broth of beef, pork, and chicken, topped with kimchi, cucumber, pear, half a boiled egg and even a few ice cubes for extra chill factor.

HI San Francisco Downtown hostel is housed in a super stylish, renovated hotel in downtown SF in a vibrant neighbourhood filled with clubs, restaurants, bars, and theatres, plus guests can enjoy complimentary continental breakfast as well as nightly movies: http://hihostels.link/HI-SF-Downtown

Because nobody wants to be *that* tourist.

If you’re not following us on Insta, you’re missing out! Find us @hihostels: http://hihostels.link/HIinsta

This is a city that seriously loves its festivals.

Anyone else think this looks pretty perfect right about now?

Located in a palace in the heart of the city, most rooms at eco-friendly The Hat Madrid come with private bathrooms and a balcony. It's also home to one of the city's best rooftop bars, is open 24 hours (no curfew!), and has bikes available for rent: http://hihostels.link/The-Hat-Madrid

Wanderlust activated.

🚨 COMPETITION + GIVEAWAY 🚨 Show off your photography skills for the chance to win two nights with HI Slovenia in the coastal city of Koper: hihostels.link/HI-Slovenia-Photo-Comp Picture taking abilities don't extent beyond snapping pics of your food for Insta? (We relate.) Don't stress because HI Slovenia is also giving away two nights at the stunning Lake Bohinj: hihostels.link/Lake-Bohinj-Giveaway

Which of these make your bucket list?

Gain a new perspective as you take in views of the winding canals from above or escape into nature without ever leaving the city.

Simple choices can have (LONG) lasting effects, and easy swaps can make a (BIG) difference!

Set in a fabulous location only five minutes from the world-famous Tivoli Gardens, Danhostel Copenhagen City has 360° views of Islands Brygge, Tivoli Amusement Park, Øresundsbroen (the bridge from Denmark to Sweden), and Copenhagen’s labyrinth of houses, streets, courtyards, and bridges: hihostels.link/CopenhagenCity

Guess what, y'all! You're never too old to stay in a hostel. Ever.

Yesterday we told you how we save you money on your car rental, so it only makes sense to follow that up with an epic road trip map. 🚗💨

Did you know that HI members get a 10% discount when booking a car with Hertz? So go wild and treat yo self! Rent a Ferrari, press play on that fresh mixtape, and drive up the coast (or wherever)! http://hihostels.link/Hertz

Breakfast with koalas sound good to anyone?

Berlin Ostkreuz Youth Hostel occupies a refurbished school building near the Ostkeurz station, and is the ideal base for discovering Berlin. Guests enjoy 24hr reception — perfect for late nights at the club, the cosy bistro, optional buffet breakfast, and en-suites in every room: http://hihostels.link/BerlinOstkreuz

nice everything felt like home

We are a older couple,67, and have loved staying at Hi Central in San Francisco. One year my husband was even Santa there. All the staff are great, Anthony does great tours and a great tea ceramony during the week. They have free breakfast and a great bar.

The neighbor hood could get really ify if you are walking so ask first from best dirrection to travel. We have never had a proplem but we do have a car.

Love IYHF.......staying at YHA Sydney Rocks. Years ago I worked for IYHF and never imagined I would get the chance to visit some of the federations I worked with. Today for the 2nd time in 18mths I’m staying here in Sydney. We have a beautiful room on the 3rd floor overlooking Circular Quay and both the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The rooms great spacious with a comfy double bed and ensuite with a brilliant shower. Great kitchen facilities and every week night there is a good option for a few $$.

You know you’re staying in a clean safe well run hostel when you see Hostelling Internationals logo

It's great to see this. My sister and I hostelled and our late mother did too, going on and then leading bike treks in Britain, Switzerland and Germany both before and after WWII. She worked for AYH in NYC in the late 40s, kept all her pins from the IYH conferences she attended. Back then a lot of it was about fostering international understanding through youth interaction.

I loved my trip for Munich in Germany, and the Hostel Munich Park by assistants working , breakfast... so much everything. And also I liked the Youth Hostel International in Berlin... wonderful!!! It Was the best experience of my life!

I hosteled back inthe 80's all over Europe and had a blast! Was able to stay all summer with the money I saved. Just recently in the last couple of years have began hosteling again as a middle aged semi empty nester, and I am very happy to say that the experience has been awsome! A few of my favorites are the hostel at Fort Macon at Fishermans Wharf in San Francisco ( best views of the golden gate bridge and Alcatraz right out your back door and the paved path down to the wharf is also right out the back door...literally! Oh and a WONDERFUL perk is that you can PARK FOR FREE!....something that just does NOT happen in SF) My other favorite is the hostel the at Point Montara Lighthouse. I cannot even describe the magnificent setting of this magical location...the sunsets are to die for and the hostel is quaint and adorable and the little town down the way has tons of trendy little shops to nose around in and cute little restaurants....but all of this is tucked away from view several blocks back off hwy 1 and you would never even know it was there...I found it by chance after my third visit haha. Oh and the private little beach below the hostel is a must, tho do be carful of the strong surf! My favorite time to go is late spring when you walk thru knee high flowers along the pathway to the cliffs edge and down to the beach!

I am a solo traveler and i ve stayed with HI in NYC, London (Oxford Street). Paris (yves Robert) and Rome (Alessandro downtown). i 'm so grateful since location is always very convenient. their hostels are clean and have an eco friendly spirit. staff is always young and acomodating specially if u make an effort to try the language. breakfast in Paris and nyc are wonderful and in general it's a great value for the money u pay. I am planning my next vacation in eastern Europe and I can't wait to see their properties.

Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Málaga, Barcelona, Milano, always great location, just take the earplug from the reception and get a padlock for your locker!

The first class stay, cheap prices, east system and loads of connections!! Never miss HI!! �

I have stayed in this particular hostel off and and on since 2003 in D.C but the Chicago one is where I often come in and stay an entire weekend when I can't drive -- do I recommend this one yes if you want to cook your own meals on the road.



That's that attracted me to staying in hostels and it was vital in the development in my imprint because I wanted to do anthologies that I can leave behind for visitors and it's where you can learn a lot about other cultures when you stay in a dorm full of eight strangers. If you are a racist this is not for you because you may never know who you are going to offend so please keep the racist comments at the door.



I say do stay at hostels if you're on the road and I suggest this for the members of Devilment if they are going to stay in Chicago because it will let them hang out in the area a little longer than they would normally be in the city. Corrosion of Conformity stayed in Chicago an entire month when they played with Ozzfest, Metallica, and on their own.

HI is great! In the USA I just had perfect experiences, just how it should be. I olny gave 4 stars because I just came from the Jules Ferry hostel in Paris and it was a nightmare! They had bed bugs (I got about 200 bites all over my body plus I am allergic) and also the hostel was in general in a really bad shape. I'm really disappointed because before I never thought this would happen at an HI hostel...

The Edmonton Alberta location has serious issues surrounding homeless population being allowed to stay. The vibes are low. And the arguments break out often around 2 and 4 am. Seriously ! Ive witnessed many issues and the manager turns a blind eye. Why do the night staff have to deal with scary people. They are not detention guards.

YHA booking reference WEB369B97F, 3 beds in 5 Bed share Female Dorm for one night on 29 June 2017, at YHA Oamaru, Red Kettle.



Reference is made to the booking reference above, whereby the booking was made one week earlier on 22 June 2017 and the booking has been prepaid!



When we arrived at the Reception around 5.30pm on 29 June 2017, the Reception was closed with a notice "Closed for Annual Holidays" and phone number of BBH Oamaru, Empire Backpackers.



It was freezing cold and we called Empire Backpackers, whereby the friendly receptionist informed us that their phone number was provided as recommendation, not that all bookings made at YHA Oamaru are transferred to them.



I then contacted YHA New Zealand, who in turn transferred my call to the lady in charge of YHA Oamaru. The lady told me that the hostel is still closed, and will only reopen after a couple of days, no apologies was offered. The lady then asked me to wait for a couple of minutes, and she turned up at the hostel after around 7 minutes.



She again told me that the hostel was closed since June, and the hostel is freezing cold with no heating available. I asked why I was able to make the booking on YHA New Zealand website, and she was not able to offer any explanation. She then called Empire Backpackers and transferred us there. Again, no apologies was offered.



I called YHA New Zealand again and spoke to one Michael. I demanded for an explanation and compensation for my ordeal. To my surprise, Michael just told me to call back during office hours to lodge my complaint. I then threatened to leave a bad review online and again to my surprise, Michael said "that's fine, you can do so". Again, no apologies was offered. Is that how you treat guest's reviews? It showed that YHA do not care about guests' experience at all! It's ridiculous that someone is answering my call, but unable to accept my complaint. What will happen if the person in charge of YHA Oamaru didn't pick up the phone, will YHA just ask me to call back tomorrow during office hours, and I'm left alone to look for another bed to stay for the night?!



Being a so called Award winning backpacker international hostel accommodation network, I would expect a better customer service.



I could not accept the fact that no one apologised to us when we were left stranded at a foreign place in a freezing cold night. YHA had ONE WEEK to inform me that the hostel is closed so that I could make alternative arrangement but NOTHING was done!



I demand a compensation for the ordeal we've been through.



Last but not least, I must thank the lady working at BBH Oamaru, Empire Backpackers for her hospitality and kindness. She kindly gave us a private room after the horrible event we have been through. I must say BBH is MUCH better than YHA and I would recommend my friends visiting NZ to stay with BBH instead!

We spent one night in the HI hostel in Å I Lofoten, Norway 29th July 2017 and encountered bed bugs. I've tried to contact the hostel and HI hostels with numerous emails with no response. Highly irresponsible from such a highly regarded company to ignore an issue of such magnitude and to not even reply to emails sent on the matter.

The place in Biarritz sucks. No hospitality. Did not tell us breakfast ends at 10.00, dirty beds+ very thin matresses.



Bathroom was okay though.





I payed for 2 nights but I leave after one.I would not even let my dog stay here...

Our stay in Brumas hostel in Ouro Preto, Brazil, was very disappointing indeed. First of all the main kitchen which is fully equipped isn't allowed to be used by guests. Instead there is a sink and a gas hobs in the sitting area. However, there was no crockery. Secondly, the dorms have only one key for 8 beds. As a single female sleeping in a room with a door unlocked is more than uncomfortable. Thirdly, on the third day my boyfriend and I were asked to go to the other hostel as they had overbooked and we had no space there anymore. Wouldn't recommend this place at all despite it great location.

My first night in Hostel Paris Jules Ferry, 8 Boulevard Jules Ferry, 75011 Paris i found bugs in my bed, they bite me, then they give me another room and happened again.

They said that it was me because no one more had the same problem.

Just got a message from daughter travelling in Italy that HI in Venice was a nightmare yesterday! Safety, accessibility and Cleanliness issues. Mouse droppings on bathroom counters, men washing dishes in womens washroom, no locks on doors in womens washroom, washing machines not working, Do not go there!

I stayed at the hostel in Paris and it was a nightmare! I am very disappointed that I can't post a review of this hostel on the website because the reviews that are currently posted are extremely misleading and if I had know what this place was actually like I would not have reserved a stay there. The location is abominable. It is located in a very unsafe area of Paris near the train station and I felt very unsafe walking back and forth to the closest metro station. In fact one of the groups in our party witnessed a mugging one of the nights we were there. There are hundreds of refugees living in the plaza in front of the hostel. That was a shock at first, but admittedly once I got used to the idea I didn't feel threatened by them, it was the locals in the area surrounding the hostel that were scary. Also, there is no ventilation in the rooms and no fans so they were unbearably hot! Finally the staff were next to worthless and very inhospitable. We had no toilet paper, no paper towels and no soap in any of the bathrooms on our floor for the entire duration of our stay. Beware of this place and stay away!!!!!!

nice everything felt like home

We are a older couple,67, and have loved staying at Hi Central in San Francisco. One year my husband was even Santa there. All the staff are great, Anthony does great tours and a great tea ceramony during the week. They have free breakfast and a great bar.

The neighbor hood could get really ify if you are walking so ask first from best dirrection to travel. We have never had a proplem but we do have a car.

Love IYHF.......staying at YHA Sydney Rocks. Years ago I worked for IYHF and never imagined I would get the chance to visit some of the federations I worked with. Today for the 2nd time in 18mths I’m staying here in Sydney. We have a beautiful room on the 3rd floor overlooking Circular Quay and both the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The rooms great spacious with a comfy double bed and ensuite with a brilliant shower. Great kitchen facilities and every week night there is a good option for a few $$.

You know you’re staying in a clean safe well run hostel when you see Hostelling Internationals logo

It's great to see this. My sister and I hostelled and our late mother did too, going on and then leading bike treks in Britain, Switzerland and Germany both before and after WWII. She worked for AYH in NYC in the late 40s, kept all her pins from the IYH conferences she attended. Back then a lot of it was about fostering international understanding through youth interaction.

I loved my trip for Munich in Germany, and the Hostel Munich Park by assistants working , breakfast... so much everything. And also I liked the Youth Hostel International in Berlin... wonderful!!! It Was the best experience of my life!

I hosteled back inthe 80's all over Europe and had a blast! Was able to stay all summer with the money I saved. Just recently in the last couple of years have began hosteling again as a middle aged semi empty nester, and I am very happy to say that the experience has been awsome! A few of my favorites are the hostel at Fort Macon at Fishermans Wharf in San Francisco ( best views of the golden gate bridge and Alcatraz right out your back door and the paved path down to the wharf is also right out the back door...literally! Oh and a WONDERFUL perk is that you can PARK FOR FREE!....something that just does NOT happen in SF) My other favorite is the hostel the at Point Montara Lighthouse. I cannot even describe the magnificent setting of this magical location...the sunsets are to die for and the hostel is quaint and adorable and the little town down the way has tons of trendy little shops to nose around in and cute little restaurants....but all of this is tucked away from view several blocks back off hwy 1 and you would never even know it was there...I found it by chance after my third visit haha. Oh and the private little beach below the hostel is a must, tho do be carful of the strong surf! My favorite time to go is late spring when you walk thru knee high flowers along the pathway to the cliffs edge and down to the beach!

I am a solo traveler and i ve stayed with HI in NYC, London (Oxford Street). Paris (yves Robert) and Rome (Alessandro downtown). i 'm so grateful since location is always very convenient. their hostels are clean and have an eco friendly spirit. staff is always young and acomodating specially if u make an effort to try the language. breakfast in Paris and nyc are wonderful and in general it's a great value for the money u pay. I am planning my next vacation in eastern Europe and I can't wait to see their properties.

Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Málaga, Barcelona, Milano, always great location, just take the earplug from the reception and get a padlock for your locker!

The first class stay, cheap prices, east system and loads of connections!! Never miss HI!! �

I have stayed in this particular hostel off and and on since 2003 in D.C but the Chicago one is where I often come in and stay an entire weekend when I can't drive -- do I recommend this one yes if you want to cook your own meals on the road.



That's that attracted me to staying in hostels and it was vital in the development in my imprint because I wanted to do anthologies that I can leave behind for visitors and it's where you can learn a lot about other cultures when you stay in a dorm full of eight strangers. If you are a racist this is not for you because you may never know who you are going to offend so please keep the racist comments at the door.



I say do stay at hostels if you're on the road and I suggest this for the members of Devilment if they are going to stay in Chicago because it will let them hang out in the area a little longer than they would normally be in the city. Corrosion of Conformity stayed in Chicago an entire month when they played with Ozzfest, Metallica, and on their own.

HI is great! In the USA I just had perfect experiences, just how it should be. I olny gave 4 stars because I just came from the Jules Ferry hostel in Paris and it was a nightmare! They had bed bugs (I got about 200 bites all over my body plus I am allergic) and also the hostel was in general in a really bad shape. I'm really disappointed because before I never thought this would happen at an HI hostel...

The Edmonton Alberta location has serious issues surrounding homeless population being allowed to stay. The vibes are low. And the arguments break out often around 2 and 4 am. Seriously ! Ive witnessed many issues and the manager turns a blind eye. Why do the night staff have to deal with scary people. They are not detention guards.

YHA booking reference WEB369B97F, 3 beds in 5 Bed share Female Dorm for one night on 29 June 2017, at YHA Oamaru, Red Kettle.



Reference is made to the booking reference above, whereby the booking was made one week earlier on 22 June 2017 and the booking has been prepaid!



When we arrived at the Reception around 5.30pm on 29 June 2017, the Reception was closed with a notice "Closed for Annual Holidays" and phone number of BBH Oamaru, Empire Backpackers.



It was freezing cold and we called Empire Backpackers, whereby the friendly receptionist informed us that their phone number was provided as recommendation, not that all bookings made at YHA Oamaru are transferred to them.



I then contacted YHA New Zealand, who in turn transferred my call to the lady in charge of YHA Oamaru. The lady told me that the hostel is still closed, and will only reopen after a couple of days, no apologies was offered. The lady then asked me to wait for a couple of minutes, and she turned up at the hostel after around 7 minutes.



She again told me that the hostel was closed since June, and the hostel is freezing cold with no heating available. I asked why I was able to make the booking on YHA New Zealand website, and she was not able to offer any explanation. She then called Empire Backpackers and transferred us there. Again, no apologies was offered.



I called YHA New Zealand again and spoke to one Michael. I demanded for an explanation and compensation for my ordeal. To my surprise, Michael just told me to call back during office hours to lodge my complaint. I then threatened to leave a bad review online and again to my surprise, Michael said "that's fine, you can do so". Again, no apologies was offered. Is that how you treat guest's reviews? It showed that YHA do not care about guests' experience at all! It's ridiculous that someone is answering my call, but unable to accept my complaint. What will happen if the person in charge of YHA Oamaru didn't pick up the phone, will YHA just ask me to call back tomorrow during office hours, and I'm left alone to look for another bed to stay for the night?!



Being a so called Award winning backpacker international hostel accommodation network, I would expect a better customer service.



I could not accept the fact that no one apologised to us when we were left stranded at a foreign place in a freezing cold night. YHA had ONE WEEK to inform me that the hostel is closed so that I could make alternative arrangement but NOTHING was done!



I demand a compensation for the ordeal we've been through.



Last but not least, I must thank the lady working at BBH Oamaru, Empire Backpackers for her hospitality and kindness. She kindly gave us a private room after the horrible event we have been through. I must say BBH is MUCH better than YHA and I would recommend my friends visiting NZ to stay with BBH instead!

We spent one night in the HI hostel in Å I Lofoten, Norway 29th July 2017 and encountered bed bugs. I've tried to contact the hostel and HI hostels with numerous emails with no response. Highly irresponsible from such a highly regarded company to ignore an issue of such magnitude and to not even reply to emails sent on the matter.

The place in Biarritz sucks. No hospitality. Did not tell us breakfast ends at 10.00, dirty beds+ very thin matresses.



Bathroom was okay though.





I payed for 2 nights but I leave after one.I would not even let my dog stay here...

Our stay in Brumas hostel in Ouro Preto, Brazil, was very disappointing indeed. First of all the main kitchen which is fully equipped isn't allowed to be used by guests. Instead there is a sink and a gas hobs in the sitting area. However, there was no crockery. Secondly, the dorms have only one key for 8 beds. As a single female sleeping in a room with a door unlocked is more than uncomfortable. Thirdly, on the third day my boyfriend and I were asked to go to the other hostel as they had overbooked and we had no space there anymore. Wouldn't recommend this place at all despite it great location.

My first night in Hostel Paris Jules Ferry, 8 Boulevard Jules Ferry, 75011 Paris i found bugs in my bed, they bite me, then they give me another room and happened again.

They said that it was me because no one more had the same problem.

Just got a message from daughter travelling in Italy that HI in Venice was a nightmare yesterday! Safety, accessibility and Cleanliness issues. Mouse droppings on bathroom counters, men washing dishes in womens washroom, no locks on doors in womens washroom, washing machines not working, Do not go there!

I stayed at the hostel in Paris and it was a nightmare! I am very disappointed that I can't post a review of this hostel on the website because the reviews that are currently posted are extremely misleading and if I had know what this place was actually like I would not have reserved a stay there. The location is abominable. It is located in a very unsafe area of Paris near the train station and I felt very unsafe walking back and forth to the closest metro station. In fact one of the groups in our party witnessed a mugging one of the nights we were there. There are hundreds of refugees living in the plaza in front of the hostel. That was a shock at first, but admittedly once I got used to the idea I didn't feel threatened by them, it was the locals in the area surrounding the hostel that were scary. Also, there is no ventilation in the rooms and no fans so they were unbearably hot! Finally the staff were next to worthless and very inhospitable. We had no toilet paper, no paper towels and no soap in any of the bathrooms on our floor for the entire duration of our stay. Beware of this place and stay away!!!!!!

nice everything felt like home

We are a older couple,67, and have loved staying at Hi Central in San Francisco. One year my husband was even Santa there. All the staff are great, Anthony does great tours and a great tea ceramony during the week. They have free breakfast and a great bar.

The neighbor hood could get really ify if you are walking so ask first from best dirrection to travel. We have never had a proplem but we do have a car.

Love IYHF.......staying at YHA Sydney Rocks. Years ago I worked for IYHF and never imagined I would get the chance to visit some of the federations I worked with. Today for the 2nd time in 18mths I’m staying here in Sydney. We have a beautiful room on the 3rd floor overlooking Circular Quay and both the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The rooms great spacious with a comfy double bed and ensuite with a brilliant shower. Great kitchen facilities and every week night there is a good option for a few $$.

You know you’re staying in a clean safe well run hostel when you see Hostelling Internationals logo

It's great to see this. My sister and I hostelled and our late mother did too, going on and then leading bike treks in Britain, Switzerland and Germany both before and after WWII. She worked for AYH in NYC in the late 40s, kept all her pins from the IYH conferences she attended. Back then a lot of it was about fostering international understanding through youth interaction.

I loved my trip for Munich in Germany, and the Hostel Munich Park by assistants working , breakfast... so much everything. And also I liked the Youth Hostel International in Berlin... wonderful!!! It Was the best experience of my life!

I hosteled back inthe 80's all over Europe and had a blast! Was able to stay all summer with the money I saved. Just recently in the last couple of years have began hosteling again as a middle aged semi empty nester, and I am very happy to say that the experience has been awsome! A few of my favorites are the hostel at Fort Macon at Fishermans Wharf in San Francisco ( best views of the golden gate bridge and Alcatraz right out your back door and the paved path down to the wharf is also right out the back door...literally! Oh and a WONDERFUL perk is that you can PARK FOR FREE!....something that just does NOT happen in SF) My other favorite is the hostel the at Point Montara Lighthouse. I cannot even describe the magnificent setting of this magical location...the sunsets are to die for and the hostel is quaint and adorable and the little town down the way has tons of trendy little shops to nose around in and cute little restaurants....but all of this is tucked away from view several blocks back off hwy 1 and you would never even know it was there...I found it by chance after my third visit haha. Oh and the private little beach below the hostel is a must, tho do be carful of the strong surf! My favorite time to go is late spring when you walk thru knee high flowers along the pathway to the cliffs edge and down to the beach!

I am a solo traveler and i ve stayed with HI in NYC, London (Oxford Street). Paris (yves Robert) and Rome (Alessandro downtown). i 'm so grateful since location is always very convenient. their hostels are clean and have an eco friendly spirit. staff is always young and acomodating specially if u make an effort to try the language. breakfast in Paris and nyc are wonderful and in general it's a great value for the money u pay. I am planning my next vacation in eastern Europe and I can't wait to see their properties.

Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Málaga, Barcelona, Milano, always great location, just take the earplug from the reception and get a padlock for your locker!

The first class stay, cheap prices, east system and loads of connections!! Never miss HI!! �

I have stayed in this particular hostel off and and on since 2003 in D.C but the Chicago one is where I often come in and stay an entire weekend when I can't drive -- do I recommend this one yes if you want to cook your own meals on the road.



That's that attracted me to staying in hostels and it was vital in the development in my imprint because I wanted to do anthologies that I can leave behind for visitors and it's where you can learn a lot about other cultures when you stay in a dorm full of eight strangers. If you are a racist this is not for you because you may never know who you are going to offend so please keep the racist comments at the door.



I say do stay at hostels if you're on the road and I suggest this for the members of Devilment if they are going to stay in Chicago because it will let them hang out in the area a little longer than they would normally be in the city. Corrosion of Conformity stayed in Chicago an entire month when they played with Ozzfest, Metallica, and on their own.

HI is great! In the USA I just had perfect experiences, just how it should be. I olny gave 4 stars because I just came from the Jules Ferry hostel in Paris and it was a nightmare! They had bed bugs (I got about 200 bites all over my body plus I am allergic) and also the hostel was in general in a really bad shape. I'm really disappointed because before I never thought this would happen at an HI hostel...

The Edmonton Alberta location has serious issues surrounding homeless population being allowed to stay. The vibes are low. And the arguments break out often around 2 and 4 am. Seriously ! Ive witnessed many issues and the manager turns a blind eye. Why do the night staff have to deal with scary people. They are not detention guards.

YHA booking reference WEB369B97F, 3 beds in 5 Bed share Female Dorm for one night on 29 June 2017, at YHA Oamaru, Red Kettle.



Reference is made to the booking reference above, whereby the booking was made one week earlier on 22 June 2017 and the booking has been prepaid!



When we arrived at the Reception around 5.30pm on 29 June 2017, the Reception was closed with a notice "Closed for Annual Holidays" and phone number of BBH Oamaru, Empire Backpackers.



It was freezing cold and we called Empire Backpackers, whereby the friendly receptionist informed us that their phone number was provided as recommendation, not that all bookings made at YHA Oamaru are transferred to them.



I then contacted YHA New Zealand, who in turn transferred my call to the lady in charge of YHA Oamaru. The lady told me that the hostel is still closed, and will only reopen after a couple of days, no apologies was offered. The lady then asked me to wait for a couple of minutes, and she turned up at the hostel after around 7 minutes.



She again told me that the hostel was closed since June, and the hostel is freezing cold with no heating available. I asked why I was able to make the booking on YHA New Zealand website, and she was not able to offer any explanation. She then called Empire Backpackers and transferred us there. Again, no apologies was offered.



I called YHA New Zealand again and spoke to one Michael. I demanded for an explanation and compensation for my ordeal. To my surprise, Michael just told me to call back during office hours to lodge my complaint. I then threatened to leave a bad review online and again to my surprise, Michael said "that's fine, you can do so". Again, no apologies was offered. Is that how you treat guest's reviews? It showed that YHA do not care about guests' experience at all! It's ridiculous that someone is answering my call, but unable to accept my complaint. What will happen if the person in charge of YHA Oamaru didn't pick up the phone, will YHA just ask me to call back tomorrow during office hours, and I'm left alone to look for another bed to stay for the night?!



Being a so called Award winning backpacker international hostel accommodation network, I would expect a better customer service.



I could not accept the fact that no one apologised to us when we were left stranded at a foreign place in a freezing cold night. YHA had ONE WEEK to inform me that the hostel is closed so that I could make alternative arrangement but NOTHING was done!



I demand a compensation for the ordeal we've been through.



Last but not least, I must thank the lady working at BBH Oamaru, Empire Backpackers for her hospitality and kindness. She kindly gave us a private room after the horrible event we have been through. I must say BBH is MUCH better than YHA and I would recommend my friends visiting NZ to stay with BBH instead!

We spent one night in the HI hostel in Å I Lofoten, Norway 29th July 2017 and encountered bed bugs. I've tried to contact the hostel and HI hostels with numerous emails with no response. Highly irresponsible from such a highly regarded company to ignore an issue of such magnitude and to not even reply to emails sent on the matter.

The place in Biarritz sucks. No hospitality. Did not tell us breakfast ends at 10.00, dirty beds+ very thin matresses.



Bathroom was okay though.





I payed for 2 nights but I leave after one.I would not even let my dog stay here...

Our stay in Brumas hostel in Ouro Preto, Brazil, was very disappointing indeed. First of all the main kitchen which is fully equipped isn't allowed to be used by guests. Instead there is a sink and a gas hobs in the sitting area. However, there was no crockery. Secondly, the dorms have only one key for 8 beds. As a single female sleeping in a room with a door unlocked is more than uncomfortable. Thirdly, on the third day my boyfriend and I were asked to go to the other hostel as they had overbooked and we had no space there anymore. Wouldn't recommend this place at all despite it great location.

My first night in Hostel Paris Jules Ferry, 8 Boulevard Jules Ferry, 75011 Paris i found bugs in my bed, they bite me, then they give me another room and happened again.

They said that it was me because no one more had the same problem.

Just got a message from daughter travelling in Italy that HI in Venice was a nightmare yesterday! Safety, accessibility and Cleanliness issues. Mouse droppings on bathroom counters, men washing dishes in womens washroom, no locks on doors in womens washroom, washing machines not working, Do not go there!

I stayed at the hostel in Paris and it was a nightmare! I am very disappointed that I can't post a review of this hostel on the website because the reviews that are currently posted are extremely misleading and if I had know what this place was actually like I would not have reserved a stay there. The location is abominable. It is located in a very unsafe area of Paris near the train station and I felt very unsafe walking back and forth to the closest metro station. In fact one of the groups in our party witnessed a mugging one of the nights we were there. There are hundreds of refugees living in the plaza in front of the hostel. That was a shock at first, but admittedly once I got used to the idea I didn't feel threatened by them, it was the locals in the area surrounding the hostel that were scary. Also, there is no ventilation in the rooms and no fans so they were unbearably hot! Finally the staff were next to worthless and very inhospitable. We had no toilet paper, no paper towels and no soap in any of the bathrooms on our floor for the entire duration of our stay. Beware of this place and stay away!!!!!!

nice everything felt like home

We are a older couple,67, and have loved staying at Hi Central in San Francisco. One year my husband was even Santa there. All the staff are great, Anthony does great tours and a great tea ceramony during the week. They have free breakfast and a great bar.

The neighbor hood could get really ify if you are walking so ask first from best dirrection to travel. We have never had a proplem but we do have a car.

Love IYHF.......staying at YHA Sydney Rocks. Years ago I worked for IYHF and never imagined I would get the chance to visit some of the federations I worked with. Today for the 2nd time in 18mths I’m staying here in Sydney. We have a beautiful room on the 3rd floor overlooking Circular Quay and both the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The rooms great spacious with a comfy double bed and ensuite with a brilliant shower. Great kitchen facilities and every week night there is a good option for a few $$.

You know you’re staying in a clean safe well run hostel when you see Hostelling Internationals logo

It's great to see this. My sister and I hostelled and our late mother did too, going on and then leading bike treks in Britain, Switzerland and Germany both before and after WWII. She worked for AYH in NYC in the late 40s, kept all her pins from the IYH conferences she attended. Back then a lot of it was about fostering international understanding through youth interaction.

I loved my trip for Munich in Germany, and the Hostel Munich Park by assistants working , breakfast... so much everything. And also I liked the Youth Hostel International in Berlin... wonderful!!! It Was the best experience of my life!

I hosteled back inthe 80's all over Europe and had a blast! Was able to stay all summer with the money I saved. Just recently in the last couple of years have began hosteling again as a middle aged semi empty nester, and I am very happy to say that the experience has been awsome! A few of my favorites are the hostel at Fort Macon at Fishermans Wharf in San Francisco ( best views of the golden gate bridge and Alcatraz right out your back door and the paved path down to the wharf is also right out the back door...literally! Oh and a WONDERFUL perk is that you can PARK FOR FREE!....something that just does NOT happen in SF) My other favorite is the hostel the at Point Montara Lighthouse. I cannot even describe the magnificent setting of this magical location...the sunsets are to die for and the hostel is quaint and adorable and the little town down the way has tons of trendy little shops to nose around in and cute little restaurants....but all of this is tucked away from view several blocks back off hwy 1 and you would never even know it was there...I found it by chance after my third visit haha. Oh and the private little beach below the hostel is a must, tho do be carful of the strong surf! My favorite time to go is late spring when you walk thru knee high flowers along the pathway to the cliffs edge and down to the beach!

I am a solo traveler and i ve stayed with HI in NYC, London (Oxford Street). Paris (yves Robert) and Rome (Alessandro downtown). i 'm so grateful since location is always very convenient. their hostels are clean and have an eco friendly spirit. staff is always young and acomodating specially if u make an effort to try the language. breakfast in Paris and nyc are wonderful and in general it's a great value for the money u pay. I am planning my next vacation in eastern Europe and I can't wait to see their properties.

Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Málaga, Barcelona, Milano, always great location, just take the earplug from the reception and get a padlock for your locker!

The first class stay, cheap prices, east system and loads of connections!! Never miss HI!! �

I have stayed in this particular hostel off and and on since 2003 in D.C but the Chicago one is where I often come in and stay an entire weekend when I can't drive -- do I recommend this one yes if you want to cook your own meals on the road.



That's that attracted me to staying in hostels and it was vital in the development in my imprint because I wanted to do anthologies that I can leave behind for visitors and it's where you can learn a lot about other cultures when you stay in a dorm full of eight strangers. If you are a racist this is not for you because you may never know who you are going to offend so please keep the racist comments at the door.



I say do stay at hostels if you're on the road and I suggest this for the members of Devilment if they are going to stay in Chicago because it will let them hang out in the area a little longer than they would normally be in the city. Corrosion of Conformity stayed in Chicago an entire month when they played with Ozzfest, Metallica, and on their own.

HI is great! In the USA I just had perfect experiences, just how it should be. I olny gave 4 stars because I just came from the Jules Ferry hostel in Paris and it was a nightmare! They had bed bugs (I got about 200 bites all over my body plus I am allergic) and also the hostel was in general in a really bad shape. I'm really disappointed because before I never thought this would happen at an HI hostel...

The Edmonton Alberta location has serious issues surrounding homeless population being allowed to stay. The vibes are low. And the arguments break out often around 2 and 4 am. Seriously ! Ive witnessed many issues and the manager turns a blind eye. Why do the night staff have to deal with scary people. They are not detention guards.

YHA booking reference WEB369B97F, 3 beds in 5 Bed share Female Dorm for one night on 29 June 2017, at YHA Oamaru, Red Kettle.



Reference is made to the booking reference above, whereby the booking was made one week earlier on 22 June 2017 and the booking has been prepaid!



When we arrived at the Reception around 5.30pm on 29 June 2017, the Reception was closed with a notice "Closed for Annual Holidays" and phone number of BBH Oamaru, Empire Backpackers.



It was freezing cold and we called Empire Backpackers, whereby the friendly receptionist informed us that their phone number was provided as recommendation, not that all bookings made at YHA Oamaru are transferred to them.



I then contacted YHA New Zealand, who in turn transferred my call to the lady in charge of YHA Oamaru. The lady told me that the hostel is still closed, and will only reopen after a couple of days, no apologies was offered. The lady then asked me to wait for a couple of minutes, and she turned up at the hostel after around 7 minutes.



She again told me that the hostel was closed since June, and the hostel is freezing cold with no heating available. I asked why I was able to make the booking on YHA New Zealand website, and she was not able to offer any explanation. She then called Empire Backpackers and transferred us there. Again, no apologies was offered.



I called YHA New Zealand again and spoke to one Michael. I demanded for an explanation and compensation for my ordeal. To my surprise, Michael just told me to call back during office hours to lodge my complaint. I then threatened to leave a bad review online and again to my surprise, Michael said "that's fine, you can do so". Again, no apologies was offered. Is that how you treat guest's reviews? It showed that YHA do not care about guests' experience at all! It's ridiculous that someone is answering my call, but unable to accept my complaint. What will happen if the person in charge of YHA Oamaru didn't pick up the phone, will YHA just ask me to call back tomorrow during office hours, and I'm left alone to look for another bed to stay for the night?!



Being a so called Award winning backpacker international hostel accommodation network, I would expect a better customer service.



I could not accept the fact that no one apologised to us when we were left stranded at a foreign place in a freezing cold night. YHA had ONE WEEK to inform me that the hostel is closed so that I could make alternative arrangement but NOTHING was done!



I demand a compensation for the ordeal we've been through.



Last but not least, I must thank the lady working at BBH Oamaru, Empire Backpackers for her hospitality and kindness. She kindly gave us a private room after the horrible event we have been through. I must say BBH is MUCH better than YHA and I would recommend my friends visiting NZ to stay with BBH instead!

We spent one night in the HI hostel in Å I Lofoten, Norway 29th July 2017 and encountered bed bugs. I've tried to contact the hostel and HI hostels with numerous emails with no response. Highly irresponsible from such a highly regarded company to ignore an issue of such magnitude and to not even reply to emails sent on the matter.

The place in Biarritz sucks. No hospitality. Did not tell us breakfast ends at 10.00, dirty beds+ very thin matresses.



Bathroom was okay though.





I payed for 2 nights but I leave after one.I would not even let my dog stay here...

Our stay in Brumas hostel in Ouro Preto, Brazil, was very disappointing indeed. First of all the main kitchen which is fully equipped isn't allowed to be used by guests. Instead there is a sink and a gas hobs in the sitting area. However, there was no crockery. Secondly, the dorms have only one key for 8 beds. As a single female sleeping in a room with a door unlocked is more than uncomfortable. Thirdly, on the third day my boyfriend and I were asked to go to the other hostel as they had overbooked and we had no space there anymore. Wouldn't recommend this place at all despite it great location.

My first night in Hostel Paris Jules Ferry, 8 Boulevard Jules Ferry, 75011 Paris i found bugs in my bed, they bite me, then they give me another room and happened again.

They said that it was me because no one more had the same problem.

Just got a message from daughter travelling in Italy that HI in Venice was a nightmare yesterday! Safety, accessibility and Cleanliness issues. Mouse droppings on bathroom counters, men washing dishes in womens washroom, no locks on doors in womens washroom, washing machines not working, Do not go there!

I stayed at the hostel in Paris and it was a nightmare! I am very disappointed that I can't post a review of this hostel on the website because the reviews that are currently posted are extremely misleading and if I had know what this place was actually like I would not have reserved a stay there. The location is abominable. It is located in a very unsafe area of Paris near the train station and I felt very unsafe walking back and forth to the closest metro station. In fact one of the groups in our party witnessed a mugging one of the nights we were there. There are hundreds of refugees living in the plaza in front of the hostel. That was a shock at first, but admittedly once I got used to the idea I didn't feel threatened by them, it was the locals in the area surrounding the hostel that were scary. Also, there is no ventilation in the rooms and no fans so they were unbearably hot! Finally the staff were next to worthless and very inhospitable. We had no toilet paper, no paper towels and no soap in any of the bathrooms on our floor for the entire duration of our stay. Beware of this place and stay away!!!!!!