My daughter did in spain and germany and loved them.
Judy

My husband and I stayed in a hostel in Hawaii for a couple nights in 1993. It was, um, interesting. We had our own bedroom (ancient bed, thin sheets, can't remember if they supplied towels); the bathroom and kitchen were shared among the guests. I've never stayed in a hostel in another country, but judging from this one in Hawaii, I wouldn't want my children staying there. The guy who ran the place was stoned all the time, there were huge roaches, and while I was taking a shower, a man came into the bathroom and used the toilet. I'm sure they're not all like that though.

I went with my DD Girl Scout troop by train to San Antonio about 10 years ago. They went for the purpose of achieving a particular badge. They had to tour the historical places but don't remember the particulars on the badge now.

We stayed in a hostel. The girls had a big room with bunk beds. The bathroom and kitchen were shared by all. There were a number of young adults from Europe there at the same time.

The one thing the girls still remember is that the European gals would walk into the bathroom topless. The girls were stunned to see the hairy armpits also.

It was interesting to talk to everyone at the hostel but keep that aspect in mind.

I've never been in one and it doesn't really appeal to me, but the link below gives some hostel experiences (both bad and good, but not for the kids to read). A youth hostel might be quite different from a regular one, I don't know.

Check the reviews over on tripadvisor.com for the particular ones you are interested in. It's a very helpful sight when planning trips.

Here is a link that might be useful: Hostel experiences

I know Moni has lots of times on her bike rides....hopefully she will be checking in soon.

Trin

Yup, Trin, I sure have. On bike rides in Germany, and on my mother daughter trip here in the US.

I like them just fine. In Germany any more there is no cooking for yourself, but most have a small kitchen, and cook a tiny menu in the evenings. All served breakfast.

{{!gwi}}
No, not my hair dryer. It was Jacqui's. She wanted to show her friend it was being used. :)

In DC and New York City we had breakfasts, but cooked our own dinners.

{{!gwi}}
Washington DC

{{!gwi}}
New York City

Way cheaper than a hotel. More spensive than camping, but dry if it was raining.

I did in Montreal with my young uns when they were in early teens, en route to the Maritimes.

It was a pleasant place and we had no problems.

I don't remember whether we ate there - I think that we had breakfast. Yes, we did and breakfast was adequate.

Sorry I can't remember more ... it was over 30 years ago.

I guess that I should have kept a journal.

ole joyful

I'm staying in a hostel this week in London, England. I'm off there for a few days with a friend and I suggested we stay in the hostel.

In my experience, hostels associated with Hosteling International (formerly International Youth Hosteling Association) are great places to stay. You can identify these hostels by the symbol of a triangle containing a tree and a hut. They are not hotels and do not have all the comforts associated with hotels, but they are affordable, generally clean (not antiseptically so, but not bad) and friendly, and centrally located.

I haven't stayed in a hostel in many years, but the one I have booked in London (and this is new, you can book accommodations ahead) is one I have stayed in before (1971 and 1973) and it has been renovated since. It is close to St. Paul's Cathedral and within the Square Mile of London. My girlfriend and I will probably not have a room to ourselves, but we are prepared for that. It is only for 3 nights and the total cost for the stay for the two of us (including breakfast) is less than 170 US dollars. That's a darned good price for accommodations in London.

If you are interested in checking out the HI site, the link is below.

Jane

Here is a link that might be useful: Hosteling International