So, you hear ‘hostel’ and you think dorm beds, gangs of teenagers and drafty bedrooms? Not anymore!
With global changes, the international hostel market and hosteling experience has changed forever. Free internet and Wi-fi, guests with laptops and chic design and are becoming commonplace. We know they will not suit you all and that there is a risk you could all end up around a campfire singing Dylan songs but certainly part of the reason we travel, whether with the kids or not is to broaden our horizons so do not rule hostels out quite yet.
The recession busting traveler will be attracted to the prices and hostels are often in great prime locations in cities or with stunning views. As with anything it is all about doing your research and with all the online resources available now there is no excuse.
So why would a hostel be suitable for your family? We are no experts on hostel travel so we asked West of Ireland based hostel group Sleepzone who were recently highly rated in the Hoscars (the Oscars for Hostels) for their top tips.
1. They have family rooms and despite what you might think, these days hostel rooms are likely to include single, double, twin and family rooms as well as dormitories!
2. They can be cosy & comfortable. Family en suite rooms include a comfortable double bed and varying numbers of single beds. You can expect to get freshly laundered linen, cosy duvets and fluffy pillows so there is no need to bring your sleeping bag or sheets! Older buildings have been fully renovated, and many hostels are purpose-built, with under-floor heating, en suite rooms, towels and electronic key-card access.
3. They are at bargain prices as hostel prices are (naturally!) very competitive. Many properties also have special family rates!
4. No more expensive restaurant bills as you also have the option of self-catering in fully equipped and spacious kitchens, dining rooms where children are welcome, and where the menu includes all the dishes that everybody loves to eat! No more annoyed-looking fellow diners and ‘kiddies menus’ that are chips-with-everything!
5. There are lots of activities for families to enjoy together. Hostels are often located in some of the most beautiful regions of Ireland, where lots of outdoor activities available – hill-walking, hiking, biking, surfing beaches, swimming beaches, kayaking, fishing and plenty of other options!
6. Some hostels have TV lounges with plenty of TV channels, DVD’s, board games, tennis courts (well, maybe that’s just Sleepzone!), cosy residents lounges with log-fires and with residents-only bar. You can relax while the kids play a board-game or chat to their new friends. In each case always check the facilities before you go.
7. They have the appropriate facilities for outside activities – due to the scenic locations of many hostels, international visitors have been coming to Irish hostels for years, to walk, hike and enjoy the outdoors. Hostel properties have therefore become accustomed to providing for their needs, with drying rooms for outdoor clothing and boots and laundry facilities.
8. They are great places to meet other families. Irish hostels regularly welcome families from other European countries (especially from Germany and France), from America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
9. There are no hidden extras. Many hostels can provide free parking, free internet and Wi-fi access.
10. Hostel staff are professional and extremely approachable. They have a wealth of knowledge about the local area and its surroundings, and while able to recommend the usual hotspots, they also know about those hidden gems, that many people never find!
Check out Sleepzone’s Top Picks of Family Friendly Activities in the Family Pages on www.sleepzone.ie.