faq

We have tried to think of most questions we get asked. If there is anything else you need to know then please contact us for more details.

General

1. What is a hostel?
A hostel is good quality budget accommodation that offers a comfortable night's sleep in friendly surroundings at an affordable price. Hostels provide the perfect way to get to know a country at low cost and meet with many other people who share your attitude towards travelling.

2. What is SIH?
SIH, Scottish Independent Hostels, is an Association of Independent hostels in Scotland. Our name is your reassurance of good quality budget accommodation that you can trust - simply look for the logo outside member hostels. Scottish Independent Hostels is a member-led association playing its part in the wider tourism industry in Scotland and connected with independent hostels' organizations World wide.

We have very many gifted and experienced hostel owners as members and decisions for the organization are made based on the best advice they give. In order to be sure their advice is sound they need to listen to you, our hostellers. This we do very carefully. Each year, the members elect their own Chairman and Management Committee to take forward new ideas ensuring the very best service for our visitors.

3. How can I find out about employment opportunities ?
SIH is primarily a marketing organisation and does not organise employment. However several member hostels have staff vacancies at times during the year and you should contact hostels direct.

4. I'd like to open a hostel or become affiliated to Scottish Independent Hostels, what do I need to do?
New members are welcome as long as standards are met, please write to SIH giving full details.

5. Do I have to become a member to stay in a hostel?
No, SIH facilities are open to all.

Reservations

6. Do I need to book accommodation in advance?
We understand how important it can be to be sure of your accommodation before you leave home. We recommend advance booking during high season and in popular destinations. Our website enables you to book your accommodation in advance at around 100 hostels throughout Scotland.

7. How do I find out about hostels around the world?
Hostelling International publishes an annual Guide to worldwide hostels. This comes in two volumes - Europe 2002 and Americas, Africa, Asia and the Pacific 2002 - click here to view some sample pages and find out how to purchase a copy. Book online at www.hostelbooking.com, via an IBN Booking Centre (details at www.hostelbooking.com), or direct with the hostel by letter, fax, telephone or email.

8. Can I book a private room?
In some hostels you can book a private room, please enquire at time of booking.

Guests

9. What kind of people use Independent Scottish Hostels?
SIH hostels welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, origins and interests - first-time travellers, seasoned travellers, lone travellers or people in groups all find a warm welcome at a hostel.

10. Do age limits exist?
All SIH hostels are open to everyone. However age limits may apply for children in some places - check with the hostel.

11. Can I bring a group to hostels?
SIH welcomes groups. Some hostels are particularly well equipped for groups.

Hostels

12. How much does it cost to stay overnight in a Hostel?
Costs vary from hostel to hostel, but always represent excellent value for money. Overnight fees are given for all SIH hostels on their listing.

13. Will I have to sleep in a big dormitory?
Big dormitories are becoming increasingly rare in hostels. Many hostels now offer single, twin and four-bedded rooms - please check when booking.

14. Do I need to bring my own sheets or towels?
Bedding is usually provided, although you may need to bring or hire sheets in some hostels - please check when booking. Towels are not provided, so please remember to bring a towel plus any toiletries you will need.

15. What kind of facilities can I expect in an SIH hostel?
SIH recognizes that consistent quality and service are important to budget travellers, so check out the hostel details on this website where you can find full details on hostel open times, open dates and facilities. Most rooms are fitted with bunk beds, and sleep two or four people - larger dormitory rooms are becoming less common. Bedding is usually provided, though you may need to bring or hire sheets in some hostels. Some hostels have en-suite facilities, while others have shared facilities located nearby. All hostels provide self-catering facilities and most provide meals. You can also expect to find facilities such as TV, radio, music, book and magazine collection, common room, laundry facilities and internet access in many hostels.

16. What kind of facilities are provided for disabled visitors?
Some hostels provide access for wheelchair users, and specially adapted rooms are becoming more common. However, for specific details on the suitability of any hostel's facilities for a particular disability please do discuss your requirements with the hostel prior to booking.

17. Can I do my own cooking?
All hostels provide self-catering facilities. Some hostels also provide meals in their own cafeteria should you choose to be catered for and these represent excellent value for money.

18. Are hostels open all day?
Generally, large city hostels are open 24 hours per day, while others may have shorter opening hours, and some may close for a short period during the day. Almost all hostels are open throughout the year though a very few smaller hostels may be seasonal. All SIH hostels aim to be open throughout the day for visitors staying a further night or more. Each hostel has its own routine for welcoming and saying farewell to guests. You will find them all fairly relaxed and attempting to put the hostellers' needs first.

19. Are trips or activities organised at hostels?
A number of hostels offer a wide range of activities - from city tours to whitewater-rafting! You will find full details on the hostel entry - click on the map to select a region, then country, and scroll down to view contact details. In addition, hostel reception has valuable local knowledge and tourist information is usually available.

20. Will I have to help with chores?
In the majority of city and other key hostels, the most you will be asked to do is hand in your bed linen when you leave, and ensure that you clear up after using self-catering facilities.

21. Who runs the hostels?
Each SIH hostel is run by an owner, a family or a manager. Very often the hostel owner may have another occupation such as mountain guide, restaurateur, outdoor education instructor, teacher or have another related business in tourism perhaps. Each hostel owner agrees to comply with the SIH 'List of Essential Standards' for independent hostels and to be regularly inspected to ensure that the standards are being kept.

22. Can I bring a dog with me?
Some hostels will accept well behaved dogs but you should check in advance with the hostel and make sure that there are no restrictions.

23. Still haven't answered your question?
If cannot find the answer to your question, please contact us, allowing up to 5 working days for a reply.

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blue hostel guide

The Blue Hostel Guide 2010 is available to download in PDF format here >>>