SYDNEY – Once predominantly associated with the 20-something backpacker, hostels around the world are now recognizing the demand for affordable family accommodation and are adapting their facilities accordingly.
Global PR and Content Manager at HotelsCombined, Alycia Simons says that with hostel options growing, families are increasingly recognising the benefits of hostel affordability.
“Gone are the days when families with young kids were relegated to theme park destinations and buffet restaurants. Holidaying families are growing increasingly adventurous and are interested in an ever-expanding assortment of experiences – nothing is off limits anymore.”
“Many of today’s hostels are the perfect option for families travelling on a budget. They’re centrally-located, can house numerous people in the same room and boast cost-saving features such as laundry rooms and courtesy shuttle buses.”
According to HotelsCombined, these are the features to look for when booking a family-friendly hostel:
Family rooms (ideally located on a separate floor from other door rooms for noise control)
Ensuite bathrooms
Child-friendly amenities (cots, highchairs, etc.)
Entertainment offerings (video games, board games, a pool, etc.)
YHA International Hostels has welcomed a steady stream of families over recent years. Operations Manager Robert Henke says the organization has made a point of ensuring that each of its locations now offers family-friendly features.
“To keep costs down, all YHAs have self-catering kitchens so families don’t have to eat out three times a day. Some have cafes or restaurants onsite,” he says. “Many have large family rooms that can sleep up to 5 people – perfect for multi-generational travel. There are also communal areas where families can hang out, play games and meet other people and children from around the world.”
He points to the UK’s YHA London St. Pancras, which enjoys a central city location across from the Kings Cross/St. Pancras international Station and is within walking distance from various family-friendly attractions. The hostel supplies a range of family board games for use, welcomes babies and provides cots upon request. In Australia, the Blue Mountains YHA is also an especially great pick for families thanks to its arcade games and dedicated kids’ corner.
Family-friendly hostels aren’t limited solely to the YHA International chain. With a database of over 800,000 properties, the search filters on HotelsCombined make it particularly easy to locate family-friendly properties.
