[triedeverything]

Well, this is not a travel or route question, but I couldn't find a more suitable place for this. Is anyone a member of this association?:: YOUTH HOSTELS ASSOCIATION OF INDIA :: Memberships
The rates for membership and stay are unbelievably low for a deal that includes food! What experiences do you have in any of their locations?

[hotstuff]

@triedeverything, I have been a member of YHAI on and off since 1996. (whenever I remembered, I would take up a yearly membership.)

Over the years I have stayed in / used a couple of Youth hostels, in Delhi, Rishikesh, Bangalore & lastly in Ooty (During a trek to Mukurthi in Nov 2009).

YHs are a good option if you are in a group which is essentially looking for an absolutely no-frills place to freshen-up and sleep. (Accomodation in most YHs will be subject to availability and will normally be a dormitory with bunk-beds; though rooms are available in some locations.)

While the Delhi YH was of international standards (I stayed there in 1997), located in a post diplomatic area in Delhi, most of the other YHs may not be so great. A few are run by the association where as others are actually low budget guest houses that are affiliated with YHAI.

Basic food is available at most YHs (If you inform in advance.) else most prople just use the place to stay and go elsewhere to eat.

To summarize:
- YHs are recommended for basic accomodation if you are travelling on a very tight budget (You can check the list of places where there are hostels from their website.)
- Good for some of the treks / adventure activities conducted by various YH chapters.

Either you can take up the life-time membership, or take up an annual membership whenever you feel the need. You can also go and stay at YHs even if you have no membership. Either you can take up a membership on the spot (available only in some places like Delhi.) or you can pay at slightly higher rates.

Hostelling Intnl, with which YHAI is affiliated, has a number of YHs across the world which are good if you are on a backpacking tour etc. You can just book online via: Book Your HI Hostels with Hostelling International

A relative of mine has used many of these hostels across Europe while on a pan-EU budget trip. In some places hostels are good and located in a convenient area, in other places they may be quite out of the way. (No membership required for booking these Intnl YHs.)

The rates for membership and stay are unbelievably low for a deal that includes food!

Yes, accomodation rates are quite low, but prices do not include cost of food. Food is charged extra.

[amohit]

I was YHAI member for 2 years.
Went on one trek (12 days costed 2k including food and stay in tents). Most memorable vacation till now.

Once stayed in teh Ooty hostel. Took the family room. Very basic acco. But clean.

IMO, if hotels for you mean just places to go and sleep, yhai hostels are worth it.

Regards,

[triedeverything]

Thanks for that information. So when you say that you can stay there even if you are not a member, what advantages does membership bring? I sent a query like this to the email address mentioned on their website and I got 'half a reply' saying you need to be a member and that everyone using the accommodation needs to have membership. So if it is a family of 3 that includes a 2 year old baby, will each of us need the membership? Didn't make that much sense

[kiku007]

I have stayed in a Youth Hostel in Paris.

Booked through hihostels,
http://apps.facebook.com/hihostels/

Amazing VFM for no frills bed and breakfast. Bathrooms are not attached to the room and locker facilities are available for bags.

Check out the rates I paid in 2008,
3 Bed(s) in Dorm, Breakfast included
Subtotal: 66.00 EUR
5 % Deposit: 3.30 EUR
Pay on arrival: 62.70 EUR

My trick? I didn't even register with the YMCA or whatever then. Just told them that I forgot to bring the card and gave my freinds's registration number

BTW I don't think kids are allowed in youth hostels. I may be wrong but I really doubt.

[arunkumars]

I am a member of Youth Hostels.
I am not sure whether non members can stay in the hostels but can surely say that the hostels are of decent standards.
It is a really nice group which organises trekking and family adventures for amazingly low prices.

For clarification will post a mail to youth hostels and check whether non members can stay as well.


Arun

[triedeverything]

I tried sending a mail and have got one response so far. It only answers a few of the questions asked and follow up mail do not get any response.

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by triedeverything

I tried sending a mail and have got one response so far. It only answers a few of the questions asked and follow up mail do not get any response.

Maybe they found out that you are not really a *youth*

[subhashnm]

I'm not a member, but I have stayed in youth hostels at various places. You don't need to be a member to stay, but I think you get some advantages if you become one - I'm not sure of that though.

Of the places I have stayed at, the YH in Manali was absolutely fantastic (though quite a bit far away from Manali town - about 7km from the mall - on the Naggar road), and the one in Mysore was also really good.

My brother and cousin have been on treks organized by YHAI - the former to Thar desert and the latter to Sarpass in the Himalayas - and both of them are die-hard fans of YHAI. They say the trek arrangements were at par with the best they have seen, at a cost so cheap it is unbelievable.

In total, YHAI hostels and programs are the best VFM you can find.

[scorpydave]

It's one of the best places to stay in for those with tighter budgets, the one i've experienced in Delhi was absolutely low cost and international standard one, though its been pretty long i've been to this YH, but i'm surely looking forward to check in soon.

[triedeverything]

Some of their centers do not have a yes next to parking. Does that mean they don't have any space? From what I've learned so far, these are usually situated a little away from the city. Doesn't that make it easier to provide parking as well?

[Anupam]

I am myself a life member and have stayed in the hostels at Jaipur, Darjeeling, Kathmandu and Delhi, and I find it as a wonderful experience to meet like minded travellers

I think it is a wonderful alternative to the usual hotels

Can we have all youth hostel member share their experience of hostels all over the world

[Raps]

Hi,

Any info about the availability of Youth Hostel in Srinagar, Planning for a visit in the month of July 2014