Anyone hostel?

I've been trying to find out more about hostels, in particular in the US. I found this information at http://www.hostels.com/faq.hostels.html#Anchor-What-23240 but I'd really like to hear from some of you who have experienced them. We would probably fit the typical friendly, outgoing traveler types, and thought it might be fun to stay at some hostels when we take our trip to California in the coming year.

Geographically, we're thinking of flying into San Francisco and exploring it for a few days, and then driving up the coast a ways - we definitely want to see the redwoods. We've never been out west, so we're open for suggestions! We like nature, not crowds and traffic, if that gives you any ideas. ;)

Hi gardenwife - I've had good luck with many hostels in Europe and one in the US - only exception was two places (one had bugs and the other was hugely crowded and incredibly hot) - but these were in western Ireland. You stay at hostels with a different mindset than you would the Hilton, so as long as your expectations are reasonable, you'll enjoy yourself.

Often you will share a dorm room with 2-16 other people, but many hostels even have private rooms, depends on where you stay. Many allow you to book ahead with a credit card, and this can be a real advantage, especially if you're traveling during a crowded time. The hostels in expensive urban cities can be the most crowded and noisy, but sounds like you're headed away from the city, so you should be fine. You also should remember to pack your own towels or shammies, however some hostels will rent towels for a dollar or so. Another thing to keep in mind is sheets, some places require you to bring your own sheet, but then other places rent the sheet, again for a dollar or so. Again, check ahead - see what is offered.

One of our favorite hostels is on Martha's Vineyard - where the average place for a night to stay can easily be $200+, but a night at the hostel was $15 - and there was a kitchen, living room and many friendly people.

Your link to hostels.com is useful - I've used that to contact people and find recommended hostels in new areas.

A few advantages of the hostels is often you have more space than just a motel. Not in the room, which might be shared, but there is often a sitting room, kitchen to cook food (which also saves money) and also - this is the best part, the opportunity to meet other travelers from around the world, often in their late teens and 20's with great stories to tell and recommended places to visit.

Let me know when you're headed to Ireland if you want some really good recommendations! ;-)

Good luck and let us know how your trip goes!

I had great experiences with hostels in europe 25 years ago, as Sbsrr points out, as long as you know you arent going to the hilton....I found it to be quite fun, you meet lots of interesting people....
Good luck to you.

In San francisco, when I first moved down there I stayed at a boarding house, called "the monroe" I know they are still there, it was a fun place. There were rooms that you shared the room with someone, or you had a single room and shared the bathroom. It was very reasonable at the time, and it included breakfast and dinner - with brunch on sunday (well - a stretch of the imagination there....but they didnt serve dinner on sundays. I stayed in a single room and shared the bathroom.

look what I just found......
http://www.monroeresidenceclub.com/

check it out...

Neat input you guys! So, Pebble...If we stay at the Monroe, do we have to dress like we're from the 70's? http://www.monroeresidenceclub.com/mdining.htm Maybe we'd better let Howie's hair grow out a little....LOL

They need newer pictures! ;)

I noticed that and thought it was pretty funny

Regardless of not liking crowds and city traffic if you are going to San Francisco you MUST go to Fishermans Wharf. It is an experience in itself and seafood is sold all over for not too bad a price. Also to ride a cable car is fun and a great way to get around that city without the traffic driving you crazy. I have always wondered about hostels so thanks for starting this thread as I am learning along with you.

Gardenwife, my dad's cousin is (or at least was, I will write and ask him) a member of a group all over US that is like a co-op hostel. Every member opens their house to others when they visit, and in return they are given hospitality from everyone else in the group. There were several of these groups a few years ago, but I will pass along more info when I get it from him. They live in FL now, had a house in AZ and a summer house in CO, and traveled all over the country this way. Maybe 100 people in their group. But for people who have homes in several states and drive around, it sure is better than staying at lots of motels (or not, if they are all full).

This is all done for free for group members :)

GW, the monroe was ideally suited for me at the time, it was just a block away from the railcar line on California st., and I worked at the end of California street, at the embarcadero..so it was an easy commute...
I remember the lounge area with that big fireplace, but my room looked nothing like the room they have pictured.
they must have upgraded a bit....
there was a mix of people staying there, some students, some foreigners, (I once shared a bathroom with some Italians) some people stayed for a week, and some people stayed months - there was even one guy who had been there for like 7 years....I stayed there about 6 months or so actually...
Apartments were real hard to come by, so this was a perfect alternative.

Kathy - sounds like a neat organization! It's so neat getting to know people from around the country. For that matter, I can't believe how DG has opened the world up to all of us -- what a cool thing!

I bet you have some neat stories from being there in SF, Pebble. It looks like a beautiful city, and it IS where they have TechTV, LOL. We'll have to sit in on a few shows while we're there!

well I just cant wait to hear all about it.

http://www.norcalhostels.org/faq.html

I don't know much about the hostels here in California but this site might be of some assistance. How far did you plan to go up the coast from Frisco? You can see the magnificent Sequoias in the Santa Cruz Mountain range and or come on up the coast to see the coastal redwoods. The Drive is sceneic and there are parks everywhere. The best weather is usually in mid to late August through october. (if you stick to the coastal route) The interior route travels through the San Juaquin Valley and is flat and hot in the summer months. Should you decide to travel up the coast far enough to reach heaven on earth (Northern Humboldt County) please plan on meeting a very odd but loveable DG member....ME!

If we venture that far north, there's no way we'd miss meeting you, Brenda! :)

GW, I finally finished the book, "Walking the Trail", about the Cherokee man who walked the Trail of Tears in reverse. I was reminded of a bit of information which had slipped my mind, and that is, you can often stay in dorm rooms at colleges for a very small fee, and you often have access to cafeterias and other amenities. This would vary from one institution to another, but sounds worth checking out. He didn't make advance arrangements, just inquired of the registration office when he arrived. I think this would be a delightful experience to work in with some of the other arrangements. Makes me wish I was young and roadworthy!

GW, you have mail :)