HI - Merced Home Hostel

HI - Merced Home Hostel shares a retired couple's home. Even if retired, both are still active so that the hostel is closed from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. (active hours for this couple). This place is mostly a one-night stop for people traveling without a car to Yosemite National Park.

The Location

This hostel is part of Hostelling International (so there is an extra charge if you are not a member) but only approved for six guests. They will pick you up from either bus or train station and/or provide you an address only upon confirmation. It is in a quiet residential area, far from railway noise.

Rooms and Bathrooms

Even if it could accommodate up to ten -- as it has two small, single-sex dorms with two bunk beds/each and a private double -- the hostel will never accommodate more than six. Bathroom is shared among guests and hosts, and all showers are to be taken before 10:30 p.m. due to everyone's early departure the next day (no shower in the morning).

Common Spaces

The place is cosy enough with a no-shoes-allowed, all-carpeted quiet room, a TV lounge, a kitchen with a table for self use, and an outside seating/eating area. Enjoy the evening talking about Yosemite, sharing ice cream around the kitchen table or outside (weather permitting), and meet other fellow travelers probably on their way in or out Yosemite National Park. Most guest are ongoing with YART Bus at 7 a.m. the next morning.

Summary

The relaxed atmosphere there as well as the informative but informal talk about the area make you feel like you are sharing a friend's home. We will definitely stop there the next time. It's a restful stop wherever you might be going next -- just call ahead and enjoy your stay.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
May 2009