The Hostelz.com Review
YHA Stratford upon Avon actually technically isn't in Stratford, but it's the only one that's even close, and it's worth the time to hike/bus/drive to it. Located about two miles out of town along a fairly busy road (but with a pedestrian path if you're walking), there aren't many signs until you get very close, so it's easy to think you've passed it. Especially at night, it's hard to see the hostel, because it's not directly on the main road.
The hostel is a huge, beautiful historic home that looks like it belongs in "Gone with the Wind." There's a lot of space on the grounds with picnic tables, open lawn for Frisbee playing, and lots of free parking. The reception desk is towards the back of the hostel when you first walk in, so you pass by the common area, stairways, and restrooms. The desk is always well-staffed and the the employees are incredibly friendly and helpful. Check-in is a breeze. Sheets are included, but there is a key deposit. You have twenty-four-hour access with a code.
The self-catering kitchen is very modern with lots of storage and counter space. There are several mini-fridges for perishables that could fill up easily, so we wouldn't recommend stocking up at the market for multiple days' provisions. There are also several cafe-esque tables where you can eat right in the kitchen, or chat with other hostelers. The dining room opens at 7 for breakfast, which can be purchased separately. There are mostly large tables to sit at, so it's easy to meet other hostelers.
The dorms have eight-plus bunks in them, but they're not cramped, and there are sinks/mirrors in the rooms. The doors lock automatically, so remember your key! There aren't quite enough showers/bathrooms for the number of people staying at the hostel, so try to shower at an off-peak time. The hostelers here tend to be older than what you see at other hostels (especially in big cities like London or Manchester), so the hostel is one of the quietest ones we've been to. Despite that, it's very friendly, and quite clean/comfortable -- a very enjoyable stay.
The hostel is a huge, beautiful historic home that looks like it belongs in "Gone with the Wind." There's a lot of space on the grounds with picnic tables, open lawn for Frisbee playing, and lots of free parking. The reception desk is towards the back of the hostel when you first walk in, so you pass by the common area, stairways, and restrooms. The desk is always well-staffed and the the employees are incredibly friendly and helpful. Check-in is a breeze. Sheets are included, but there is a key deposit. You have twenty-four-hour access with a code.
The self-catering kitchen is very modern with lots of storage and counter space. There are several mini-fridges for perishables that could fill up easily, so we wouldn't recommend stocking up at the market for multiple days' provisions. There are also several cafe-esque tables where you can eat right in the kitchen, or chat with other hostelers. The dining room opens at 7 for breakfast, which can be purchased separately. There are mostly large tables to sit at, so it's easy to meet other hostelers.
The dorms have eight-plus bunks in them, but they're not cramped, and there are sinks/mirrors in the rooms. The doors lock automatically, so remember your key! There aren't quite enough showers/bathrooms for the number of people staying at the hostel, so try to shower at an off-peak time. The hostelers here tend to be older than what you see at other hostels (especially in big cities like London or Manchester), so the hostel is one of the quietest ones we've been to. Despite that, it's very friendly, and quite clean/comfortable -- a very enjoyable stay.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
November 2006
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HI - YHA Stratford upon Avon Hostel Details
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HI - YHA Stratford upon Avon Hostel Reviews from the WebHostelz.com Guest Reviews
Expensive and not worth it This hostel was extremely expensive (£55 for two people in a dorm including breakfast), and far away from town. For the same price or less we could have stayed at a bed-and-breakfast in town. The staff were not particularly helpful. — Elena , Australian (2008-08-24) I and my two children (daughter, 13; son, 15) stayed here 29JUL2004. It had been a long day, having just spent the previous night on the Caledonian from Inverness. We specifically left Scotland to go to Stonehenge, what a disappointment that was! Since my son was keen to go to William Shakespeare's home, and we had gone to Edinburgh (Harry Potter) for my daughter, I arranged for us to make this down-island journey. Oh, well, live and learn. We found this hostel quite good, the only downside being that it is out of town and you must take the bus to it. Otherwise, it is a superior facility, as are all English hostels. — John \\\"Juanito Hayburg\\\" Eyberg (2006-04-14) Stayed here with my 14-year-old daughter. We have hostelled in US, France, Iceland and UK. The staff was superior. Food (we had breakfast) was filling and well done. Very clean and beds are comfortable. All ages and walks of life. Excellent parking. Beautiful setting. I would not hesitate to stay again (in fact, planning on it for our next visit). If you have a car, there are some extraordinary things to do in the area. If not, the bus can take you into town for the obvious Shakespearean attractions. Staff was very helpful and steered us to some activities, good parking, etc. — ml (2005-07-17) I visited this hostel with my family, and found the manager very rude to both guests and the staff. When I told her our complaint she suggested we should leave. Even the staff told us it was bad here for them, too, and that they were fed up. — Anonymous (2004-11-09) This hostel was semi-decent, but I don't think I'd stay there again. The beds were extremely squeaky and loud, and they were not clean. The bathroom was a little scary, and I would not eat the food in the cafe–it's way overpriced for what you get. Some of the staff members were polite, but one was very condescending and rude. Stratford is a nice town, but it's sometimes difficult to catch the bus to the hostel. I would advise only staying here if it's a last resort. — Anonymous (2004-07-30)