HI - Redwood National Park Hostel

Off route 101, in front of the ocean and nestled within the trees, lies Redwoods Hostel. The hostel is in a big and cozy old house that is kept excellent condition, complete with front and side porches looking into trees and ocean. Inside, it is clean and warm, with a large lounge with several couches and board games for gathering, an exceptionally clean and well-organized kitchen, and a large dining area with several tables for guests. Guest rooms are private or with bunks. The hostel has large windows and is decorated with a color scheme to compliment the dark and lush redwood trees outside, making it warm and inviting. It is a comfortable place to stay.

Some given time from each guest contributes to the cleanliness of the hostel. There are directions within the kitchen for how to wash dishes and where to label and store food, and signs are neatly placed around the house to remind guests of hostel regulations. Before each guest leaves in the morning, he or she is asked to complete a chore; those awake earliest get to choose which chore to complete. The chores range from cleaning a bathroom to sweeping the porches.

Because many staff members call the hostel a home, the hostel must close its doors everyday from 10am to 5pm; its daily office hours are 8am to 10am and 5pm to 9pm. While it's closed it offers suggestions for exploring Redwoods National Park within walking distance. The hostel has a daily curfew of 11pm for the staff to rest and for the safety of their guests; there isn't much to do in Redwoods National Park after sundown anyway. Guests often gather in the dining room or the lounge to spend the evening socializing.

The hostel is a flag-stop for the Greyhound bus. It is directly off of route 101, visible on the left for vehicles heading southbound but around a corner from the north. Reservations are recommended because with only 30 beds the hostel can fill up quickly during the busy season. The hostel is closed in December, January, and February, except for groups of 15 or more. The hostel does not provide internet access or a TV, but does provide sheets, towels, and smoking areas.

Review by Nina Weiss

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