YHA Eastbourne, Eastbourne

YHA Eastbourne Youth Hostel, this south-coast hostel, is near new and situated at a popular holiday and day-trip seaside resort. It's modern not only in facilities, but also in standards -- no curfew or lockout period. It appeals to backpackers and others visiting the seaside town and to walkers exploring the local countryside. It's also close to other such towns, like Brighton, and is an option to visit from the channel-crossing town of Dover for those who don't want to go straight to London. There is no internet for hostelers. As with all UK YHA hostels, there are no mixed-gender dorms, and there are restrictions on sixteen-year-olds and under, so check out their website.

Location

The hostel is a few kilometres to the west of town on the East Dean road and up a major hill, so do catch the bus (no 12, 12A), which stops immediately outside. Eastbourne has good train and bus services to London and to Brighton and Hastings.

Rooms and Bathrooms

Total accommodation is only thirty guests, so do book ahead. There are dorms (single gender only) and private rooms all with ensuite. Everything in this hostel is of high a standard, freshly decorated, and clean. The ensuites are large and there's plenty of space for clothing - the only negative is a damp smell from inadequate ventilation rather than lack of cleanliness.

The dorms have metal bunks and seem to be squeak free; each bed has a light and power. The rooms are not overcrowded, but equally, there is no spare space. There are large lockers to take full-sized backpacks (bring your own padlock or buy one at the hostel).

Common Spaces

The combined lounge/dining room easily caters for a full house. There's a good-sized TV, and DVD, but few other forms of entertainment. There are notices providing information on transport and local sights, and some brochures. Additionally, the staff will check out things for you if you ask ... and can sell you cut-price bus tickets to Brighton.

The self-catering kitchen is superb and fitted out in stainless steel. The gas cooking range includes six rings and an oven, and there are two large fridge/freezers. There is plentiful equipment and the staff ensure it is perfectly maintained. It's fit for use on "Masterchef"! There is, though, no cafeteria facility here. The hostel sells enough cans and packets to prevent starvation and there's a supermarket and a pub just ten minutes away. There's an outdoor area with tables and seating and in winter the hostel is heated.

Summary

This is an excellent, modern hostel suited to all types of backpackers and hikers. The staff are exceptionally helpful. The one negative is the lack of any form of internet, which is so important to today's young traveler.