Group Hostel FAQ:

Frequently Asked Questions about hostel accommodation for groups

• What is a group?
• Can I make group bookings online?
• What if I want to visit several countries during my group trip?
• Is it possible to book accommodation for groups in several towns within one country?
• What if the HI hostel I would like to visit doesn’t appear on the group hostels section of the website?
• What are your terms and conditions for group bookings?
• Do I get a discount for group bookings?
• Do I need membership to make group bookings?
• Can Hostelling International help book activities for our group trip?
• Some members of my group have special needs – can we still stay in your group hostels?
• Do your group hostels cater for special diets?

What is a group?

In terms of accommodation for groups, 10 or more people are considered "a group". If you wish to book for 9 or fewer people, please select the Book a Hostel tab at the top of the page.

Can I make group bookings online?

As group bookings require careful planning and special arrangements, it is not possible to book and pay for the beds online. It is, however, possible to send us an online enquiry through the Group Accommodation finder (on the groups homepage), which tells us all we need to know about your requirements to make your stay in our group hostels as comfortable and trouble-free as possible. We aim to reply to all enquiries about accommodation for groups within 24 to 48 hours, advising you about availability at the group hostel and also answering any specific queries you may have.

What if I want to visit several countries during my group trip?

If you plan to visit more than one country, please contact Supertramp, Hostelling International's travel partner for multi-country group bookings. Supertramp is the travel agency of the Austrian YHA (OJHW) and they offer a comprehensive service on travel for groups, backed by years of experience. Check their Website for ideas of multi-country group trips.

Is it possible to book accommodation for groups in several towns within one country?

The Group Accommodation finder (on the groups homepage) enables you to choose several group hostels within one country making it simple and quick to build your own itinerary for group trips in multiple towns.

What if the HI hostel I would like to visit doesn’t appear on the group hostels section of the website?

Our group hostels have been specially selected for group trips. We know from experience that accommodation for groups requires a little extra care and attention, so our group hostels have to meet special group requirements. These criteria include:

• Size – all group hostels must have a sufficient number of beds
• Facilities – all group hostels must cater to group needs such as adequate coach parking, meeting rooms, meal service, leader/driver rooms, etc.
• Location – all group hostels need to be located in places attractive to – and suitable for – group trips

You can, of course, book any hostel in our network for your group, although you will not necessarily benefit from all of the above criteria.

What are your terms and conditions for group bookings?

Hostelling International is a federation of independent Youth Hostel Associations, and the terms and conditions for group bookings differ slightly in each country. Ask for terms and conditions when making the reservation for your group trip.

Do I get a discount for group bookings?

All participating Associations operate independently and policies regarding discounts for group bookings differ slightly in each country. Most will offer some concessions for groups. Check with the Association of the country you are planning to visit.

Do I need membership to make group bookings?

As Hostelling International is a membership organization, you need to hold a valid membership card to stay in our hostel accommodation. For group trips, it is sufficient for the group leader/tour operator to be a member. Membership is usually purchased in your home country so please contact your home Association for full details.

Can Hostelling International help book activities for our group trip?

The group bookings department of most participating Associations will be able to help you with any additional requirements you may have in organizing travel for groups. Some will offer a full reservations facility including transport and itinerary booking, or they may provide comprehensive details of services available for you to book for group trips. Either way, they all have lots of useful information to help make your group trip a success – just ask!

Some members of my group have special needs - can we still stay in your group hostels?

Absolutely, we welcome all. Most of our group hostels have facilities for a range of special needs and many have wheelchair access. Make sure the hostel meets the specific requirements of your group trip by using our Group Accommodation Finder (on the groups homepage).

Do your group hostels cater for special diets?

Most group hostels do. Again, mention it when filling in the Group Accommodation Finder (on the groups homepage) so we can confirm that we can offer exactly what you need for your group trip.