Letter: Good hostel guide

Letter: Good hostel guide

Sir: The image of Youth Hostels as "boot camps run by miserable Christians" who insist on you being out in the rain by 10am and impose a curfew at 11pm is a far cry from the reality of today's hostels.

The majority are clean, affordable, located in beautiful parts of the country and run by helpful and friendly staff who do their best to make everyone welcome. You don't have to be a youth to use one! Dormitories normally have between four and six comfortable beds and family rooms are available. You can self-cater or get a pounds 4 three-course meal. Hostels in quiet locations are normally shut during the day simply because most people who use them are out enjoying the countryside. It is a minor inconvenience that the door is shut at 11pm as this does clash with last orders!

City Youth hostels are different - they are open during the day and have 24-hour keycode access. There is also great potential for small, independent hostels, such as those found in Australia and New Zealand. However, cheap accommodation and a relaxed regime does not necessarily mean good quality.

ROBIN DUCKWORTH

Brighton