The days of hostels offering only large bunkrooms with queues for the showers is no longer the norm; private rooms with shared self-catering is the new affordable holiday option in Scotland.  Most hostels offer a mix of private and shared accommodation from double, family and small bunkrooms to cater for couples and families to larger bunkrooms for groups. Nowadays even bunkrooms often have their own ensuite too. Holiday makers are increasingly finding this new style of accommodation very appealing; being able to stay for just one night with private rooms with self-catering is ideal for families, couples and groups.

Once upon a time if you wanted your own affordable private space on holiday your choice was guest house or a holiday cottage but no more!  The new style of accommodation evolving in the Scottish hostelling sector offers private rooms, often ensuite, with shared self-catering. 

Dot Mechan is chair of the membership organisation for privately owned hostels, Scottish Independent Hostels (SIH) and runs Jessie Mac's in Dunkeld in Perthshire. She said  “The emergence of private rooms in our hostels now provides a further choice for holiday makers.  People have the option of private sleeping arrangements but enjoy the shared self-catering aspect of hostels which is very convenient, affordable and sociable. It is much more flexible than hiring a cottage for a week or having to pay for meals in a guest house, with the convenience of any length of stay on offer from one-night.”

The days of hostels offering only large bunkrooms with queues for the showers is no longer the norm.  Many hostels offer a variety of accommodation from double, family and small bunkrooms to cater for couples and families to larger bunkrooms for groups, but nowadays even bunkrooms often have their own ensuite too.

Dot continues “Hostelling used to be for backpackers and groups, but is now becoming more and more popular with people of all ages, and interests. A large proportion of our guests are now older couples and families, who appreciate the self-catering and camaraderie we offer. Our hostels are found in the most idyllic parts of Scotland and are privately or community owned by people who are a fount of local knowledge which they love to pass on to their guests”

Scottish Independent Hostels (SIH) is the membership organisation representing the independent hostelling sector in Scotland, with 130 privately run hostels listed on www.hostel-scotland.co.uk

Travel writers with a firm commission are welcome to try a hostelling journey with our Independent Hostels.  For some suggestions for hostels with private rooms visit http://www.hostel-scotland.co.uk/sih-hostels/hostels-with-private-rooms but there are many others available.