YHA Swanage

The staff were so kind to us really was appreciated after a long drive qnd tired kids. The room was immaculate and beds werebcomfortable. I would highly recommend this place and would certainly come back again.

The building is a converted old house that has character, especially the wooden panelled lounge in which I spent many an hour relaxing. The beds were comfortable, and each bed has its own light and power outlet. The room has a washbasin. I was initially in a shared room with 3 bunkbeds but as it was October there was only other person on the 1st night and on the 2nd night I had the room to myself. For the 3rd night I had moved to a room with 2 bunkbeds which was a private room I got for less than £30… a bargain. The showers and toilets were always clean. Always hot water. There is a modern kitchen / dining area that is a pleasure to cook and eat in with plenty of space for people cooking at the same time. This self-catering kitchen/dining area is also separate to the main dining room. I found that to be plus point after the arrival of a school trip group as them having meals in the dining room did not impact/make the self-catering area feel busy. The staff are very friendly and helpful. I initially had booked 2 nights and when I enquired about staying a 3rd night I was informed that the hostel was fully booked. The next day the receptionist came to find me to let me know there had been cancellations dure to the rain thus I was able to stay a 3rd night. The location of the hostel is good; I think this is a good base for those wishing to explore the coast. Swanage has a sandy beach, and you are right in town within 10min to shops, cafes and restaurants. The hostel is at the top of a steep hill, but that would not put me off. The town is on the Coastal path, also there are other walks that can be done. Even if not having a car, there are walking options and the bus easily links to Studland Bay, Poole and Bournemouth making it a good place to stay if those are the places you want to visit. I have been walking the coastal path for a month, staying in my tent, and this was a stopping off point to relax for a few days after my end point in Weymouth before going home. I go the bus from Weymouth, instead of going by bus all the way to Swanage, I went to Weymouth, spent 3.5 hours walking through the countryside to the Swanage Railway station and got the heritage steam train into town. It was rainy during these days so I did not explore that much. I intend to return and stay here again next Spring to walk the coast, visit Studland, and Brownsea Island. Points to note: - The Wifi connect is unstable unless in one end of the kitchen/dining area or in the lounge. Do not count on being able to reliably use it in the bedrooms. The lounge is so comfortable that it is a good place to hang out anyway. - There is a drying rom, though no laundry facilities for guests. - The 3 bunkbed shared bedrooms do not have any lockable storage.

Nice little escape, loved the lounge area and the look of the building, food was very average with plenty of options at breakfast, but what you would expect when paying so little. The only thing I didn’t like was the bed was very uncomfortable, I’m of larger build so sunk straight into the Matress and to be honest might as well not had a mattress at all. Accommodation should be 2/5 Food should be 3/5 Building and decor should be 4/5 Staff should be 10/5 Overall probably should be 3/5 but the staff were so amazingly friendly and knowledgeable about the area that it would be unfair on them. If I happen to stay again I will have to take an air bed. But still worth it for value for money. Again staff were amazing.

Unbelievably cheap stay. Lovely en suite room with sea view. Staff very friendly and helpful. My first stay in a YHA in nearly 30 years and experience was so good I’m looking to come again. Only gripe would be internet signal in rooms a bit poor

Having stayed here recently, I was considering staying again till I learnt YHA plans to cut down half the trees on their land, despite tree preservation orders to protect them. The trees are not causing any harm or damage and are healthy. There is absolutely no excuse for cutting down healthy protected trees, especially in the current ecological climate we're in. We need to be safeguarding trees and the vital habitats they provide, not destroying them. It is in such a beautiful location, the walk into town and to the sea is ideal. I won't be recommend to anyone unless YHA sees sense and stops the plans to fell the beautiful trees.

Such a shame Swanage YHA has decided to cut down 35 healthy trees despite them being under a Tree Preservation Order and including rarer Elm trees for 'aesthetic reasons'. Will not be recommending this establishment in the future! I really can't see the sense of this!!!