If you need a place in Manchester to stay for the weekend and the ‘Governor’ Hotel’s prices are extortionate, then look no further than Manchester’s own YHA. This is where I came to stay for a night while seeing the Manic Street Preachers in Concert at the Apollo Theatre and I really can see why this is the best Youth Hostel in the country.

The YHA is situated just off the centre of Manchester in the Castlefield area. The building is adjacent to the canals that run past and offer good views as well as nosey Canadian Geese. It is in suitable reach for anyone wanting to get into Manchester by foot, as the shops are only a five minute walk away. Also next door is the Museum of Science and Technology and remains of the Roman fort that used to stand there during Vespsian’s occupation of England.

The YHA itself is a large building of about 40-50 rooms catering for anyone including impoverished students that just need a cheap place to stay. It cost us £20 for the night we stayed and we had to vacate the room by 10am. On arrival the YHA instantly impressed me as being very well run as we got our keys with no problem and were soon relaxing in our room.

The rooms were a real plus point being very spacious with ensuite facilities which doesn’t consist of a poor trickling shower but a nice powerful one that was certainly soothing. There were two bunkbeds meaning there were four beds in the room but the Youth hostel obviously didn’t mind letting only two people occupy it because it was only my Girlfriend and I in there. Linen, towels and duvets were all supplied, as was shampoo and soap. To my surprise two extras were added that I didn’t know would be in there, one was a kettle with tea, coffee and milk included and the other was a TV. There was also ample room to store clothing and other items.

The YHA also supplied many other facilities such a currency exchange for foreign people, laundry facil
ities, lockers, self catering kitchen, provision shop, games room and a separate TV room. All of which were of a high standard especially the self-catering kitchen that was a lot better than the student kitchen I have now and a lot more cleaner.

The price also included breakfast that was a real bonus, as it was both good quality and much needed after our night at the Apollo. You had the choice of a Continental breakfast including grapefruit, croissant and yoghurt or a full English breakfast with all the usual fare of sausages, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, fried Bread and black Pudding. Both came with cereal and an assortment of drinks. It was really pleasant and entirely unexpected for the price we paid.

Open for 24 hours and with friendly staff I couldn’t ask for more from a 5 star hotel. I really would suggest to anyone wanting to stay in Manchester on a shoestring budget that they take a look at this place as somewhere to spend a few nights. You won’t be disappointed with both the service and the rooms; even the trains that run past infrequently don’t disturb you. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Manchester partly thanks to such a nice hostel.