Hostelling International
The Most Recommended Hostels Worldwide
www.hihostels.com
 

Groups FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

One of the main reasons why people contact us is to ask questions about their group trip. Many ask us the same things, so to help you we have listed answers to these Frequently Asked Questions. Check out the links below - it is probably the quickest way to find the information you need.

Questions about…


What is a group?

10 or more people are considered "a group". If you wish to book for 9 or less people, please select the Book a Hostel tab at the top of the page or click on "Less than 10 people?" if you are in the Groups’ Homepage.

Group bookings and enquiries

Can I make an online booking for my group? 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 Form, which tells us all we need to know about your requirements to make your group stay as comfortable and trouble-free as possible. We will endeavour to send you a reply within 24 to 48h with an option and the answers to all your queries. Is the enquiry form sent directly to the hostel? No, you will be contacting the group department or central reservations office of the Youth Hostel Association concerned. The staff are fully trained to deal with group enquiries; they will check availability with the hostel and then contact you. How do I proceed if my group plans to visit several countries? Contact Supertramp! Supertramp is the Travel Agency of the Austrian YHA (ÖJHW) and Hostelling International’s travel partner for group bookings. They have considerable expertise in dealing with cross-country bookings and will arrange everything for you, from accommodation to travel and activities, even guide services. What do I do if my group wants to visit several towns in one country? It is easy to indicate this on the Enquiry Form. May I book just any HI hostel for my group? Our group hostels have been specially selected for groups. We know from experience that groups need a little extra care and attention when it comes to accommodation, so our group hostels have to meet special group requirements. These criteria include size (they must have a sufficient number of beds), facilities (such as adequate coach parking, meeting rooms, meal service, leader/driver rooms etc.) and location (they need to be in places attractive to groups). 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.

Terms, conditions and discounts

What are your terms and conditions? Hostelling International is a federation of independent Youth Hostel Associations, and the terms and conditions for group bookings differ slightly in each country. Single country trips: Please ask the Association in this country for their terms and conditions. Cross-country trips: Please read Supertramp’s Terms and Conditions. Do I get a discount for booking a group? All participating Associations operate independently and policies regarding group discounts differ slightly in each country. Most will offer some concessions for groups. Check with the Association of the country you are planning to visit. What about membership? As we are a membership organisation, you need to hold a valid membership card. For a group it is sufficient for the group leader/tour operator to be a member. Please contact your home Association for full details as requirements differ slightly in each country.

Activities and special needs

Can I book activities for my group? The group department of most participating Associations will be able to help you with any additional requirements you may have for the organisation of your group trip. Don’t hesitate to ask them! Some members of my group are disabled - can we still stay in your group hostels? Absolutely, we welcome all. Most of our group hostels have special facilities for wheelchair users. Do check the details of each hostel in our group hostel database or enquire with the Association’s central reservation service, using our Enquiry Form. They will be able to give you the complete picture and make whatever arrangement is needed to accommodate your group. Do you cater for special diets? Most hostels do. Again, mention it on the Enquiry Form to get the complete picture about the hostel you wish to stay in.
GROUP NEWS
Find all you need | more...

GROUP TRAVEL
If you plan to visit more than one country, please contact Supertramp, Hostelling International's travel partner for group bookings... | more...

HI GROUPS NEWSLETTER
HIgroup.news is published 3 times a year and contains news about group Youth Hostels worldwide and details of packages and special offers.