i've never been to a youth hostel before but if this one is anything to go by i'd definitely go to another! There were 4 of us and although we'd paid for 4 beds in a shared dorm we got a private room with bathroom as the shared rooms are only for 4 people, the bathroom is like that of a ferry cabin but still has everything you need and is better than having to go to a shared one in the middle of the night. I don't doubt the people who said it's only a short walk into town but as me and my friends are a bit geographically challenged we ended up getting lost the one time we tried it so instead got the free metroshuttle bus (the purple one stops at quay street just at the bottom of the road with the science museum on for those interested).

Being new to hostels at the age of 31, (how that happened I don't know), I have been surprised at the brilliant value and professionalism these places give. An easy 20 minute walk into central Manchester, this hostel is excellent. Modern throughout with excellent security and key card access. Great range of food, and drinks between 11am and 8:30pm. Vending machines, games room outside tables and a nice view onto the canals make this a great hostel. Compact but good bathrooms, clean rooms with lockers, you will need your own padlocks. Extremely helpful and friendly staff. Overall I rate this hostel highly.

Travelled with children (11 and 9) for weekend in Manchester.

Room adequate - bit grubby.

En-suite was akin to an aeroplane toilet (or those at Monkseaton High School !).

Kitchen had leaking "U Bend" and half missing oven door.

Woken on Saturday morning by geese on the canal.

Saturday evening the Castlefields events arena opposite had a rock concert on - with family room overlooking the arena area, it meant the children didn't get to sleep until after 11pm.

Overall - adequate ..... just.

I had to do some work in Manchester for a couple of day sometimes and so I stayed at this hostel during that time. I had a single room with facilities and restaurant and both were clean and comfortable (this is a hostel so I did not expect the same comfort as in a hotel. ) Food was served in cafeteria style, basic but OK. No luxuries here but no luxuy price either. So I was happy. It"s in a cool and trendy bit of Manchester central and easy transportation links. It was nice sometimes to talk to the other hostellers.