FAQs

• Do I need to provide Identification?
  Yes, the main booker MUST be present and photographic identification will be required
   
• What is Security like in the hostel?
  The hostel is family-run and staff reside on the premises. Access to dorms is by key-less digital lock - guests are given codes at Reception. Windows are fitted with safety and security mechanisms. There are also security cameras at the hostel entrance
  
  
• Do I have to share with others?
  Ourbedrooms are PRIVATE for you and your fiends or family, and unlike in the past you won't have to share with other guests you may not know. We have rooms sleeping up to 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 guests. Prices are discounted if you are fewer guests than the room occupancy. We may again offer Shared bedroom accommodation (once the nature of Hostels across the world, which makes them unique). Bathrooms are shared but private only to you when in use
  
  
• Is bedding provided?
  Fresh, clean bedding is provided. In the tradition of youth hostelling, we ask you to put the duvet cover, sheet and pillowcase on beds when you arrive, and return them to Reception before departure. Assistance is available if required. Own Sleeping Bags are not permitted
  
  
• Is breakfast available?
  Please arrange Breakfast-to-Go in advance of your stay. A sit-down Self-serve Continental Breakfast may also be available by prior arrangement. Choose from cereal, toast, jam, fruit juice, tea or coffee. From time to time fresh fruit, yoghurt, croissants and petit choco pain may be available. If partaking in a sit-down breakfast we do ask you to clean up after yourself. Cooked breakfast may also be purchased locally - please ask at Reception
  
  
• Do we have to clean the accommodation when we leave?
  If you use the self-catering kitchen or take breakfast we ask you leave the work area in clean and tidy condition, placing rubbish in bins, washing and drying and putting away your dishes, pans, cutlery, etc. It will help us greatly if you TAKE AWAY with you any bottles and cans. Thorough cleaning of bedrooms, bathrooms, common areas, vacuuming, etc is carried out by staff and is included in the price
  
  
• Is there a washing machine or dryer we can use?
  Staff can direct you to a nearby laundrette
  
  
• Is there a TV?
  There is a TV in the TV Lounge, with YouTube, Netflix Movies and Catch-Up channels
  
  
• Where are the nearest shops?
  Basic snack items, chocolate, bottled water can be purchased here. The nearest shop is 10 to 15 mins walk away, at Caol or Corpach. It's a pleasant walk by the canal. The Co-op is open early until late. There are also major supermarkets in Fort William
  
  
• Can I get a signal on my mobile phone?
  Yes there is a good mobile signal on most networks
  
  
• Are dogs allowed in any of the accommodation?
  Sorry, as the accommodation is shared, Dogs are not allowed
  
  
• Are children allowed?
  We can only accept children over 5 years. Children are charged as adults
   
• Do we have to pay for Wi-Fi?
  Wi-fi access is free of charge, and is accessible everywhere
  
  
• Where can I secure my belongings?
  If you have valuables you need to take special care of, there is a locker bank in the hostel. Ask Reception staff for details
  
  
• Are towels or toiletries provided?
  We ask guests to bring their own towel & toiletries. We can hire you a towel for a small charge
   
• When can we Arrive and Depart?
  Hostel Reception opens from 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm and from 8:00 am until 10:00 am daily.
• Early Departure is possible - please arrange this at Reception. 
• Early Arrival is not available. 
• LATE ARRIVAL - you MUST call us to prearrange. Except for 'Last Train' Arrivals a per-person Late Arrival fee is payable, and there is Strictly No Admittance after 23:00 hrs. Late Arrival outside reception hours should contact staff by telephone in advance to arrange
   
• The hostel closes between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm daily
  Staff reside on the premises and are grateful not to be disturbed unnecessarily during their free time when Reception is closed. Staff take their time out afternoons, so please try not to disturb them
  
• Can I smoke in the hostel, have candles or a barbecue?
  The hostel is strictly NO SMOKING, but you can smoke outsideaway from the building. If you wish to have a Barbecue please discuss this with Reception staff. Candles and naked flames are not permitted inside the hostel
  
  
• Is alcohol allowed?
  Drinking alcohol in reasonable measure is permitted, but it is a HOSTEL and not a pub. If you over-indulge or your behaviour deteriorates, or other guests are disturbed you will not be allowed to stay, you will receive no sympathy from staff and before you ask - no, you will not get a refund
  
  
• Can I cook my own food in the hostel?
  Cooking in the hostel is only available by prior arrangement and you may have to be flexible with timing - a time will be allocated to your group. The hostel is equipped with a kitchen with electric hob, microwave oven, pans, cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery and glassware. There is also an oven and grill. There are hotel, bistro and pub serving food within a 10 min walk by the canal, various take-always that deliver food, and numerous pubs, cafes, restaurants and hotels in the town centre, 10 mins drive
  
  
• Can we take food and drinks to our bedroom?
  Please consume food and drinks ONLY in the common areas, for reasons of hygiene and cleanliness. These areas are open from early in the morning until 10:00 am and from 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm daily, when they are closed in compliance with safety requirements
  
  
• Where can I charge my phone?
  There are plug sockets in each room and phonechargers in the lounge, but staff are also available to help
  
  
• Where can I dry my outdoor gear?
  We don't have a Drying Room, but staff can direct you to where in the hostel you can drip-dry your clothes. There is a laundrette nearby
  
  
• How can I get to the hostel by bus or train?
  From Fort William catch the number 46 or 47 bus, asking the driver to stop at Banavie. There's a bus every 30 mins, or every hour in the evening. If travelling by train from Skye, get off at Banavie. If travelling by train from Glasgow, don't get off at Fort William. Instead, get off at Banavie which is the next station along the track going to Mallaig. From the station/main road through Banavie, cross the canal and take the road signed Banavie. After just 5 mins walk look out for the street sign for Hostel pointing along Locheil Crescent
  
  
• How clean and safe is the hostel
  We pride ourselves in providing a safe, secure and clean environment for our guests. Measures include secure double glazing and external doors, coded locks on bedroom doors, security cameras at reception. Staff are trained in food safety and hygeine, health and safety, fire safety and the usual cleaning protocols when it comes to cleaning, hygeine and disinfection. Please see our Cleaning  page for more information.