YHA hostel grading

All YHAs must meet a set of basic criteria to ensure that your stay is not only great fun, but safe and comfortable as well. Every hostel is inspected regularly, so we know that we can stand behind our promise of providing a laid back experience without compromising on safety, security and comfort.

You can be guaranteed that every YHA hostel in Australia:

•	Meets all state and local government regulations regarding fire, health and safety codes
•	Provides a self catering kitchen so you can cook up a storm
•	Offers 24 hour access, important for those late nights out on the town
•	Provides communal areas to chill out and mingle
•	Has an excellent ratio of showers and toilets to guest numbers
•	Is clean, well maintained and appealing

Our grading system rates our hostels according to their level of facilities, not the social scene they offer! In fact, some of our smaller, more remote hostels have the best reputation!

wilderness hostels

Want to get really out there and into the Australian bush? Then head to one of our Wilderness Hostels, simple buildings offering basic facilities in idyllic surroundings across Australia.

Our Wilderness Hostels:

•	Are located in or near a National Parks or similar special bushland environments
•	Have no resident staff and can only be booked through a YHA Membership & Travel Centre, from where you collect the key in advance.
•	May have only cold water for cooking and washing
•	Have power for cooking and lighting
•	Provide basic cooking facilities
•	Have no more than 20 beds
•	Have separate sleeping areas for men and women

grade 2

Grade 2 hostels offer slightly more facilities and a higher level of comfort than Wilderness hostels but still provide a unique, Australian country experience.

Our Grade 2 hostels offer:

•	A reception desk open from 8am-10am and between 5pm-10pm (may vary seasonally)
•	A communal lounge area
•	Simple laundry facilities
•	Power for lighting, cooking and refrigeration
•	Separate bathrooms for men and women
•	Separate sleeping areas for men and women

grade 3

As you'd expect, Grade 3 hostels are one step up from Grade 2 - they have well equipped self-catering kitchens for a start. Plus:

•	A reception desk open from at least 8am-10am and 5pm-10pm (may vary seasonally)
•	Comfortable, well-equipped dining area
•	Local tour information and booking facilities
•	Security options for guests' valuables
•	Shop facilities within 250 metres
•	Public telephone within 250 metres
•	A resident manager

grade 4

Grade 4 hostels offer plenty of facilities in a secure, relaxed environment. You guessed it; Grade 4's offer everything of a Grade 3, plus:

•	A reception desk open all day
•	Some twin share/double room accommodation
•	Credit card and EFTPOS payment facilities
•	Full laundry facilities
•	Security storage for luggage
•	Public phone at hostel

grade 5

These are the hostels dreams are made of. Great locations, modern facilities and heaps of space to mingle and chat with new friends. As well as everything of a Grade 4, these hugely popular YHAs offer:

•	A central city location within 200 metres of public transport
•	Common areas, lounge rooms and TV areas
•	On site internet access
•	Café and/or a bar on site
•	Some bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms
•	Individual lockers able to take full size backpacks in multi-share rooms

AAA standards

AAA Tourism is the national tourism body of the Australian motoring organizations, which manages the STARS Accommodation Classification Schemes. YHA is the first network of backpacker hostels in Australia to fully participate in this independent assessment scheme.

Clean basic accommodation with simple furnishings and facilities.

Moderate accommodation with comfortable furnishings and facilities.

Well-appointed establishment offering comfortable accommodation and facilities.

A property with exceptionally well appointed accommodation and a diverse range of facilities.

Four STAR hostels:

•	twin or double rooms will be available
•	reception will be open a minimum of 12 hours
•	a convenience store will be located within 200 metres.

A property offering the benchmark in accommodation and facilities.

Five STAR hostels:

•	have internet access on site
•	reception open 24 hours
•	parking on site or public transport within 200 metres
•	have a café and bar on the premises
•	provide some ensuited accommodation
•	provide a tour booking service
•	provide at least two communal areas for guests
•	have organised on-site activities.

The additional half STAR indicates establishments offering similar standard to the appropriate full STAR rating, but provide more facilities and features.

For further information about STAR ratings, please go to www.aaatourism.com.au