YHA Dartmoor

My group has been hiring a YHA property as ‘Exclusive Hire’ every year for over 20 years so we are not new to Youth Hostels or the Exclusive Hire experience. This is the first time I am writing a negative review. Firstly, the kitchen equipment was totally inadequate for our group of 35. Only 2 of us were under the age of 18 however there were a grand total of 11 wine glasses and 16 coffee mugs available in the self-catering kitchen. There were also only two tiny 2-cup cafetieres. It has often happened in previous Exclusive Hires that the majority of the crockery etc is stored in the staff kitchen because in normal times few people self-cater, and staff forget that Exclusive Hire users are unable to access the staff kitchen; however in previous years this has always been resolved by a phone call or a chat with the person checking us in and it has not been a problem. Despite trying both email and phone, I was completely unable to contact anyone to resolve the lack of equipment, and nobody came to greet us in person when we arrived. Second, the self-catering kitchen only has two stoves and one sink, which really isn’t sufficient to cook and wash up for 35 people. Third, there are only 4 toilets and 4 showers, which meant that people were frequently queuing for the toilet. This has never happened to us at other Exclusive Hire properties. Fourth, the hot water supply was totally inadequate for 35 people. When we all came back at the same time from a cold and muddy walk, the hot water only lasted long enough for half of us to have a shower before going ice cold. This also meant there was no hot water in the one-and-only sink for washing up. Other than the above, all was good. We appreciated the log burner and having logs supplied when we arrived. The hostel was nice and warm once the central heating got going after we arrived. The beds were comfy and linen super clean and crisp. The communal arrangement of the kitchen / dining room was very sociable, and we just about managed to squeeze everyone into the lounge for party games on New Year’s Eve.

A warm, friendly welcome from Jane got our stay off to a great start. Room was clean, and spacious. Kitchen excellent. Good lounge, lots of interesting books and character. Good, out of the way location. Bellever Tor on the doorstep. Plenty of other options within a 20 minute drive. Shame we could only stay one night. If in the area, will return.

This place is ideally situated in the middle of Dartmoor. Its immediate surrounds are lovely and great for hiking. Not only that but the staff are lovely, really helpful. Jane (I think) was even kind enough to find some disposable bags for me to use between my boots and socks for the next day of hiking as my boots were soaked through. The food’s good too. Simple tasty stuff. The rooms are basic, but what you’d expect. Really liked the place.