Group FAQs and Policies
Frequently asked questions for groups
How many people are considered a group?
Minimum and maximum group size varies by location. In San Francisco, 8 or more people traveling together are considered a group; at other Northern California locations, minimum group size ranges from 7 to 10 people. Maximum group size ranges from 30 to over 100, and up to several hundred in San Francisco. For details about minimum/maximum group size at a specific location, please see the More Information section below.
Is it possible to make a group reservation online?
Sorry, we cannot accept online group reservations because group trips require careful planning and special arrangements. Please see the More Information section below to find out how to contact a specific hostel. A staff member will work with you to determine all your requirements, finalize your reservation, and help to make your group's stay comfortable and trouble-free.
Do all of your hostels accept group reservations?
Yes, all of our hostels accept group reservations based on availability.
What do I do if my group wants to visit several hostels?
This is easy to do. Simply contact one of the hostels in your itinerary, and inform our staff of your plans. We'll help you coordinate your reservation with other hostels.
Policies
All ages are welcome!
You may have heard that only "youth" can stay in hostels, but this is not true. Our hostels are open to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Quiet hours
Because you are sharing accommodations other guests, there is generally quiet time after 11 p.m.
Smoking and alcohol
All of our hostels are nonsmoking, and do not allow alcoholic beverages on the premises. Some hostels may make an exception for alcohol, but only if the group has rented the entire facility for exclusive use, and only if advance arragements have been made with the hostel manager.
Chores
Traditionally, chores have been part of the hostelling movement--guests performed a small task during their stay to help keep costs low for everyone. Nowadays, all of our hostels have daily housekeeping and chores are not required, but we appreciate groups being sure to tidy up after themselves by doing things like returning used linens to the front desk, and drying and putting away the dishes they use.
Group Contact and Chaperones
Groups are required to select representatives to serve as the main contacts for our staff. This guarantees great service and accurate information from hostel staff when you need it.
Group Contact Person
The group contact person conducts official business for the group:
- Approves and signs the contract
- Books and makes updates to the reservation
- Amends the contract with hostel group services, if necessary
- Provides a single form of payment
- Answers questions that group members may have about the reservation or the hostel
Group Chaperones
If most of your group is under age 18, you will need at least one adult chaperone for every nine group members (1:9 ratio). If you have a co-ed group and you're staying in gender-specific dorms, you will need at least one chaperone for each gender. Group chaperones supervise their members and are responsible for them while on hostel grounds.
More Information
For general inquiries about group stays at Northern California hostels, or if you are unsure which location is right for your group, please contact the administrative office of HI-USA Golden Gate Council.
Because each of our properties is unique, group facilities, rates, and procedures vary from location to location. If you know which hostel(s) you're headed to, please link to that hostel's website for more information:
Marin Headlands Hostel
Marin Headlands/Sausalito, CA
Group Information
Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel
Pescadero, CA
Group Information
Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel
Montara, CA
Group Information
Point Reyes Hostel
Point Reyes National Seashore, CA
Group Information
Redwood National Park Hostel
Redwood National Park/Klamath, CA
Group Information
Sacramento Hostel
Sacramento, CA
Group Information
San Francisco City Center Hostel, 685 Ellis Street
San Francisco Downtown Hostel, 312 Mason Street
San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf Hostel, Fort Mason
Group Information
HI-Hidden Villa
(Operated by the Trust for Hidden Villa)
Los Altos Hills, CA
Group Information