Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel

At Cairngorm Lodge, you can use the toilet, wash, and get changed in private. I wish every hostel had solo facilities this plentiful, clean, and spacious. The room was a little warm, and food service was somewhat slow, though the staff did their best with the large orders. It’s great that they serve food at all, since many hostels don’t.

We had such a good time at this hostel. The bathrooms were always impressively clean, and the food was tasty and fairly priced. After a day in the hills, the mattresses weren’t the most comfortable, but it’s good value for a fun stay.

The hostel is well set up, with a well-equipped kitchen, and the staff were friendly and helpful. It’s in a great spot for walking and cycling. I had the cooked breakfast and dinner, both delicious and served in massive portions. There’s also a cheaper wee breakfast, with lots of choices.

Simon, the receptionist, made my stay at Cairngorm Youth Lodge memorable. He was kind and professional from the moment I arrived, and whenever I had a question or needed help, he listened and went out of his way to assist, even with things outside his role. He knows his work well and handles everything calmly and efficiently. He was approachable, respectful, and remembered my name throughout my stay, which meant a lot. He also dealt with problems quickly and thoughtfully. It felt clear that he takes pride in his work and cares about people. I’m very grateful for his help, and Cairngorm Youth Lodge is lucky to have someone so dedicated and personable.