Firstly it was quite difficult to find the hostel. There are no big labels showing the location. I had to go to the TIC to ask for the directions of the place, even then, it was still misleading. It's actually upstairs from the Grill house, and you have to find a narrow alley way to get to the hostel. Not the most ergonomic if you have a big suitcase. And then negotiate a narrow stairwell to get to the reception area. Again, forget large suitcases.

The facilities there are quite decent. Nice clean shower and toilet facilities, bunks are neat, and there is a nice lounge and kitchen. The kitchen facilities I must say are quite up there with the best hostels that I have stayed. Toaster, Oven, stoves that work, cutlery for every imaginable cooking activity. Fridges and even communal items like salt, pepper, coffee, tea, milk, peanut butter, butter, raw pasta and macaroni.

Now the gripes. Rather stingy with the towels. I think I speak for all the hostels in the whole of UK. What's this thing about renting towels? I mean how much can the laundry cost be? Next the sheets, I don't know how anyone can squeeze the mattresses into the sheets. I ended up sleeping on the sheets without properly fitting the mattress into the sheets. And this was after a fiftenn minute struggle in the middle of the night trying to squeeze the damn thing into the sheets.

And what about pillowcases? Apparently pillow cases were not part of the 13 pound tarif. Which leads me to ask all the backpackers out there---anyone routinely carry their own pillow cases? Quite frankly, I though pillow cases were far more important than bed sheets. St Andrews tourist hostel obviously doesn't agree with me.

The lounge is ok in the daytime. That's only because there are no lights!!! There is only one pathetic night light serving the lounge. I guess that's what their idea of romanticizing the atmosphere of the lounge at night. But in a country where the skies are perenially grey, and where the sun sets not long after lunch time, I would appreciate some decent lighting in the lounge, not for anything more practical than to be able to look at what exactly I am eating for dinner! So SATH, let there be more light!

otherwise, the location cannot be beaten. It's right on Market street, just next to a grocery store (Tesco I think) so no worries about going hungry. The store even opens till late at night (12 midnight!!!). At least there are some things that are cheap in this country---dairy products and bread. Important cos eating out in UK costs an arm and a leg.