Hidden Villa Guidelines ~ Hostel Information

Hostelling International
We are happy to welcome you to the oldest American Youth Hostel in the United States. In the summer of 1937, Frank and Josephine Duveneck invited twenty hostellers who traveled by train and bicycle from New England to spend several days at the cabins at Hidden Villa. That visit was the inception of Hidden Villa Hostel which has been welcoming travelers and guests of all ages from around the world ever since. We hope you enjoy your time at Hidden Villa. The following information will help you make plans for a memorable, pleasant time here.

What is a Hostel
Hostels are inexpensive accommodations for travelers and other guests. Most offer dorm-style rooms, a community kitchen, shared bathrooms and a golden opportunity to learn something new. The purpose of Hostelling International hostels is to promote the education of young people by encouraging greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside as well as an appreciation of the cultural values of all parts of the world, thereby developing a better understanding of each other.

Accomodations
Hidden Villa Hostel offers dorm-style accommodations for up to 33 guests. If you have a slightly larger group, talk to the hostel staff for options. (When you are doing bed assignments, use Toyon and Trillium only if absolutely necessary. These are normally private cabins and therefore the best source of income for the hostel.) The teacher must contact hostel staff, (650) 949-8648, at least two weeks in advance to confirm that appropriate sleeping arrangements have been made. Assign one adult to each cabin. It is essential that each adult know it is his/her responsibility to supervise the young people at all times – inside and outside.

Check-in hours are 4:30 – 9:30 PM
Hostel is closed from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Quiet time is from 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM

This Hostel Provides

• KITCHEN: Everything you need for preparing and serving a group meal – a six burner gas stove with a commercial style griddle and two ovens; two refrigerators (with minimal freezer space); a microwave; toaster; coffeemaker; pots and pans; dishes, silverware and serving pieces for up to 50 people
  
• OUTDOORS: A fire pit for campfires (firewood provided), a BBQ grill (charcoal not provided), picnic tables and the best climbing tree ever (supervised, of course!)
  
• LIVING ROOM: A piano (for those who really know how to play and with permission from the teacher/ leader), comfortable furnishings, lots of books and activities, a veranda and screened-in porch
  
• BATHROOMS: Heated, not in cabins but with good hot showers (We do not recommend students using the showers if there are just staying one night.)
  
• SLEEPING ACCOMODATIONS : Heated cabins, beds with covered mattresses, pillows (we provide pillow cases) and warm comforters (Each student brings 2 single sheets per bed - NO sleeping bags are allowed.)
  
  

What You Should Bring:

MEALS: Simple healthy food (suggested menus follow). Because we are a “sustainable-living center” and try to be as earth-friendly as possible, we ask that you purchase foods in bulk instead of individually-wrapped chips, drinks, etc. Please use our washable plates, bowls, cups and utensils instead of disposables. It is helpful if each individual brings a small towel, bandana or handkerchief for use as a napkin. We recycle and compost everything possible. Please let your group know this and ask that everyone pay close attention to these policies. You can bring your food into the hostel when you arrive in the afternoon (or if you arrive in the morning before your HVEEP tour, you can put the food in the kitchen). The Hostel Staff will be there to greet you.

FOR SLEEPING: One twin-size set of sheets (2 sheets) per single bed. NO sleeping bags are allowed. We provide one pillow and pillowcase per bed.

OTHER ITEMS TO BRING: A small towel, water bottle, flashlight, warm clothes, pajamas or warm-ups to sleep in, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb or brush, backpack for HVEEP day activities. Optional: sun block, hat, rain gear, small stuffed animal, book. (It’s a good idea for students to bring all of these things in a bag that can be zippered or tied shut. Students should have their names on their bags.)