The Barrel Store Cirencester

This was my second stay at YHA and it did not compare favourably with the first, I'm afraid. The hostel was not signposted and despite using the postcode, we took sometime to find it - even close neighbouring companies did not know it was there. Parking outside is free overnight but charged from 8.00am. The receptionist didn't seem very interested in our arrival, was not particularly welcoming and did not provide any information about the hostel or nearby. The room was tiny! There was not room for two people to pass each other once in the room. The door to the toilet did not open fully as it hit the bed. I am 5'3" and could not sit up on the top bunk, and climbing up to it my back was against the opposite wall, and my bent knee pushed against the ladder. Anyone with less mobility would have struggled to get up and down. Once on bunk, there was no independent light or place within reach to put water, phone etc. There was no storage for clothes, and no space for cases - we left them in the car. There was one peg to hang clothes on (in a room for two). A sign warned not to open the window because pigeons would come in, but in addition to this, when we did try to get some fresh air, the air conditioning units outside were noisy and pumped food smells into the room. On a plus side, the room was clean and the hostel central to Cirencester. There seemed no pressure on the shared shower. The kitchen was basic but sufficient, and tables and chairs ok. It was a pity that the only two comfortable chairs in the social area had springs which protruded uncomfortably from the seats.

Fantastic location , right in the centre of Cirencester , perfect for exploring the Cotswolds, friendly staff, facilities were basic but adequate, would I stay here again, Yes, Lots of individual shops, very quirky , very middle England 👍

Very nice place to stay when you want to spend some time in Cotswolds. Great location of the hostel - right in the town centre. Kitchen has all necessary stuff. Neat, clean and minimalist, my room was small but that's all I needed. I felt safe and welcome.

Very good value for money clean. excellent location. convenient kitchen to have breakfast or dinner if you don want to go out plenty of restaurants around minimarket 2 blocks away silence calm and nice sheets coach to Heathrow very near bad thing...no elevator for luggage, better take a small one or a bag pack

Lovely position in the town (although feeding the parking at 8am is a little harsh) . Full kitchen (hob/oven/microwave - pans etc. but think only one baking tray.) Waitrose is only a short walk and some nice pubs nearby

We stayed overnight as a family of 4 at the Barrel Store. We would not generally book into a hostel, but prices for overnight stays at other local hotels were incredibly high so we decided to go for it. We booked a room for 4 people (2 bunk beds) with a private bathroom. Communication was excellent throughout the booking process, including accommodating an early check-in. We knew of course that this was a hostel and that it was likely to be basic, but we were very impressed with the facilities. The accommodation was immaculately clean, the beds were comfortable and the location was central. We really could not have asked for more at such a fantastic price.

Enjoyed my 3-night stay very much. Romesh was on reception when I arrived and was incredibly friendly and helpful, taking trouble to search for info for about various things, like parking, cafes etc. It's great to receive a welcome like that when you go somewhere for the first time. Also appreciated the spacious common room/kitchen

Welcoming place with good facilities in a great central location. Very helpful person on reception. The hostel is well looked after with everything very clean and tidy. Small room but perfectly adequate just to sleep in and there is a well equipped communal kitchen and sitting/dining area. Excellent value for money

YHA are not helping themselves by putting their name to this hostel. I was expecting a friendly YHA experience. Unfortunately this was missing, although new and well-equipped the hostel had a very bland atmosphere. One receptionist was uninformed of the Cirencester area and said 'I am too tired to explain' when I asked directions to somewhere. Another receptionist rudely shouted at me to shut the front door before I had a chance to turn around and do so. Our communal bathroom was not cleaned for four days.