Youth Hostel Organization Opens At New, Popular Sites

Hosteling International-American Youth Hostels has opened several new hostels recently in popular locations.

Among them is the 24-bed Hostel of the Rocky Mountains near Denver, in a former apartment house. It is a block from the Cultural Connection Trolley, which in summer links the city’s main attractions. Members pay $11 a night, nonmembers $14.

Another new hostel in Colorado - bringing the total there to 12 - is in Durango, surrounded by the San Juan National Forest. Mesa Verde National Park is 34 miles away, the Purgatory Ski Resort 28 miles. This 18-bed hostel, formerly a boardinghouse for railroad workers, costs $12 a night for members, $15 for nonmembers.

The organization has reopened the Hotel Coolidge, an old railroad hotel in White River Junction, Vt., across the river from Dartmouth College. The 26-bed hostel also includes the River City Cafe, serving light fare such as soup, salads, beer and sandwiches from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Family rooms are available by reservation. Members pay $15 a night, nonmembers $20.

New hostels have also opened in Buffalo and Salt Lake City.

Hosteling membership costs $25 a year, $10 for those under 18 and $15 for those over 54. A directory comes with membership.

Mail inquiries: Hosteling International-American Youth Hostels, 733 15th Street, N.W., Suite 840, Washington, D.C. 20005; (202) 783-6161, fax (202) 783-6171.

The organization’s Web site - www.hiayh.org - has information on 150 hostels in the United States, including locations, prices and how to reserve.