Cirencester · England
The Barrel Store at YHA Cotsworld
Bed bug reports
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Confirmed Booking.com
Disappointing hostel. Pretty filthy kitchen and a small, lifeless common area. Rooms as basic/cramped as they can be, and are really hot (on otherwise cool nights) with no ability to open the windows beyond a small crack. There’s free overnight parking in the public car park next door, but it’s paid and time limited from 8am. Had some really good experiences at other YHAs, but this one was a let down.
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Vibe Analysis
Secure bike lockers make The Barrel Store especially handy for bike-packing through Cirencester and the Cotswolds. It is a very central, no-frills hostel near shops, restaurants, bars, the market square, and a public car park, so it works best as a practical town-base rather than a place to hang out all day. Rooms are usually simple, clean, and budget-minded, with private and family options in the mix. The shared kitchen and dining area is a real part of the stay: useful for self-catering, generally well equipped, and sometimes spacious enough for a quiet meal or a bit of work. The overall feel is functional and compact. Staff can be warm and helpful, check-in can be easy even late with instructions, and the location makes short stops, family visits, courses, weddings, and road-trip breaks straightforward.
Signals to check
- Rooms can be very small, with limited storage, hooks, surfaces, and plug access.
- Some rooms can get hot or stuffy, and a few windows may not open properly.
- Several bathrooms are wet-room style and can leave much of the floor soaked after a shower.
- Reception hours may be limited, and staff may not be around late at night or in the morning.
- No breakfast, tea, coffee, vending, or in-room extras should be assumed; the setup is self-catering and basic.
- Parking nearby may be free overnight but paid or time-limited during the day.
- Cleanliness is generally a strength, but there are recurring issues with worn towels, dusty spots, and kitchen or bathroom upkeep.