Appropriate hostels for 50 something woman

Liz, Any Hostels are theoretically suitable for 50-something travellers, but some may be more suited for "mature" travellers. You may want to have a look at the HI Hostels website. They have properties (sometimes several) in many cities around the world, and their facilities are well managed and usually quite consistent from one location to the next. They tend to be popular with school groups and families, as well as single travellers. Having an inexpensive HI membership provides slightly cheaper rates and preferred booking (and membership is compulsory to stay at HI Hostels in some countries). Amsterdam appears to have three HI properties, Paris has five and London has seven. You'll have to check their websites to find out which Hostels are located in the areas you want to stay. I should mention that I'm 60+ and stay in Hostels on a somewhat regular basis when travelling in Europe (sometimes HI, sometimes independent Hostels). I tend to prefer budget hotels as I travel with expensive Camera gear, so it's a bit nicer to have my own room. Happy travels!

Hi, For London I suggest the YHA hostel St. Pancras on Euston. It's a nice place in a good, convenient, and safe location, couple of mins across from Kings Cross/St Pancras station.

I've only stayed in hostels in Florence and Israel, but while they've had mainly 20-somethings, there've been families with kids and older folks too. When are you going? If you'll be in London during the universities' vacation, you can get pretty cheap rooms at the dorms. The locations are central.

For Paris I highly recommend any of the three MIJE hostels in the Marais. Both Rick Steves and Lonely Planet call them "the best budget accommodations in Paris." While school groups often stay there, anyone is welcome. (I'm in my 60s and felt right at home.) While I haven't stayed there yet, I've read nothing but favorable reviews of Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage in London. I've booked a room for August.

In 2008 we stayed at 2 Stayokay Hostels in Amsterdam. The Amsterdam Zeeburg, which was only a few years old, but in an iffy part of town and the Amsterdam Vondelpark, which was a bit run down but in the Best location. Our ages (at the time) were 13+14, 45+57 and Grandpa at 73. We ALL enjoyed our stay and you will too.