How can I tell from info in books which hostels stay open all day? Not jus the reception but rooms.
Does anyone have hostels they stayed in on bus or rail routes
Look for something called "lockout" hours or similar. That's the time owners go run errands, etc and the place is closed up tighter than a drum.
Check the indy hostels too, there are over 400 in the UK. They tend to be a bit free and easier than official ones, there is a guide the "blue book" but I've never seen it a book shop or library! Some indy hostels sell it for £3.50.
For peace try Loch Ossian