Stayed at my first Youth Hostel this week. I stayed two nights in Patterdale and it was fine - not as bad as I had previously thought.
I am now in a hotel, which is nice, but full of knobs although the staff seem ok.
In short, the YH was half the price and it was interesting to meet people from around the globe all of which were happy to talk and most of which had a common interest. But, it is nice to have a private toilet, shower and room