What exactly is Saintlo?
We are a collective of youth hostels. We have three hostels in three awesome Canadian cities – Montréal, Ottawa and Toronto – and independent hostels that are part of our extended family. With our collective, you can go from the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula to the Great Lakes of Ontario and meet people from all over the world. We are a social economy business, a not-for-profit association.
Who are youth hostels for?
People who:
- come from every corner of the planet;
- like adventure;
- prefer to travel on a low budget;
- like meeting others who like adventure;
- travel solo, as a couple, as a family, as a group or work remotely (digital nomads).
What amenities do the Saintlo collective hostels offer?
Most of the hostels offer linen, towels, WiFi, individual lockers, breakfast and access to laundry facilities. Some hostels even offer coworking spaces and rent equipment like bikes and kayaks. Visit the Destinations page, choose the hostel you’re interested in and check out the amenities it offers.
Do hostels offer long-term rental?
It depends on the hostel. Some offer long-term stays, while others can only welcome you for a maximum of two weeks.
How is a hostel different from a hotel or Airbnb?
The list is long. But let’s stick to the main reasons:
- Meeting people who come from all over the world (which is difficult with a hotel or a rented Airbnb);
- Comfy rooms that suit your budget (and almost always less expensive than a hotel or an Airbnb);
- Free participation in group activities;
- Access to fully equipped, shared kitchens where you can prepare your favourite meals;
- Really close proximity to activities and things to see and experience;
- Services and suggestions for exploring the area like a local;
- Always a feeling of safety and security.
Is there a kitchen at the hostel?
Yes, each hostel in the Saintlo collective has a fully equipped, shared kitchen. You just have to supply the ingredients. If you’d like a complete list of the kitchen accessories available in a particular hostel, go ahead and contact us.
Can I change my reservation?
To modify or cancel a reservation, communicate directly with the hostel you booked at.
Is there an additional fee for single occupancy?
The dormitory rates are by bed or by room. If you leave beds empty, you’ll have to pay as if they’re occupied. Private rooms rates are charged for double occupancy, so there’s no additional rate for a solo traveller.
What methods of payment are accepted for reservations online or by phone?
All the hostels accept Visa and Mastercard. For some hostels, you can also pay by bank transfer.
What’s a group? Can I book with my friends or family?
For us, a group is ten people or more. It may be an organized group or simply friends traveling together.
Can I book several nights in different hostels for the same group?
Yes, we take care of everything for you! We invite you to contact our team by email a [email protected]
How big are the dormitories? What’s included in the private rooms?
It depends on the hostels. We invite you to choose your destination to discover the configuration of the room and what’s included. You can also email us at [email protected] and we’ll answer all your questions.
Can I book private rooms for my group?
We’ll do all we can to book private rooms for your group. But nothing is for sure. It depends on the place you’re going, the availability of rooms and the number of people you’re with.
I would love to have some suggestions for group activities. Who can help me out?
It would be our pleasure to help you all we can! We can suggest plenty of options so that you can organize a trip that makes everybody happy. Fill out the form for groups and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours of receiving your email, Monday to Friday. If somebody from your team is already taking care of your group, you can ask them for suggestions.
Is there a kitchen in the hostel?
Yes, each hostel in the Saintlo collective has a fully equipped kitchen. You just have to supply the ingredients. If you’d like a complete list of the kitchen accessories available in a specific hostel, please contact us.
Do the hostels offer a catering service?
The Saintlo Montréal hostel offers a catering service to groups of ten or more. To make an order, contact our team by email at [email protected] at least 28 days before your event.
I need to organize a business meeting during my stay. Are there conference rooms available?
Several of our hostels offer conference rooms or coworking spaces. For further details, contact the hostel of your choice or our team who takes care of groups by email at [email protected]
Can I modify my group booking?
Of course! The person who is taking care of your group can make the modifications for you. Conditions may apply.
What safety measures have been put in place in the hostels of the Saintlo collective?
All our hostels respect the health measures of local, provincial and federal governments. To learn more about our health measures, visit our page.
Do groups have the right to a special rate?
In general, groups have the right to a special rate. But the price per night may vary depending on the size of the group, the time of year and the hostel.
Is a deposit necessary to book a room?
Yes, a deposit of 50% is required. This deposit is taken off at the time of booking and the complete payment is 28 before you arrive.
What’s the cancelation policy?
The person who takes care of your group can explain the policy in detail. But as a general rule, you can cancel without penalty up to 28 days before your arrival. If you cancel between 14 and 28 days before your arrival, you will lose your deposit and receive a reimbursement of 50%. Reservations canceled in less than 14 days preceding the arrival are not refundable.
Is there a minimum age required for members of a group?
No. Everybody is welcome. On the other hand, any group composed of people under 18 must be accompanied by one or more adults (18 years and older).
Is there a maximum number of people per group?
It depends on the hostel and time of year. Sometimes, it’s possible to reserve an entire hostel for your group, while other hostels accept only small groups. In general, it varies per hostel. It’s best to go to the Destinations page and choose the place you’d like to visit. You’ll find the information there to contact the hostel directly.