The Notch Hostel — Hotel in Woodstock

I've stayed in hostels all over the world, and this is one of the best.

Not because it's the cleanest (it's very clean), not because it's quiet (very little road noise, considerate guests), not because it's accessible (free shuttles - what?!? only a mile to a town with everything you need? close to multiple trailheads?), or the plentiful kitchen accessories, or beautiful property, or half-dozen hand-curated guides to the local area. It's the best because it's what a proper hostel should be: community.

Right after I arrived, someone told me the staff was on lunch break and gave me their number. They responded immediately and helped me over the phone during their break. Helped me check in once they were back, even helping another guest who didn't speak English by finding someone to translate. Throughout my stay, the staff was always available and helpful, going out of their way multiple times to help me.

The people in the hostel, almost without exception, were friendly travelers, most AT through-hikers. We shared food, stories, laughed and groaned over life and the trail. Much like on trail, there were all kinds of people from all walks of life.

When one individual presented a problem, the owner diligently listened to concerns and addressed the problem in a very compassionate way. It's clear that the owner cares a lot, and it really comes through in everything about the place, from the labels on cabinets to the staff to the laundry and shuttle services and more. You can even trade work for a bed if you're hard up for cash. It's clear that the owner gives much more than she receives, because she simply believes in helping people. And it really shines through everywhere.

I hope this place stays around for a thousand years and inspires people to be better humans. In the mean time, I'll be back soon to enjoy more time in these gorgeous mountains, surrounded by gorgeous souls - and squish any squash plant...

When I originally made my booking, I had a feeling that I would enjoy my stay at The Notch hostel. In the end, I certainly did and then some! The place exceeded all my expectations!||||The hostel is located in North Woodstock, just outside of the central part of Lincoln. Which means that you are close to the supermarket, restaurants, microbreweries, drugstore, shops, etc. Even better, you are just minutes away from the Franconia Notch state park and countless hiking opportunities around the White Moutains!||||I stayed in the Kinsman dorm. It's a 5-bed room, spacious with a high ceiling. The room features fans and there is an A/C unit for the hot summer months. There are no lockers in the room itself, but there are plenty just out the door. They even offer free padlocks for guests.||||The rooms, the common areas, and the bathrooms are kept spotless. There is a fully stocked kitchen, as well as a nice dining and living room area. The hostel caters to lots of hikers, so it's nice to mingle and talk about various trails and mountains with like-minded travelers. The vibe is low key and super friendly.||||The members of the staff are nice and knowledgeable and can answer all your questions about potential hikes or things to see and do in the area. ||||The hostel is dog-friendly, so keep that in mind if you are allergic.||||This was my first time in New Hampshire and it certainly won't be the last. And when I return, I'm definitely booking my stay at The Notch hostel once again!||||Keep up the...

The Notch is one of my favorite places, period. I've been up a few times over the last few years with friends, and just stayed for about a week by myself. I'm not an extremely social person, but it's one of those places where you sort of can't help but end up laying on the couch and chatting with the other hikers and travelers that come through. The vibe is extremely friendly and community oriented, which has a lot to do with the owner, Serena, and the staff, who are mostly also hikers I think, and will also stop by and chat for a bit. I think I've been there in all seasons at this point, both in the hostel and camping, and it's always nice. This trip was during A.T. season, so I met a lot of thru hikers and got to vicariously enjoy a bit of the daily ritual and commotion of people taking zero days off the trail. The facilities are nice. Not fancy, but very comfy -- a place I'd actually want to live in. It is shared rooms, mostly (there are private rooms but I haven't stayed in any). I've never really had any issues with the shared rooms, and hikers tend to be considerate roommates. Lilah, the house dog, is a sweetheart. (She doesn't live there 24/7 but she comes by often.) It's a place where I always enjoy spending a few days or a week with friends, and apparently as a solo...