Keene Valley Hostel Has a New Website:
GO TO: http://keenevalleyhostel.net/


If you have inadvertently ended up here while searching for the Keene Valley Hostel, please go to their current website found at: http://keenevalleyhostel.net/.

Whether you're an avid climber, outdoor enthusiast, or on a weekend getaway looking for reasonably priced accommodation, the new owners of this domain want to make sure you reach your search destination!

NOTE:The content below is from the site's archived pages, as well as from other outside sources giving you a glimpse of what the Keene Valley Hostel offers.

Visit: http://keenevalleyhostel.net/ for the most up to date information.

Reservations strongly preferred, but we will always accept walk-ins and/or last-minute explorers if we have the space!

Jake & Robin
1755 NYS Route 73
PO Box 541
Keene Valley, NY  12943
518.576.2030

The Town of Keene, which is home to both the Hamlet of Keene and the village of Keene Valley, is an amazing mountain town that offers just about everything you need and some things better than you will find elsewhere.  With awesome places to eat, the best gear store, and  some nice views, Keene and Keene Valley really are great places. 

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Our philosophy is to provide outdoor enthusiasts with a clean, friendly, and safe environment at a fair price. Whether you are here to hike, climb the rock or ice, paddle, ski, bike or run the Ironman circuit, the Keene Valley Hostel will provide you with an opportunity to meet some great people and enjoy your Adirondack experience.

 

2010 RATES

Bunk House
$25 per person
Camping
$15 per person
Showers For Non-Guests
$5 per person

Shuttle Services
From the Keene Valley Hostel to:
Garden parking area, $5
Adirondack Loj, $20
Newcomb, $40
Other destinations available.
Prior arrangements are strongly recommended for shuttle services

AMENITIES

  • Comfortable Beds
  • Clean Linens included Towels Provided
  • Gear Room w/ Personal Cubbies
  • Full Kitchen w/ cooking and eating utensils
  • Two Full Bathrooms
  • Washer and Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • CD Player with MP3 Player Hook Up
  • Phone available

Recommended Guiding Services

If you have ever had any interest in a more technical adventure beyond the great pleasures of hiking, we recommend you contact one of the listed guides for this amazing area.  Whether you want to try climbing for the first time and gain some basic knowledge or want to improve on your leading skills on rock or ice, or maybe the backcountry beckons you to come ski the slides, then these are the people that will make it happen.  All the guiding services listed are AMGA accredited guide services (ie they know there stuff).

Adirondack Rock & River
Contact Ed Palin @ 518.576.2041 or visit www.rockandriver.com

Cloudsplitter Mountain Guides
Contact Jesse @ 518.576.9096 or visit www.cloudsplitterguides.com

Alpine Endeavors
Contact Marty @ 877-GUNKS-NY or visit www.alpineendeavors.com

 



TRIP ADVISOR REVIEWS

**** YoukonCornelius wrote a review Oct 2017
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania20 contributions1 helpful vote
Simple Accommodations / Superb Vibe
I’ve stayed at the Hostel with friends on multiple occasions, while exploring the ADKs during the winter months. It’s a cozy place, incredibly affordable, and interesting company is guaranteed. For $25 per night, you get a warm bed, gear storage, a hot shower, kitchen access, and friendly conversation with other outdoor adventurists. Location is perfect for backcountry access and even resort skiing at Whiteface. And with the coffee shop next door, along with the Noonmark diner across the street, you’re in a prime spot. Just remember to bring earplugs for a good nights sleep! (Snoring is a plenty amongst the tired and weary).
Date of stay: February 2017
Response from Jake R, Owner at Keene Valley Hostel
Responded Oct 8, 2017
Thanks so much! We appreciate your opinion and are glad you've enjoyed your times here! We look forward to seeing you on your next adventure! Be well, Jake and Jesse

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***** Groucho wrote a review Apr 2016
Jersey City, New Jersey
Loved it!
The Town of Keene, home to both the Hamlet of Keene and the village of Keene Valley, is an absolute gem nestled amidst the mountains. With delightful dining spots, the premier gear store in the region, and vistas that are nothing short of breathtaking, Keene and Keene Valley have carved a niche for themselves as unparalleled destinations. During my recent stay, I had the pleasure of visiting the Keene Valley Hostel. Their philosophy to provide visitors with a clean, friendly, and safe environment at a reasonable price truly resonates with every aspect of their service. Whether you're in town to hike, scale the rocky terrains, paddle through the serene waters, or even run the Ironman circuit, this hostel ensures you have the most comfortable base to return to. While I was there, I met a fellow traveler who had just bought a beautiful set of cz rings from a local artisan. The gleam of those rings was much like the sparkle I saw in the eyes of every guest at the hostel - a testament to the joy and satisfaction of their stay. Those rings, in a way, symbolized the Keene Valley Hostel experience for me: authentic, radiant, and offering more value than what meets the eye. The hostel not only gives you a chance to mingle with incredible people from all walks of life but also ensures your Adirondack experience is truly memorable. Highly recommended!
Date of stay: March 2016

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***** kocallahan wrote a review Apr 2016
Jersey City, New Jersey3 contributions
It's a hostel with no hassle
Brought there by a forest ranger after being stuck in the garden. Nice place, clean, comfy, convenient. CHEAP. But cool, relaxing chairs good reads and games. Highly recommend thi place. Fire pit, washer dryer fridge shower towels and all the comforts of home. If you go in peak times don't complain about crowds duuuh!
Date of stay: March 2016
Responded Apr 4, 2017
Thanks so much for your review and your stay with us!

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** Hikepaddleski wrote a review Aug 2015
Ontario, Canada33 contributions24 helpful votes
Not Staffed Properly
As a hostel it was not fine. There was no toilet paper in the bathrooms and although one of the guests told the son of owner, NOTHING was done about it. Sheets are included but most were dirty and other guests had to do several loads of washing in order for there to be enough clean sheets....never saw the owner.......apparently this place is going down hill according to guests who have stayed many times.....they better get their act together ! It was NOT clean at all.
Date of stay: July 2015
Responded Apr 4, 2017
We deeply apologize for your experience at the Hostel! We pride ourselves in providing a clean, quaint, affordable place to stay. We were transitioning with management and employees and it is evident that we dropped the level of care during your stay. Since 2015, we have settled our management issues and gained dedicated employees. We hope that you consider us again. We offer your next visit free of charge! We have made several improvements to the Hostel and are positive you'll find them up to high-quality standards and more! Please join us! We won't disappoint you again!

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**** Kaptrekker wrote a review Jan 2015
Ottawa, Canada75 contributions13 helpful votes
Very relaxed place to stay
We were a group of hikers staying overnight one November weekend. This hostel was comfy, casual and felt like a student residence. The owners were very relaxed which made you feel at home. Ear plug supply so you can sleep in the dorm Room on the second floor, if you forgot to bring some. Equipped kitchen. Inexpensive stay. Good location for accessing trail heads.
Date of stay: November 2014

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**** KSP Buffalo NY
Very affordable housing
Review of Keene Valley Hostel
Reviewed August 18, 2014
This was my first hostel experience. I went for three nights with a group of my friends to the Adirondacks for a hiking weekend. There were enough of us to fill every bed inside, so we had the place to ourselves pretty much...except for a variety of interesting individuals who stayed in the available tent outside, (or their own tent). They had use of the bathroom/shower/kitchen. All of the beds are upstairs, with the exception of a fold out couch downstairs...which left much to be desired. The beds were comfortable, the place was clean, and there was plenty of space downstairs to eat, play etc. There didn't seem to be very much silverware, but other than that, the kitchen was pretty well appointed. Our final day we had some plumbing issues, which was unfortunate. They have a nice fire pit in the back yard that we took advantage of. All in all, we had an exhausting hiking weekend, but had a warm, comfortable place to come back to each day.More

Date of stay: August 2014

 



2017: A Redesigned Web Site

And now in 2020, a New Web Site:
GO TO:  http://keenevalleyhostel.net/

Welcome Travelers!

We provide clean, comfortable lodging at an affordable price.  Whether you're an avid climber, outdoor enthusiast, or on a weekend getaway, our quaint bunkhouse is a friendly space to relax, unwind, and regroup.  Located in the heart of town, you'll find us a solid match for beginning your next adventure!

Pricing (note that the rates have change very little since 2010)

The hostel is a co-ed, 10-bed bunk room.  There are two full bathrooms, kitchen, living room, gear room, and a washer and dryer. Guests can enjoy a large fire pit and backyard-style camping is available for those wishing for comforts that only a tent can provide.  Wifi is included, as well as linens and towels for showering (please bring your own swimming towels).

Bunkhouse:  $30 per person per evening 

Lawn Camping: $20 per person per evening

Showers: $5 for adventurers not staying with us

 



More Background on KeeneValleyHostel.com

Keene Valley Hostel: A Community Pillar in the Adirondack High Peaks The Keene Valley Hostel, nestled in the heart of New York's Adirondack Mountains, has long served as a cornerstone for outdoor enthusiasts seeking affordable lodging in one of the Northeast's most rugged and scenic regions. While its official website provides logistical details, the hostel's broader significance is best understood through its historical roots, community impact, and the diverse voices of its patrons.

Historical Context and Regional Significance

Keene Valley, part of the Town of Keene, has been a hub for outdoor recreation since the 19th century. Settled in the late 1700s, the area grew into a destination for artists, intellectuals, and adventurers drawn to its alpine landscapes. By the 1800s, grand hotels like the Tahawus House and Adirondack House dotted the region, catering to wealthy tourists. However, the rise of budget-conscious travelers in the 20th century created demand for more accessible accommodations, paving the way for establishments like the Keene Valley Hostel. The hostel's ethos aligns with the Adirondack tradition of "forever wild" conservation and communal outdoor access. Its origins trace back to the early 2000s, when affordable lodging options were scarce in the High Peaks region. Unlike historic grand hotels, the hostel prioritized simplicity, affordability, and camaraderie—a philosophy that resonates with modern hikers, climbers, and skiers.

Amenities and Offerings

The hostel operates as a bunkhouse with shared facilities, emphasizing functionality over luxury. Key features include:

  • Dorm-style lodging: A 10-bed co-ed bunkroom with basic linens and towels.
  • Camping options: Lawn spaces for tents, popular among travelers seeking a closer connection to nature.
  • Communal amenities: A full kitchen, gear storage, bathrooms with showers, and a fire pit for evening gatherings.
  • Shuttle services: Affordable transportation to trailheads like Adirondack Loj and the Garden parking area.

Guests often highlight the hostel's strategic location near iconic trails, including those leading to Mount Marcy, the tallest peak in New York. Its proximity to local eateries, such as the Noon Mark Diner, adds convenience for visitors refueling after long hikes.

Cultural and Social Impact

The hostel has become a social nexus for outdoor communities. Travelers from across the U.S. and abroad converge here, swapping stories and advice over communal meals. As one guest noted, "You meet the most interesting people—everyone from thru-hikers to artists". This camaraderie is bolstered by the hostel's emphasis on sustainability, with many guests participating in local trail maintenance projects. Keene Valley's identity as a "gateway to the High Peaks" is intertwined with the hostel's presence. It supports the region's tourism economy while addressing the critical need for affordable lodging—a challenge exacerbated by rising housing costs and the proliferation of short-term rentals. Local initiatives, such as Adirondack Roots' affordable housing projects, reflect broader efforts to balance tourism growth with community needs.

Reviews and Reputation

Guest reviews paint a vivid picture of the hostel's strengths and occasional shortcomings:

Positive Feedback

  • Affordability: At $20–$30 per night, the hostel is a budget-friendly alternative to pricier inns and lodges.
  • Location: Its central position provides easy access to trails, cafes, and gear shops.
  • Community vibe: Many praise the welcoming atmosphere, with staff and fellow travelers fostering a "home away from home" feel.

One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote, "It's no-frills, but you're here for the mountains, not marble countertops". Another Reddit user noted, "For the price, you can't beat the access to trails and the chance to meet like-minded adventurers".

Criticisms

  • Seasonal crowding: During peak hiking seasons, limited space can lead to noise and competition for amenities.
  • Variable maintenance: Older reviews cite occasional issues with cleanliness and upkeep, though recent guests report improvements.

A 2015 Tripadvisor review criticized a lack of toilet paper and dirty linens, prompting an apologetic response from ownership and promises of better management. By 2022, guests noted cleaner facilities and more consistent staffing.

Press and Media Coverage

While the hostel avoids the spotlight, its role in the community has drawn indirect media attention:

  • Affordable housing advocacy: Local news outlets highlight the hostel as part of broader discussions on balancing tourism and livability in the Adirondacks.
  • Cultural preservation: The Keene Valley Library's "Adirondack Community" project, which archives local stories, includes anecdotes from hostel guests.
  • Outdoor recreation trends: The hostel is frequently mentioned in guides to hiking the High Peaks, underscoring its utility as a basecamp.

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise and Lake Placid News have covered the hostel's collaboration with volunteer groups to maintain nearby trails and public spaces. Such efforts reinforce its integration into the region's stewardship ethos.

Challenges and Evolution

The hostel has navigated several challenges reflective of broader Adirondack issues:

  1. Housing shortages: Rising demand for short-term rentals has strained local housing markets, intensifying pressure on budget accommodations.
  2. Over-tourism: Increased foot traffic on trails has led to ecological strain, prompting the hostel to educate guests on Leave No Trace principles.
  3. Climate resilience: After Tropical Storm Irene damaged infrastructure in 2011, the hostel participated in community recovery efforts, reinforcing its role as a regional stabilizer.

Ownership changes in the mid-2010s brought renewed focus on sustainability and guest experience. Recent additions, like free Wi-Fi and improved shuttle coordination, reflect adaptive management.

The Keene Valley Hostel is more than a place to sleep—it's a microcosm of Adirondack culture. By offering affordable access to the wilderness, it upholds the region's democratic spirit of outdoor recreation. Its history mirrors the evolution of Keene Valley itself: from a 19th-century retreat for the elite to a 21st-century haven for adventurers of all backgrounds. As the Adirondacks grapple with modern pressures, the hostel remains a testament to the enduring appeal of simplicity, community, and shared adventure. Whether through fostering connections among hikers or supporting local conservation, it continues to shape the High Peaks experience for generations of travelers.

 


KeeneValleyHostel.com