Sleeping Around
I never considered staying in a hostel before embarking on my world tour. I always looked for all-inclusive resorts or cheap hotels/motels and never gave it a second thought. When I decided to adventure, I knew my accommodation habits would have to change in service of the greater good, aka my wallet. Yes, change could potentially result in great suffering but that’s the definition of adventure, right? So, I started my new adventure the old fashioned way, simple trial and error.
La Escondida
Puerto Escondido
I found my very first hostel on booking.com and made my choice based on these 4 factors:
- Total Price – $495 mdx (@ $26 usd) for 3 nights
- Location – Close to beaches
- Picts/Reviews – Pict of bunks w/ privacy curtain
- Amenities – Free Breakfast
Living Conditions
- 8-bed mixed dorm
- Separate Bathroom – 2 showers & 2 toilets
- Fully equipped kitchen
My Experience
I did a decent job with my first selection.
Staff was friendly and helpful. I ate a delicious hot breakfast each day. Never waited for the shower or toilet. The free bike was awesome. I had a dedicated place to charge my devices. I found semi-comfortable spots to get work done. I could buy beer and put it in the fridge or buy a cold one at the bar conveniently located upstairs.
On the flip side, that privacy curtain was a mistake. Without air conditioning the room was miserable at night and it felt impossible to breathe with that curtain closed. Having the water randomly turn off everyday also sucked.
Selina
Oaxaca
I also found my second hostel on booking.com and made my choice based on these 4 factors:
- Total Price – $625 mdx (@ $33 usd) for 4 nights
- Location – Near zocalo and bus station
- Air Conditioning – Yes
- Amenities –
Restaurant/Bar for easy access to food & beer
Living Conditions
- 16-bed mixed dorm
- Attached Bathroom – 1 shower & 1 toilet
- No kitchen
My Experience
I learned a lot here.
Device friendly patio with nice atmosphere. Great place to get work done. Ideal location for exploring the city and finding food. Big lockers for stuff storage.
On the flip side, the room sucked. A 16-bed dorm with a single bathroom might work if the shower and toilet are separated into stalls but otherwise it sucks for everyone. Blasting the AC was unnecessary since Oaxaca isn’t that hot, especially at night. The bar was too loud and crowded for me.
Posada del Abuelito
San Cristobal
I found my third and most favorite hostel on hostelworld.com and made my choice based on these 4 factors:
- Total Price – $602 mdx (@ $32 usd) for 4 nights
- Dorm Size – New rule, must be 8-beds or less
- Location – Near zocalo and bus station
- Picts/Reviews – Relaxed, not a party place
Living Conditions
- 4-bed female dorm
- Attached Bathroom – 1 shower & 1 toilet
- Fully equipped kitchen
My Experience
Heaven! Seriously, this place rocked.
Friendly staff. Free bath towel. THE BEST shower ever! Excellent water pressure & temp control. Stuff storage. Hot breakfast. Garden common area with hummingbirds! There’s no bar but you can buy beer on site. Great location. What more can you ask for?
My single inconvenience was not having an outlet on the top bunk.
Ok. I think i’ve got the hang of this now.
3-5 nights for $650 mdx or less. Centrally located. No dorms larger than 8-beds. 2 or more showers & toilets for separate bathrooms. Fully equipped kitchens for fridge access. Consider amenities, reviews and pictures. Hope for the best.