Magic Jardín

Not a good experience. We were three in one room, arranged with the receptionist, which was okay since we knew we were in a hostel, though it got awkward. The room was small for us, and if you're tall in a bunk bed, watch your head. The bigger issue was the breakfast information. We booked on WhatsApp and were told they offer breakfast, but we didn't get any, and they said it wasn't included. For the same amount, you get breakfast on Hostelworld. They need to explain this clearly, so don't book through WhatsApp if you want that information. The manager won't answer messages. There are more options, and this place is about a 3.5.

The whole place felt unwelcoming, and I was glad I'd only booked a single night. At check-in, the owner greeted me and took me through a laborious electronic process that overcomplicated things. Communication was poor too. There was planned street maintenance and no water at all in the hostel the following day, but I wasn't warned before I needed it. I know the work wasn't the hostel's fault, but an advance heads-up would have helped. I booked a dorm and was shown to a four-bed room off the hallway. It felt far too cramped for four people once backpacks were inside, leaving even less space, and the lockers under the bunks would perhaps fit a slim daypack, not a regular pack. No place outside the room was mentioned for storing my pack. The amount of CCTV was unsettling, and seemed to show little trust in guests. Maybe it was because of badly behaved guests, but I wondered if that was really the reason. One of my worst hostel stays so far.

The check-in was tedious, and our room smelled bad because it had no ventilation. On my second day, nearby roadworks cut off the water for more than 12 hours. Staff didn't tell us beforehand or provide replacement water, leaving the bathrooms and kitchen disgusting. My friend also had her Hostelworld booking cancelled, so she couldn't leave a review there. Other reviews suggest this has been an ongoing issue. I wouldn't recommend the hostel.

A five-minute walk gets you to several good restaurants and corner shops. The location is great, with a lovely outdoor area and a well-equipped kitchen.