Hostel Del Paseo

The location is great, with the Central market about a 15 minute walk away and a huge supermarket right opposite. It's very cheap, the WiFi is fast, reception is open 24 hours, the beds are comfortable, and the place was very clean. The fifth-floor social area has lovely views, and the receptionist was friendly. I had two concerns that I raised at the front desk, but both were more or less dismissed. First, there was no hot water in the shower. I was told it had worked for everyone else and to run it for five minutes. I'd already tried that on the previous two days, and it still didn't work. I tried once more, waited five minutes, and the shower tray nearly overflowed because of the poor drainage, but the water was still cold. Second, if you're a woman travelling alone, I'd suggest calling ahead. On my first night I was alone in the mixed dorm because occupancy was low. On the second, I was told I'd share with one other person, a man. I said I was very uncomfortable, and the receptionist, who had otherwise been kind and helpful, said he understood. But he wouldn't move me, saying the other dorms would be full that night. I only saw about two people the following day and the day after. He then offered a private room for $50/$60 more for the night, about what I'd paid for all three nights in the dorm. I was left anxious that night. It was disappointing service, and I think the situation could have been handled much better, as other hostels have done when I've faced the same issue.

There's free coffee and tea in the dining room, and the hostel has nice toilets and hot showers. The bedrooms are large, with a mix of bunk beds and single beds. There may be a problem with only one toilet when the room is full, and the living room is in the corridor, so people chatting there can make noise at night. Still, the service was good. I'd recommend it if you're waiting for a flight the next day.

I was exhausted from travelling all day and still had a 20-hour bus ride ahead, leaving in just three hours. When I explained that to the GM at Hostel del Paseo, they immediately invited me to go upstairs, relax on the couches, charge my phone, and get organized. I was shocked. It felt so refreshing to be met with real generosity in a place where everyone seems to want to squeeze every penny out of you. The place is beautiful, and you'll surely enjoy staying here.

It's really affordable and very clean, with a great location right on the main street and amazing staff. You can share a room with strangers, like back in college, with two or three bunk beds depending on the room size. They also have private rooms. Mine had a queen bed, bathroom, and fan. A great place to stay.