El Descanso del Petrel

The central location was the one good thing. The hostal was otherwise much like others, and getting hold of the owner was difficult. She was rarely there, there was no way to contact her, and the number listed on Google didn't work. She was the rudest person I've ever dealt with, trying to get her own business done through guests. She wouldn't let us use the air conditioner. There's free drinking water by the entrance, but she complained that we drank too much and wouldn't let us refill our bottles. She also accused me of breaking a plate that was already broken. There was no hot water and no English speaking receptionist. We stayed only two nights, but the experience was psychologically draining. I would never recommend it.

We meant to stay just one night, but ended up sleeping here for three. It's close to the port, restaurants, shops, everything, and the prices are very good. The rooms were clean, staff were friendly and helpful, and there's free water. You can leave your luggage after checkout, too. The woman who seems to own the place speaks English.

The location is great, and after the climb to the fourth floor, the mixed dorm rewards you with a spectacular harbor view from a porch with two hammocks. The beds are comfortable and aren't bunks. WiFi is slow, though that's true across the island. Showers take some figuring out: after you find the hot tap and adjust things carefully, the water can suddenly go very hot, then very cold. There's also a hot and cold water dispenser in the basic guest kitchen.

We picked the cheapest room and expected a dark, windowless one on the ground floor, so it was a nice surprise to get a large room on the third floor. The shower was great, and the staff were friendly and helpful. They provide drinking water and hot water, plus a fridge for storing things. WiFi was okay, better than at other places nearby. There's a school next door, so it can get a little noisy, but we should have been up by then anyway.