Hostal Alcazaba

Maria and Osvaldo made me feel welcome right away, and helped me book a whale watching trip for the next day. The place is very clean, with comfortable beds and pillows and hot water. It’s a secure place, kept locked, but they open the door quickly when you get back. You get a view of the water, and it’s about a ten-minute walk into town. There are plenty of moto taxis nearby too if you don’t feel like walking. Breakfast is simple but good: an egg with toast, juice or fruit, and coffee or tea. There’s a shared kitchen as well. They can also do laundry, and you can reach them directly on WhatsApp, which is handy. I recommend booking direct for the best price. Most of all, after I got really seasick on the trip to Isla de la plata, I asked Maria for water and toast. She made me hot tea and toast, then sat with me kindly until I started feeling better. She and Osvaldo are genuinely kind people, and Osvaldo has a great sense of humor :) I highly recommend staying here in Puerto Lopez.

The owners are really helpful, the rooms are clean, and breakfast is delicious. There’s a great view of the beach from the hostel. It’s a bit beyond the center of Puerto Lopez, about a 20-minute walk, or you can take a motor taxi for $1. Highly recommended.

Maria is extremely kind and helpful, and the sheets, floors, and shower were very clean. But the room I had, though I don’t know if it’s the same in every room, smelled strongly of mold and still did after two nights. The dogs and roosters in the neighborhood seemed to make noise nonstop. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the beachfront promenade. The area didn’t feel unsafe, just very poor. Edit: this neighborhood needs a meeting. Some house was BLASTING MUSIC at 8:30 AM on a Sunday. How is that okay?

A good-value hostel, with attentive, friendly staff. The room and bathroom were clean and comfortable, and breakfast was okay. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the beach, up on a small hill, so you get a beautiful sea view when the sky is clear. I’d recommend it.