De Cádiz Cadi Hostel

There were piles of rubble and tools around, so the place looked like it was still being built. With no sign on the building, it was easy to walk right past what looked like an abandoned property. It felt scruffy and not very clean, with a general damp or mouldy smell. The reception staff, though, were friendly.

I believe this was one of Cádiz’s first hostels, in the old town’s Mentidero neighborhood. It’s cheap and set in an old building, but there’s no elevator and most rooms have several bunk beds. The reception is usually empty and dark, and the place has poor ventilation and little natural light. You can eat there too. It could suit a tourist who isn’t fussy and wants a cheap stay. I live nearby, so I haven’t stayed here myself; I’d rather choose a hotel or even a tourist apartment for more privacy.

It’s pretty dirty and could use a proper clean. Fine for crashing during the Cádiz carnivals, then heading back out to party.

For what it costs, it’s a comfortable place, though the facilities, especially hygiene, need work. IMPORTANT: There was a woman in the 6-person female dorm who made our stay impossible. In the Cádiz summer heat, 35°C, she switched off the air conditioning at night. She sang through the day, and at night we could hear her eating and talking to herself, which was unsettling. Staff spoke to her, but her behavior didn’t change. Other women who had stayed with her before confirmed she was quite difficult. We also found a pretty shocking TripAdvisor review from a woman who had to leave because of her.