Casa San Ildefonso

The historic building is beautiful, with high ceilings, and everything was very clean. Staff were friendly and helpful, and I had no security concerns. Still, I can’t recommend the hostel. Mosquitoes kept buzzing around my ear and biting my face at night, leaving me awake for hours. Maybe staff could keep the doors to vacant rooms shut. The public shower had no hot or even warm water in the morning, which is unacceptable for the price. I also didn’t feel the location was safe in the evenings, especially for other solo female travelers.

Staff followed the no-noise-after-9 p.m. rule strictly, and there was security around the clock. The location was good, but the place didn’t feel very attentive to guest needs. We were upgraded to a private room at check-in, and it was spacious and bright, with a clean bathroom and good shower pressure. Breakfast was basic, just rolls, ham, cheese, and spreads. The listing says there’s a kitchen, but there’s only a fridge and microwave, with no stovetop or cooking utensils. Water is available only during breakfast, and refills aren’t allowed. They could offer unlimited water for a $5 peso charge during the day, as many other places in Mexico City do.

The rooms were clean and the place was very nice, but my last night was awful. Staff woke me at 2:30 a.m. for a check-in, turned on the light, and gave the new guest a full tour. When I asked the front desk about it, she said people in a dorm can check in any time after 2 p.m. I understand guests may arrive in the middle of the night, but staff should respect quiet hours and ask them to keep things as quiet as possible. A full tour at 2:30 a.m. is definitely not normal.

Polite front desk staff, a security guard who buzzes you in and out, and a good breakfast. The hostel was clean and pleasant, though there wasn’t much socializing. It suited me well as a quiet place to rest.