Hostal Casa MX Alameda - Hostel

I’ve stayed here twice, once two years ago and again for three days last week. Check-in was smooth, and I always had running warm water in my six-bed dorm, which had its own bathroom and toilet. The staff don’t really speak English, though, which isn’t great for an international hostel. The rooftop terraces are lovely, and the location is great, very close to the city center. Hidalgo metro station is a five-minute walk away. As a solo woman traveler, I always felt safe both inside and nearby, even when I went to Walmart after 8 or 9pm. The music goes on until midnight, so bring earplugs. My biggest issue is the kitchen. It’s always smelly and unclean, and they don’t have any cutlery at all, which I’ve never come across in a hostel. It was okay overall, but I wouldn’t stay again.

The location is great, and this is one of my favorite hostels in cdmx. It’s rough around the edges, but that’s part of its appeal. Still, there’s a serious theft problem. Sketchy long-term guests have friends coming in and out all the time. My camera and charger were stolen, and another guest lost everything. I heard plenty more theft stories here. I’ve traveled all over and never had to be this careful. I could recommend it if you’re willing to accept a very high risk.

The location is nice, but the police are always around harassing people. The hostel itself feels lousy, cuts corners, and needs maintenance. Huge uncovered windows let a giant spotlight shine into the room, and the bed curtains don’t block it. The balcony chairs are all broken, the beds are so small I have to curl up, and the blankets are thin. Staff wouldn’t give me a second one. The kitchen is dirty and smelly, and locking and unlocking the door every time I enter the room is really annoying and pointless. They also wouldn’t match booking.com’s price despite the commission fee.

Honestly, it was one of my least favorite stays. It’s kind of dirty and not very social. You’re near the historic center, but some streets get creepy, so watch where you go. With someone else it might be okay, but I wouldn’t recommend it for solo travel.