Mexiqui Zocalo

The terrace view is amazing, and the lockers worked well. They were bigger than in most hostels, which was great. Breakfast and the location were good, and the room and bathroom were clean. The beds were fine, too. I wasn't especially keen on the staff, though that's more personal. In the men's bathroom, some locks were broken, and the shower doors were too narrow.

The kitchen has all the things you need to cook, and breakfast is always good. The place is right in the middle of everything, with great views of the cathedral and city center. I was happy with my stay.

Room 9, bed 3 had bedbugs, and I came away covered in bites. The men's bathroom smelled absolutely awful. Someone threw up in the room, and the smell lingered for a couple of days. It's noisy, so bring earplugs. At night, I got yelled at by the front desk guy to read the sign and ring the bell to get in. To ring it, you have to connect two loose, stripped wires hanging about seven feet up. The view and location were the only saving graces. Worst hostel I've stayed in.

The location worked really well for the museums and tourist sights I wanted to see, and there was a free walking tour worth joining. I initially worried this wouldn't be a quintessential Mexican neighborhood, but it was easy to take the metro and explore more authentic areas while staying near the sights. It's a good place to meet interesting travelers and have a good time. The rooms are pretty nice, with lockable lockers, including one by the bed with an outlet inside. Bathrooms are tiny and not the nicest, but okay. Reception also gave great recommendations.