El Descanso Catedral Hotel

The pillows were incredibly uncomfortable, thin and very hard, probably old ones that hadn’t been replaced in 10+ years. I had to tuck my own clothes underneath one to make it bearable. The room also smelled awful, like sewage, and the shower smelled like toilet backflow for the first 5-10 seconds after I turned it on. The walls are paper thin, so the television next door sounds like it’s in your room. Some rooms also have high windows onto the corridor, letting light in. At check-in, the woman seemed grumpy and questioned me almost confrontationally about whether I was really okay sharing a bed with my male travel partner. I’d booked a double room because it was the cheapest option, and sharing the bed was no issue for us. Personal matters like that shouldn’t be pushed onto customers in a way that makes them uncomfortable. All in all, it was a pretty uncomfortable stay.

I’m sharing what happened, though I don’t expect anything to be done. 3000 pesos cash went missing, and I believe cleaning staff stole it. I counted the money after leaving the hotel, and it had stayed in my sight between leaving and counting. I asked for cleaning on two days, not one, and I was off the property for at least eight hours most days. I was treated very well during my stay, but the owner immediately accused me of lying. I’d like to see the videos they claimed to have, since I was never in any waiting area and the cleaning happened while I was away from the hotel.

Pilar made us feel welcome and looked after. She was extremely nice and helpful, and gave us the best tips. We loved the beautiful rooms and gorgeous garden, and the location is perfect, just a few steps from anywhere else in Puebla.

We had a fantastic two-night stay at Hotel El Descanso after the hostel we’d booked in Puebla told us our reserved room was being renovated and brought us here instead. Victor checked us in, was super friendly, and let us choose our room. It was comfortable and cosy, with a TV with Netflix and a hot shower. The hotel is beautiful and brand new. I’d recommend staying here if you’re heading to Puebla.