Hostel Humanity

Thankfully, another hostel in Puerto Morelos welcomed me and let me wait in its common area until check-in. That's what hospitality looks like. I live in Canada and have never experienced racism there as a foreigner, yet when I came back to my own country for a trip, two foreigners treated me like I didn't belong. It's sad that in Mexico we've become so permissive of outsiders treating locals like second-class citizens. I had just enjoyed a great stay at another hostel in Playa del Carmen and messaged this place to confirm my arrival. I said I'd get there between 2 and 3 PM, and they confirmed check-in was at 3. I arrived at about 2:15 PM from Playa, my next stop in Puerto Morelos on this trip through my own country, Mexico. I rang the actual bell at the door. A foreigner came out and asked what I needed, looking surprised to see me. I'm very Mexican and look very Mexican. From what I later read in other reviews, the owner, who is married to this French guy, supposedly only wants to speak English or French despite living in Mexico, and the hostel seems to be for no Latinos. I explained that I had a reservation. Another foreigner came out a minute later. Both had French accents and looked just as surprised, as if they couldn't believe a brown-skinned Mexican was at the door. I repeated that I had booked, and he smirked and said, “Check-in is at 3 PM, I told you,” adding that they were “closed at the moment.” I understand the check-in time and had no problem with it. What bothered me was the lack of basic courtesy. It was the hottest part of the day, the sun was brutal, and they wouldn't even let me sit in a common area for the 50 minutes until check-in. I felt unwelcome and looked down on, as though I didn't belong there because I'm Mexican. The hostel's name, “Humanity,” should be changed to “Selective.” I'm not angry, just disappointed. To the administration: thanks for responding, but your reply completely missed the point. My complaint was never about the 3 PM check-in. I knew the policy and respected it. I was talking about the lack of courtesy and the condescending way I was treated when I arrived. You say you're Mexican, but you weren't the one who greeted me. Two foreigners with French accents came to the door, looked clearly surprised because I look very Mexican, then dismissed me with a smirk and a cold “We're closed.” No offer of a place to sit, no basic hospitality, just exclusion. Instead of acknowledging that, you rushed to defend your husband and shift blame onto me. That's denial, not empathy. Being Mexican doesn't mean you stand up for your people if you're only defending a foreigner's poor treatment. Honestly, your attitude reminded me of La Malinche protecting outsiders while ignoring your own. Other reviews mention similar treatment. I'm not the first, just the one who spoke up. Thankfully, another hostel here welcomed me kindly and let me wait inside until check-in. That's real hospitality. If you're going to call the place Humanity, act like it, or rename it Selectivity. Shame on you, not for the policy, but for defending the indefensible.

Ben made me feel comfortable throughout my three-week stay, and he was great about communicating even before I arrived. The hostel is spotless, the community welcoming, and the common seating areas are perfect for relaxing or meeting people. Nearby local food is amazing. If you want the real, authentic Mexico on this side of town, this is the place. I honestly can't think of a bad thing to say. Highly recommend, and thanks, Ben, for everything you did for me!

The owner, Ben, was incredibly kind and helpful, and the staff were all so nice. He showed us good places to eat and shop for groceries, and helped arrange excursions. On Friday we rode in his pickup to a rooftop bar for live music and salsa dancing. The next day he drove us to a Cenote, picked us up, and took us to the beach for snorkeling. Those thoughtful gestures made the trip memorable. The place is in a cozy local neighborhood, and we really got that local feel. It was clean, the pool was clean too, and I spent a lot of time swimming while hummingbirds flew overhead. Very relaxing. I loved my two days here and only wish I could have stayed longer. It's a hidden gem.

I've backpacked all over the world, and this was the first time as a man that I packed my bags and left right away for my own safety. Don't rely on the old reviews, the staff who earned those high ratings have all quit. Now the place is mostly empty.