Hostel Mirador

The rooms and shared areas were very clean, and I loved the simple but tasty breakfasts. Hostel Mirador felt welcoming, thanks in large part to the volunteers. Special thanks to Merril and Fi for recommending places we should see in San Cris and nearby. We’d definitely like to return one day!

There are lots of cozy, relaxing spots around the hostel, including the roof, the yard, and the back garden with its pizza oven. The staff are a nice, helpful team, and the place is well looked after. Breakfast was delicious.

I booked a week ahead and dropped off my bag the morning I was due to stay. Nobody was at reception, so I rang the bell outside for ten minutes. A guest let me in. With a tour starting in fifteen minutes, I left my bag and a note asking someone to put it in storage. Eight hours later, when I came back to check in, my bag was still exactly where I’d left it. They said the hostel was overbooked and offered a tent out back instead. It sat on a broken concrete slab that split the thin mattress down the middle. The volunteer told me, “It is what it is. At least it’s 30 pesos cheaper.” I said I’d think about it, and a nice guest started chatting with me. I asked how he liked the hostel, and he said it was great and that he’d extended his dorm stay that day. I can’t be sure, but it sounded a lot like the bed I’d booked and been bumped from. I left and told the volunteer, who was a very nice guy, that I’d come back the next day for my dorm reservation. I found another place for the night and luckily thought to call and confirm before making the trip back. The guy on the phone said he “had an impression” I wouldn’t return, then canceled the rest of my stay. There was no offer to refund my deposit and no apology. Absolutely awful service, the worst hostel experience of my trip.

I liked how roomy and comfortable the place was, and the bed and sheets felt really soft. There are plenty of shared areas, and the staff were friendly. It can get chilly at night because of where it is, but the blankets kept me warm. The price was great, too. You're right near the church at the top of the hill, with a lovely view over town. The walk down is direct, and coming back up wasn't too bad.