Casa Pepe Hostel Boutique - Sayulita

Breakfast was great, and they provide free filtered water. We had a private king room as a married couple and felt it was a good experience for the price, though obviously not a luxury stay. Noise wasn't much of a problem for us, just one night with some people around, and it wasn't too bad. The first-floor rooms get almost no sunlight, so waking up can be hard. The rooftop was cool, and we wish we'd spent more time there. They keep a good schedule of activities like yoga and surf trips. With the communal areas and coworking spot, it seems especially suited to solo travelers or anyone wanting to meet people and do things together.

The Wi-Fi really was a problem. If you plan to work from your room or watch movies there, you may struggle. Also, the white tile and cement floors show every mark and can be nearly impossible to clean, so germ-conscious people might spot caked dirt or smears after repeated mopping. The cleaning staff were working hard, though, and for a budget place it was tidy and clean. I never got sick and had everything I needed, with nice people around. Sayulita is more touristy now, but from here you can dip in and out of town as you like. I only had trouble with hot water once all week, during peak-peak hours. This is a good space for the hostel crowd, families, solo travelers over 35 on a budget, or anyone wanting to be part of town rather than stay at a resort. Some high-maintenance reviewers seem to expect resort standards. Thanks for a nice stay!

This was my first hostel, and I had a good stay. The beds and clean linens were good, with walls and a curtain for privacy, and the storage lockers were handy. Bring your own lock. The staff were friendly and relaxed, and can speak English if your Spanish isn't good. I got a lot of help from Axel at the front desk. The surf day they offer for 600 pesos was worth it. Just remember you're in Mexico: don't count on hot shower water, and don't flush toilet paper.

The location and local staff were phenomenal, and the big rooftop was great for a sunset drink. Still, I don't think the hostel side quite lives up to its rating. My four-bed mixed dorm was damp around the clock, partly because the AC is off from 8am-8pm and partly because daily cleaning leaves wet floors. Mud and sand got tracked everywhere, and toilet odors and shower humidity reached the bed area. My bunk curtain was dirty, and there were quite a few hairs on my towel and blanket. The room Wi-Fi was poor, too. There seemed to be way too many volunteers, and they weren't especially friendly. Maybe I'm just getting older, but if you're not on a tight budget and are geriatric like me, I'd get a private room elsewhere and just visit the rooftop bar.