Hostal Casa de Zeferina

Caro is such a friendly, outgoing and approachable host, and really goes out of the way to make you feel comfortable and looked after. The hostel is relaxed, nicely decorated and has plenty of outdoor space to kick back. I stayed a little over a week and still think of it fondly. It really felt like a home away from home. Can I give it 10 out of 5 stars?

It’s a basic place, but it has what you need. The patios are pretty, people are kind, and the beds are like sponges but really comfortable. I would have liked a bit more guidance. We weren’t sure where to put our wet towels and were told not to hang them behind the chairs. We also rented a car but never got to park it in the space they said they had. It’s a nice place, though the pictures made it look nicer.

We stayed in the apartment and enjoyed it. It was nicely decorated, with comfortable beds, a good shower and a private balcony, which was really nice. The hostel is arranged around a cozy garden that also serves as a café. It gets busy sometimes, but we liked that.

The taxi cost 380 MXN and raced into town so I could make it before reception closed at 11 p.m. My flight was delayed by 20 minutes, and after collecting my luggage it was already 10:15. I’d kept Sofia updated on WhatsApp about arriving late and my timing, and when I knocked at 10:55, she greeted me with a friendly face. The reception is in the middle of the restaurant, rather than a typical entrance area. Sofia walked me to my room, Pink, past a tiny courtyard with tables and a big tree, then upstairs. The room was spacious and nicely decorated, with a big window and, best of all, air conditioning. Some rooms only have a fan. On the table was a tray with a candle, a book and a lovely welcome note. Sofia gave me a cold bottle of water. The bed was very comfortable and the room was quiet, so I slept well. Light sleepers might hear the generator and the rooster starting at 5 a.m., so I recommend earplugs. My room had no bedside lamp or storage, though other rooms might. The next morning I rolled out my yoga mat on the lovely terrace beside the kitchen. A huge leafy tree shaded the space, which is a nice spot to relax, unwind and eat. There are seven rooms and two kitchen areas. Three rooms are upstairs, and four are downstairs behind the courtyard. I had dinner and breakfast at their restaurant Hierba Santa, and both were very good. I wrote more about it in my restaurant review. Casa Zeferina wasn’t very social while I was there, and I didn’t meet other travelers, but I had long chats with the friendly staff, who shared lots of ideas for places to visit and things to do. Thanks, Casa Zeferina, for making me feel welcome and helping me with a taxi to the ADO station. June 2023.