Bourbon Hostal

We came in for coffee and a light breakfast, and the server was so kind and helpful. The food was delicious, and the coffee and crepes were great too.

They were really helpful with planning hikes and exploring the area. I like to sort things out before arriving, and they coordinated everything from a distance. They replied quickly on social media and WhatsApp, which put my many questions at ease. I also appreciated having secure parking. The kitchen deserves a special thank you: we had asked and paid for lunch to take on our Ilamatepec hike, which started at 5:30 AM. We said there was no need to make it so early and that they could prepare it the night before, since our sandwich would get squished at the summit anyway. Still, they cooked it for us at 4 AM. It was delicious after climbing a volcano. The value is great: a clean private room at a reasonable price, with breakfast included. I appreciate that the price is fair even though it's called a hostel. Just know that this isn't a good place for light sleepers. It's right in the center of town, where buses and pickup trucks are constantly dropping people off and picking them up. Nearby homes and businesses mean you'll hear noise through the night, and people can start their day as early as 4:30 AM. That's normal in a country where the day starts early. I've stayed here again and used earplugs, because the value makes up for the lack of quiet. I also had two great hikes led by a local guide.

The constant noise outside was another problem, with a phone shop blasting music and people hanging around nearby all day. For a place charging this price and calling itself four-star, it wasn't worth it, and I wouldn't book again when there are better options elsewhere. The stay felt like one problem after another. The AC didn't work, so we had to change rooms after we'd already unpacked. I also gave them laundry in a cotton wash bag I'd used throughout my travels, but the bag went missing. They could only say they didn't remember where it had been put, even though the laundry had been done just a few hours earlier and the hotel wasn't particularly busy. I've had laundry done plenty of times elsewhere without any trouble.

The noise was unbelievable, from construction going on from dawn to dusk to the very loud mini taxis that sound like four-wheelers. Dogs barked on and off for hours. The bed was comfortable, and the room was clean enough. You have to haul your own luggage up to your floor, and the reservation desk is on the second floor. The bathroom sink drains very slowly. There is a good TV with apps like YouTube and Netflix.