Hostal Cumbres del Volcan Flor Blanca

I was satisfied with most things, and the location is great, between the zoning and the old town. But it gets too hot here without air conditioning. There are fans, though not enough power cords, and each bed would be better with its own curtains and light. Breakfast isn’t provided.

I paid $12 a night, which felt like fantastic value. The staff were kind and welcoming, and the female dorm mattress was good. There’s free water, plus beer and soda pop at reasonable prices. The place is airy and bright, with a small lending library and a tuned piano, a guitar, and an antique record player that plays at 17, 33, and 45. Great record selection, too. Pupusas are available nightly just down the side road, and the nearby Parque Cuscalatan is a wonderful park. You can get off the 102 microbus from the coast there.

Nothing was wrong, but there wasn’t much to write home about either. It’s an okay hostel for an okay price, with old rooms and an old terrace. The centre is about a five-minute Uber ride away.

We had a huge private room with our own balcony and a spacious bathroom. Breakfast in the morning was a highlight, and the staff were kind and helpful. The hostal is cute and fun, with pleasant shared living areas and a kitchen guests can use. It’s well placed for walking to the centro histórico, and there’s a great park across the street.