Hostel Zocalo

I have stayed here many times in nearly all of the second floor rooms with a view of the zocalo. These rooms are great for candid shots with a telephoto lens. That is not the only plus to the Hostel Zocalo. The Hostel Zocalo is locating in a historic 18th century colonial home immediately next door to the historic home CASA DE MONTEJO, the founder of the modern city of Merida. Also the general location of the Hostel Zocalo is perfect for exploring the colonial center of Merida the market and Calle 60 with all the secondary zocalos and dozens of quality shops selling a wide variety of Yucatan handcrafts. The Hostel Zocalo is located just a ten minutes walk (6 blocks)from the second class bus terminal. Finally the breakfast at Hostel Zocalo is very good quality and more than ample in quantity.

Now I need to mention the 4 minuses to the Hostel Zocalo. First the Hostel Zocalo is on the main town square with circulating street traffic nearly 24/7. Second, some of the "Private Rooms" at the Hostel Zocalo are large colonial rooms divided into the "Private Rooms" by partitioned wall that do not reach to the ceiling. As such you can easily hear your neighbors. Third, at times there may be staff members that either are not suited to be in the service industry or truly dislike tourist or foreigners. Forth, the Hostel Zocalo room price structure is probably one of the highest in Merida, particularly for the "Private Rooms". You could easily find a regular hotel with lower prices, but that hotel will not be on the Zocalo with great views from some of the second floor rooms.

The price structure; dorm beds are $10.00, single private rooms range from $15.00 to $18.00, private doubles range from $23.00 to $28.00, private triples are $30.00 and quad rooms are $38.00. All of the beds I have used are standard size double beds and were comfortable.

The breakfast is included in the price of the rooms and includes coffee, milk, tea, hot chocolate, cereal, fresh local fruits, eggs, bread, butter and honey.

The facility of Hostel Zocalo includes a kitchen, in-room lockers, a guest lounge, a non-cable television, a book exchange, a laundry room (fee involved), a travel information desk, a currency exchange, 24/7 reception, 24/7 security, free parking, internet access (fee involved), free city tours, room fans, clean linens and luggage storage (possible fee involved for long deposits).