Casa Margarita's

Casa Margarita's is one of several other hotels (of higher price range) in the Copper Canyon region run by the same owner. When we were there, it really seemed like the place where all tourists stayed. Eventually we realised that it is because they sometimes have a bus waiting to pick up tourists with no accommodation booked and send them all to this place, although it would only be a five-minute walk from the station. It turned out to be a pleasant experience, although it can be overwhelming at first to see all these tourists congregated at one place in this small town, especially if you have been traveling alone or in small groups to get here.

The Location

This hostel is located at a corner in the town of Creel, a few minutes' walk from the train station. Walking along the street in front of the hostel, you will find most of what you need like places to eat, a bank, internet café, souvenir shops, and also The 3 Amigos, which provides all the information you need to know about the Copper Canyon region. The 3 Amigos also has bikes and trucks for rent to do your own exploration. The hostel also has bike rentals and they offer day tours provided that a sufficient number of people sign up for a particular program. Several streets away, you will also see museums and buses that depart for Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua, and other towns in the canyon.

Creel is known as the Gateway to the Copper Canyon. It is the largest town in the canyon and many suggests that is it a good place to begin your exploration of the canyon. It is 2,340 meters (7,669 feet) above sea level and according to the owner, it usually snows in winter. We find the town rather touristy. We supposed the very well-developed infrastructure for tourists was not expected from such a little town tucked away near the highest point in the canyon. Nevertheless, it is a nice, small town -- far away from pollution, and the hustling and bustling. Creel is indeed unique in itself.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The dormitory consists of two-tier and three-tier bunk beds, as well as some single beds in the corner along the hallway. We slept in a separate room with a bench, windows, and two two-tier bunk beds that have sturdy wood frames. Unless everyone in the room snores (or you are still freezing cold despite thetwo blankets given to you), it would not be hard to get some good rest even if the person sharing your bunk bed tossed and turned (lightly) all night.

While the entire section of the dormitory looks overcrowded, we assume that things might be different at the completion of the renovation when we were here in mid-January 2009. What we like about this hostel is that they first show you the rooms they have to offer before you decide to stay. So it is worth checking out this hostel when you are here.

There are two toilets (one for male and the other for female) and one bathroom with two shower cubicles to share in the dormitory. The only inconvenience is that there are only wash basins in the bathroom. So if someone is taking a shower, you won't be able to wash your hands until they are done. Now this is a good time to have one of those hand-sanitizer gels handy. If you want to avoid the hassle of sharing bathrooms, they also have private, en-suite rooms. The rooms are small but there is heating.

Common Spaces

The dining area adjoining the reception area (which is just a booth in the corner) is the only common space available. It is the first place you step into upon arriving at the hostel, with two long dining tables on the left, the kitchen that prepares breakfast and supper on the right, and the reception booth straight ahead. You can help yourself to coffee and tea for a small price. The hostel also provides a water cooler for you to refill your bottle at a reasonable fee.

As mentioned earlier, all these are likely to change once the renovation is completed and there may be more common spaces. The confined area they have now actually makes it very easy for travelers to meet and possibly make plans for a day tour together. Otherwise, it is just one step out of the hostel to escape for more space and a breath of fresh air.

Summary

The current owner, originally from Mexico City, seems genuinely helpful and the atmosphere at the hostel is quite relaxed once you get used to being surrounded by at least twenty travelers during meal times (decent breakfast and supper are included). It is great for meeting other travelers who come to explore the Copper Canyon region. We like this hostel and find the prices reasonable. We would recommend it to people who plan to visit this town.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
March 2009