Jirafa Roja Hostel

The Jirafa Roja is easy to find if you have a good map of the city with city streets that are clearly labeled. You can get a map and directions from the tourist office in the main square. The historic center of Queretaro isn't huge, so even though the hostel is located on the eastern side of the historic center, you can still walk to everything or hop on a bus nearby.

While the advertisements for Jirafa Roja make it sound like it has lots of services, in reality it is lacking quite a few. Both internet and laundry are not part of the hostel, but within a few blocks (but only available at specific times). In addition, there is only hot water if you turn it on well before your shower, but the hostel staff won't tell you this, so ask. Sheets are free if the laundry man has come (which apparently he doesn't always). There is a phone on site, but it takes special cards that the hostel sells. There are only staff members available in the hostel from 8am-9pm, so if there is a problem after hours you have to walk to a pay phone and call the cell of the person on duty, who may not answer.

The atmosphere, on the other hand, is pretty good. There is a terrace where you can sit (but you aren't supposed to drink alcohol, but the staff isn't always there...). A TV, VCR, and CD player in the common room are nice addition. The hostel is small, so if you are a light sleeper it may be a problem as the stairs are right by the bed rooms and the rooms don't have windows (or mosquito screens) to help block noise. Rooms are light and airy, but the large windows with crappy shades makes it hard to change clothes.

There is a stocked kitchen that appears clean and has a few community spices/items. However, in the morning beware as roaches tend to scatter as drawers are opened for the first time. The bedrooms and bathrooms are clean, but if there are sheets on the beds make sure to ask if they are clean. The hostel is very secure as lockers are available in the rooms (bring a lock), the dorm rooms lock, and the front door locks. While the Jirafa Roja isn't terrible, for the high price there are better options.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review