In a smaller Moroccan city like Meknes, your options are limited for hostels -- but HI - Meknes Hostel provides basic accommodation at prices that will seem unthinkably cheap to those from Western countries. HI membership is not always checked, and the nonmembers supplement is tiny if it applies. Note that rooms may still be available even if online availability shows it being sold out. Reception closes "at night" with a lockout, but times are not specific.
The Location
The hostel is located in the new town, about a fifteen-minute walk from the medina and old town. A taxi stand is located close by to arrange trips to the Roman ruins at Volubilis. The hostel is well known in the city, but be sure to refer to it by its French name -- Auberge de Jeunnesse -- as that is how it is commonly known. If arriving by train, be sure to get off at the Meknes el-Amir station as it is closer to the hostel than Meknes station. Be sure to negotiate the taxi fare! Parking is available on the street outside the hostel.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The dorm rooms are very basic and a bit musty. Only one key is provided per room, so you must ask at the front desk for it. Linens are provided, but cleanliness is uncertain. The locks and windows are not extremely secure. Lockers are not provided. The rooms do not have much space. There are dorms ranging from three to eight beds, and three-bed privates are also available.
The bathrooms are very basic and quite dirty. Hot showers cost a fee, but cold showers are free. The showers have adequate pressure, but there isn't enough room to change. There is a hook. The bathrooms were apparently recently renovated, but you wouldn't know it from looking at them.
Common Spaces
The hostel has a small kitchen with a fridge and stove. There is a courtyard, a small "library," and a small inside area adjacent to the courtyard with seating and an old TV which may or may not work. Most people hang out in the courtyard. With the hostel being relatively small, and Meknes attracting mostly more intense travelers, it is quite easy to meet people in the courtyard. Breakfast is also served there in the morning -- very basic bread and freshly-squeezed orange juice. The atmosphere is lively at night, but not for partying. Alcohol is not permitted, but smoking is in the courtyard. Luggage storage is provided for a fee.
Summary
HI - Meknes Youth Hostel is pretty much your only option in town unless you wish to stay in a budget hotel. The price is so little for most travelers that it is worth trying to stay here. The facilities are very limited, but keeping in mind you are in Morocco, it is an ok place to stay for a night or two.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
September 2009
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