The Hostelz.com Review
At Chac Mool Hostel, you get a free welcome beer upon your arrival, which makes for a great first impression.
The Location
Located close to the bus station, it is neatly tucked a few blocks away from Tulum Avenue and sits at the corner of wide open plaza. There are abundant restaurants and cheap food stands close by. Local bus transportation is also just a few blocks away, which makes it easy to get to the main strip. Walmart is also within walking distance.
Rooms and Bathrooms
There is a mixture of co-ed and single sex dorm rooms along with private rooms. All dorms are located on the second floor above the restaurant. The dorms consist of bunk beds with varying mattress quality. Inside the rooms are metal lockers large enough to store a medium-sized pack (or a large one if you push really hard). There are plenty of showers and toilets to go around -- however, with the open layout it is hard to get a feeling of privacy. The toilet stalls themselves are a bit cramped and you will find that you are banging your knees against the door. Gymnasium-type showers have hot and cold water. Some of them have hooks and enough room to create a changing area.
Common Spaces
The main common area is the restaurant and bar downstairs. The food at the restaurant is comparable to other restaurants surrounding the area, but cheaper food is available across the plaza at the food stands. The computer area also makes for a great area to meet other travelers. However, with the restaurant downstairs and the main plaza right outside of your window, don't expect to fall asleep too early. There is also a kitchen but all the appliances are rather old and rusting.
Summary
If you're in Cancun and need a place to stay, this hostel is definitely one to consider. While the free breakfast is a bit meager (toast, jam, and coffee), and the interior a bit dark, the overall atmosphere makes up for it. American money is accepted but better exchange rates are given by money change vendors on the streets.
The Location
Located close to the bus station, it is neatly tucked a few blocks away from Tulum Avenue and sits at the corner of wide open plaza. There are abundant restaurants and cheap food stands close by. Local bus transportation is also just a few blocks away, which makes it easy to get to the main strip. Walmart is also within walking distance.
Rooms and Bathrooms
There is a mixture of co-ed and single sex dorm rooms along with private rooms. All dorms are located on the second floor above the restaurant. The dorms consist of bunk beds with varying mattress quality. Inside the rooms are metal lockers large enough to store a medium-sized pack (or a large one if you push really hard). There are plenty of showers and toilets to go around -- however, with the open layout it is hard to get a feeling of privacy. The toilet stalls themselves are a bit cramped and you will find that you are banging your knees against the door. Gymnasium-type showers have hot and cold water. Some of them have hooks and enough room to create a changing area.
Common Spaces
The main common area is the restaurant and bar downstairs. The food at the restaurant is comparable to other restaurants surrounding the area, but cheaper food is available across the plaza at the food stands. The computer area also makes for a great area to meet other travelers. However, with the restaurant downstairs and the main plaza right outside of your window, don't expect to fall asleep too early. There is also a kitchen but all the appliances are rather old and rusting.
Summary
If you're in Cancun and need a place to stay, this hostel is definitely one to consider. While the free breakfast is a bit meager (toast, jam, and coffee), and the interior a bit dark, the overall atmosphere makes up for it. American money is accepted but better exchange rates are given by money change vendors on the streets.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
April 2008
Their Description
Chac Mool Hostel Details
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Chac Mool Hostel Reviews on Other WebsitesHostelz.com Guest Reviews
Close to activities, cool bar and restaurant Airport staff had to tell me where to catch the downtown bus. don't expect the taxi drivers to tell you. a quick shuttle to terminal 3, and I rode inside this sweet A/C'd bus ($3.50) into the downtown of Cancun. Different locals easily knew where Palapas Parque and Chac Mool were located. A friendly woman greeted me and I found they have nice rooms, an excellent bar (however be patient if it's too busy), comfy couches, internet, and a discotheque club atmosphere without hassles. Quiet by 2 a.m., close to tours (two blocks on Tulum Avenue). I recommend the Chichen Itza, which is where Chac-Mool gets its name. Good food, pleasant drinks, hip staff, cool crowd, but I really enjoyed hanging with locals at the eateries around Palapas Parque and along Tulum boulevard. — Jason , American (2008-04-28) Very nice, clean, and friendly We stayed here on landing in Mexico, it's in downtown cancun, which is a bit more authentic than the hotel zone, which is full to the brim of Americans on their summer holidays. We had a private room which was clean and big, with an en-suite too. It's all very clean and tidy, with security to the stairs at night to stop any unwanted visitors. The bar next door is an ideal retreat and they offer one hour free internet per nights stay and a free breakfast too. — Galeo , UK (2007-08-16) The bar is good, the rooms are nice and clean, the only thing is the breakfast. be prepared for 2 slices of bread, coffee, and orange juice. and that's it. besides that I really recommend this place. — Rebe (2006-12-09) I had the time of my life here! The hospitality was GREAT! The BEST music in the city on the weekend! I will be back....Thanks for making it special (E)......not to forget the Chef that made the BEST Breakfast ever......Habenero's are HOT! But worth the time!! — Larry Jungst (2005-12-23) I stayed at several hostels and Chac Mool was my favorite! Hi to all the cool people!! What a family atmosphere (young family — even the 45 year-olds were cool)!! And it was safe! (With cute guys.) — yo baby (2005-05-04) I had so much fun at this hostel! The owners were great and always attentive. Everything is nearby and they have the best terrace to hang out and chat with others. — Anonymous (2004-08-04)