Pension California -- here's the skinny. Each room here has anywhere from one to six beds. The more beds in a room, the cheaper the per person rate ($1 US = appx 10 pesos): 1 bed 140 pesos, 2 - 190, 3 - 250, 4 - 300, 5 - 350, 6 - 400. Each room has a ceiling fan, although there's no guarantee the fan will work. The linens are clean, but the paint is chipping and the rooms are a bit dreary. There is a small closet in which to hang a couple things, and the shower, toilet, and sink are in the same small room. At least 15 minutes before you take a shower, make sure to turn on the hot water heater outside in the common living area.
The open-air common living area is much brighter and has more color and character than the rooms. There is a stovetop and sink. If you don't have a lighter or matches to light the stove, ask the front desk. Dishes, pots, glasses, silverware, drinking water, and several tables and chairs are provided. There is also space available in a common refrigerator. A TV, couch, and two chairs seem to dominate the living space, so if you're looking for sleep before 11 pm or after 9 am, it may be difficult as the echo is loud and the doors to the rooms do not seal tightly (ask if there's a room available far from the TV). A sign advertises one half hour of free internet per day, but this is rarely enforced. Just be courteous of others wanting to use the one computer behind the front desk. There's also a bookswap near the front desk.
The 24-hour staff are very friendly and speak limited English, and the atmosphere is very social. The place seems to attract international and local travelers of all ages. If you plan to be up late in the common area, or can't keep the cervezas in the local taverns, try to be courteous of those sleeping.
The building itself is older and colorful, mostly yellow with a lot of plants and a rooftop patio. The location couldn't be much be much better. There's a delicous taco stand right outside the front door (called SuperTacos), a bakery across the street (and another around the corner), and a market one block away with fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meats. It's in the heart of downtown La Paz, about two blocks from the boardwalk, and about a 10 minute walk to the marina. There is a bus station about six blocks away that runs buses to the beaches north of town for a dollar or two. If staying in La Paz for a week or less, this place seems to be the best deal.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
April 2005
Location/Contact
2 Average from 1 Rating
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