Hostal Haina

Hostal Haina is located in the old town of Cancun. Although it's only a fifteen-minute bus journey from the seafront, it is a world away from the "hotel zone" of Cancun.

It is five minutes' walk from the main bus terminal, although probably not the easiest of places to find without a map. A collectivo from the airport will set you back a few dollars and often includes a tour of the hotel zone first. It is advisable to have the address of the hostel written down for the taxi or collectivo drivers.

The dorm rooms are spacious with eight beds and a clean en-suite bathroom. There are large lockers to fit big backpacks. The beds are very comfortable -- thick comfortable mattresses and proper pillows make for a great night's sleep.

Breakfast -- consisting of coffee and orange juice, croissants, and brown bread to make your own toast -- is included. The toaster comes supplied. There is a veranda to soak in the sun, a place to hang out your washing, and a small TV room downstairs with a PC with internet for a small charge. There are free water refills near to reception. The kitchen can be used. Although small, it is adequate and has the basics including a fridge and kettle.

This is a quaint, tidy, and clean place, although it is very quiet and does not attract your average party backpacker. It gives off more of an atmosphere of a guesthouse than a hostel and has the standards to go with it. If you are looking for a couple of nights' quiet stay in Cancun either before or after your flight you could do a lot worse than Haina Hostel.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review