The Hostelz.com Review - Genuine, independent review you can trust.
Viñales Villa Maceo y Gladis is just one of a couple places offering dorm beds to backpackers in Viñales, this small town in the southwest of Cuba whose beautiful, hilly scenery attracts visitors all year round. Virtually every home in Vinales offers rooms to let to tourists. There is plenty of choice, but budget accommodation for backpackers is a lot thinner on the ground. This will surely change within the next few years as independent tourism gains a foothold in Cuba.
The Location
Located toward the eastern end of town, Hostel Maceo y Gladis is down a dirt road that leads off Calle Rafael Trejo. This road leads down behind house number one, hence the "interior" in the address. Be aware that this road can become a quagmire after rain. The hostel is a five-minute walk from the main street and its shops, restaurants, and bars.
Rooms and Bathrooms
There are three rooms at Hostel Maceo y Gladys. Two of them are private twin rooms, with two double beds in each. All rooms are en suite and have air conditioning including the dorm. The dorm has a double bed and a single bed. These are rented out as individual beds dorm-style, and can be booked online as such. The mattresses are firm and comfortable and there is a bedside table between the beds with a lamp and two power sockets. There is also some shelving to store unpacked luggage and some coat hangers.
The dorm bathroom is clean with an instant shower that wasn’t working when we stayed there, so cold water only. There is also a hand basin and a toilet and towels are provided on request. As well as the air conditioning unit, there is also a fan in the dorm. Guests are provided with a key to their room and the front and side gates are always unlocked.
Common Spaces
As guests enter the side gate to get to the rooms, they will find a small garden terrace with some garden chairs, benches, rocking chairs, and sun loungers. There is a fair bit of flowering greenery here, which attracts butterflies and birds, particularly hummingbirds. On the roof, accessed round the side of the house to the back yard, stairs lead to a mirador with a view of the mountains over the town rooftops.
Summary
Hostel Maceo y Gladis is ok, though not the best choice in Viñales. It’s down a very quiet street but still within easy reach of the tiny town center. It’s clean and the owners are helpful, though no English is spoken here. They can arrange any of the standard trips with guides, by bike or on horseback, into the valley and the gorgeous countryside around Viñales. They can also book shared taxis or collectivos for your onward trip. Unlike some of the other options, this hostel does not have a fridge in the dorm or a Wi-Fi hot spot, but it’s a reasonable choice for single travelers looking to share a room with others. The configuration of the dorm is not really as a Western backpacker would expect, but Cuba is just getting used to backpacker tourism and any attempt to cater for the more budget-minded is welcomed. As this hostel is one of very few offering this dorm option, visitors should book ahead, especially in high season.
Photos taken by the Hostelz.com reviewer — Genuine photos you can trust.
LondonroadMa
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on Dec 23, 2018
Location and Contact
Location
From the bus stop keep walking until the gas station 2 minutes then turn right and walk straight for 2 more minute and you will find our cosy and welcome to our house. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact the property.