Aline Hostel, Chefchaouen

Aline Hostel is nothing fancy, but it is very adequate and provides a good option for travelers on a budget.

The Location

Chefchaouen is a smaller town, with almost everything within easy walking distance (the exception is the bus station). The distance between the bus station and the Medina is walkable, but long and all uphill, and a taxi ride is cheap. The town is on a hill, though, so hill walking will be part of the experience regardless.

The hostel is located on the edge of the Medina, about a five-minute walk to the center, and close to many restaurants and shops. There are no supermarkets close by, though basic foods and snack items can be found in one of the many local shops, and nearby markets sell fresh produce.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The rooms are a bit of a tight fit, and without lockers beneath the beds, it can be a bit tricky to find space for bags. The bunk beds are sturdy enough, though there are not enough outlets for everyone. The rooms have no air conditioning, so it can get quite cold in the winter and warm in the summer, but blankets are provided. Security is questionable -- the staff keep an eye on the front door, but there are no lockers in the rooms and no locks on the bedroom doors.

The bathrooms are old but the water is hot and the pressure is good. There are a few hooks for hanging clothes and towels and plenty of room to change. The bathrooms are cleaned once a day. Sometimes a queue forms for the bathroom, especially at peak hours.

Common Spaces

The hostel is by no means a party hostel, but instead has a really relaxed but social feel. There are sitting areas on the main floor and the second floor, but guests tend to congregate on the rooftop terrace. The terrace has plenty of seating, outlets, and great views of the Spanish Mosque and the surrounding hills. Smoking is allowed in the first-floor guest room and on the terrace, so be prepared.

The top floor has a small kitchen for guest use with a fridge, microwave, and stove. A basic but free breakfast is served on the rooftop and consists of bread, butter and jam, and coffee or tea. Breakfast is a nice time to meet others and make plans for the day, and sometimes guests will just sit and chat and relax all day. Wi-Fi works pretty well on the first two floors, though not so well on the rooftop.

Summary

Though the hostel is simple, it is inexpensive and meets all the basic needs of the travelers. The rooftop terrace is the standout feature, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. There are certainly fancier choices in town, but this is a great place to meet people and serves as a good base for exploring Chefchaouen.