The Hostelz.com Review - Genuine, independent review you can trust.
With an excellent location; plenty of information on what to do and see in Oaxaca; and a fun, welcoming atmosphere, Iguana Hostel Oaxaca is a great base for exploring the main things that Oaxaca has to offer.
The Location
If Iguana isn't in the heart of the city, then it's only a millimetre to the right at the most. Everything that Oaxaca has to offer is within an easy walking distance -- museums, markets, bars are all visible from the rooftop bar. The only thing lacking is a nearby supermarket, but there are ample smaller markets and specialty stores for other items. Transport is fairly easy to access -- tour buses and vans operate close to the centro, while the first and second class bus stations are a little further out from the centro but are still within a thirty-minute walking distance or a cheap taxi ride.
Rooms and Bathrooms
Dorms come in a variety of sizes, from four-bed dorms up to sixteen-bed dorms. Normally, this many beds in one room would be intense, but somehow it works -- rather than having triple bunk beds or cramming the beds together, the hostel has instead created three mini levels within the room (it's a very high room) with each bed having its own charging point and reading light as well as one locker per bed (the dorms do not lock). Most dorm rooms follow this design. Private rooms come in double, triple, and triple with en suite.
Showers are a little rustic but plentiful and clean; each shower is paired in a smallish room with a toilet and sink. The hostel has made good use of the space within the bathrooms; each shower room has towel racks and shelving so it doesn't feel anywhere near as cramped as it looks.
Common Spaces
Iguana has a great kitchen that's large and roomy with plenty of cooking utensils and facilities; there is also a large dining table to eat at in the kitchen itself. There is a decent book exchange, but it is located in the kitchen, which is new.
When you have sixteen-bed dorms, it's important to have multiple big, comfortable common areas and Iguana knows this, so good for them. There is the indoor common area just behind the reception with couches. Then there is the outdoor ground-level area with a table and chairs; all rooms lead out onto one of these two areas.
Above all this are the great rooftop areas; they're big, extensive, and multi-faceted. There is a gallery leading to the bar area; then another random side area; and above the bar, a crows-nest with hammocks and the best views of the city and surrounding mountains.
The common areas give you the ability to get the privacy that might be lacking in the dorm rooms, but they're also a great place to meet with other guests and the bar is a natural congregating area giving the hostel a fun, friendly vibe. The one downside is the absence of power points and dodgy internet, which is a shame, as this is a wonderful area to take care of all the odds and ends of travel.
Summary
Iguana has a lot going for it -- a great location, good attention to detail, and the little things that make a traveler's stay exponential more enjoyable. There's some work to be done, but at the moment it is still a win.
Photos taken by the Hostelz.com reviewer — Genuine photos you can trust.
Candy
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on Dec 6, 2018
Location and Contact
Location
• The Bus Station is 15 minutes walking all straight through Pino Suarez St south. At Morelos turn right, towards the city centre, one block and look for the bright green and yellow building, you can't miss us. • The Hostel is between Reforma and Benito Juarez Av. You can also take a taxi ($50 Mxp approx.) which will takes less than 5 minutes to get to the property. • The Airport is 20 minutes out of town. There are combis for around $60Mxn that take you directly to the Hostel. • For more information, please do not hesitate to contact the property.