Hostel XS, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

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Travelling with girlfriend. Stayed at Hostel XS for 3 nights. Reception desk is located at the rear of the property in a Launderia (laundry) which is staffed possibly by a mother and son team. We arrived in the afternoon when the son seems to run the show. He spoke very little english, only the basics, but was very friendly and helpful. Through combined use of our broken spanish, his broken english and a staff member of the near-by Rooster Cafe we were able to complete the check-in.

We had booked a room on the understanding it would have air-con. When we got into the room it did have air-con but there was no way to control it on or off. We decided that since it was late in the day and due to language difficulties we would just worry about it tomorrow. Next day the mother was working in the laundry, she requested we pay for our stay as no money had changed hands the day before. We ask for the remote for the air-con, she requested $100MXN. We said that we thought it was included. She played dumb until we showed her the advertisement on the Hostelbookers/Travellerspoint website advertising air-con. She reluctently agreed to provide us the remote at no extra charge.

Additional to this, whilst the rooms were neat and tidy with comfortable bunk beds, the bathroom/toilet needed a significant clean with mildew and mold growing on the walls of the shower. The toilet waste basket was half full when we arrived (there was one spanish girl who had been staying for 4 days prior to us) and did not get emptied the whole time we were there. Secure storage in the rooms isnt overly secure and one of the keys to the lockers had been lost so we couldnt use it anyway. It doesnt matter too much as the doors lock really well and it is a reasonably safe place anyway.

Shame there is no kitchen facilities. There is a fridge to keep food and drink cold though. Also advertised with the rooms was a free continental breakfast at the Rooster Cafe. The breakfast consisted of 3 - 4 small pieces of toast with margarine and jam with a orange juice or coffee. Would have been nice if they chucked in a piece of fruit as well or something like that. Didnt matter too much as the supermercado is about 5min walk where we got a yoghurt and banana to supplement our breakfast for about $35MXN.

Location is excellent and better than that of the Poc Na Hostel. Surrounded by restaurants and bars etc. Could be a tad loud during peak season but pretty much everywhere closed up by 10 or 11pm. I recommend the restaurant directly opposite the hostel or the small "comida economicas" round by the post office. Good quality, tasty, cheap food at both places especially the "economicas" by the post office (less than $200MXN for two meals and two drinks including tip).

Overall

3

Location

5

Cleanliness

3

Value

3

Facilities

1

Service

4

garethrodda stayed here in Jun '11