Hostal Zocalo - an experience

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Geo: 20.9797, -89.6158

Hostal Zocalo – Where do I start?

I am going to write a few short blogs on different topics so more photos can be fitted in, starting with where we are spending four nights, Hostal Zocalo. It costs £16 total per night for a double room with ensuite for 2 people including as much as you can eat breakfast, drinking water (to fill bottles) and internet access. You might be starting to get an idea of what it is like.

The position is great, right on the main square (Zocalo) in the old town, above and behind the ground floor shops so access is through a narrow shop selling and repairing mobile phones, providing internet facilities etc. It is so narrow that when there is a customer at the counter it is difficult to squeeze through between customer and glass display cabinet which stretches the whole of the wall. I have watched some strange manoeuvres as tired backpackers work out where to go and then try to get there with packs on without demolishing the whole glass wall.

After that hurdle the wide marble spiral staircase leads to the first floor reception area, which appears quite welcoming as you cross the threshold on to the lovely bright poppy patterned tiles. Then the disorientation begins. Without understanding why, you suddenly feel as if you are on a boat as you quickly try to wobble your way to the desk, the ground swaying beneath you, accompanied by a weird crunching sound! The reason for this surreal experience is that the floor tiles have become loose and are not lying flat so they rise and fall and tilt as you walk, grating against each in an intimidating manner. It is entertaining to sit and watch the faces of newcomers as they go through this unexpected initiation.

The building was once the home of a famous poet and must have been quite grand in its prime but now it is in need of urgent attention. The communal spaces are architecturally attractive, but bedrooms are squeezed in the other half of the building. Our bedroom is very small with a tiny ensuite which has such a high step into it that there is a child's portable step to use if you can't make it without. However, we sleep really well here and it is functional (apart from when the water went off for 18 hours, but that was the whole hotel not just our room!)

And then we come to the people. Saying it is a mixed group doesn't start to describe them.

There is an older man from US who comes here regularly for dental treatment and is having 7 crowns fitted this time as well as root canal surgery, a middle-aged Italian couple, the husband appearing to have his whole body tattooed (I am saying “appears” for obvious reasons – some parts I have not seen!) but who is a superb cook and has been giving me tips, an attractive long haired blond woman who lives here permanently and looks about thirty but told me she is fifty, a strange women who is very tall and appears severely anorexic, never seems to talk to anyone but the tiny kitten, an English couple with 2 young children, and the usual assortment of younger backpackers from various countries. In addition to guests, the owner and his son are here, the son often covering reception, and they have a constant stream of visitors popping in and staying a couple of hours. So it is always busy and chaotic but surprisingly friendly and homely.

The kitchen is available to make drinks or meals, and the breakfast provided includes cereals, fruit, bread, yoghourt, spreads, omelettes and pancakes. All very good. The challenge is finding a chair, plate, bowl etc and preferably all at the same time!

Underneath the appearance of chaos there is a surprising efficiency. We had 2 bags of washing cleaned and dried but when I put the clothes back in the case I realised there was a sock missing. The owner's son had been joking with me that they had done a perfect job so I went back with one sock and said, not quite perfect, where is the other sock. He laughed and said he would send for it the next day. I said it was not a problem so not to worry, and I didn't expect to see it again, but true to his word he held it up triumphantly when we returned home the next day.

It has been fun here and although we will appreciate a larger room next time if possible, we are very happy to have experienced Hostal Zocalo. Oh, and tepid water for showers would be good!

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Photos

Welcoming tiles - but don't be fooled.
Cross at your own peril!

Imposing staircase
But tough with a backpack or heavy case.

Our room
Not a lot of space but a comfortable bed and ensuite

Comments

[Aranza]

Ay Susanita, Susanita!!El hotel no parece mal, sobre todo si la comida es buena:0)El problema con los banios en Mexico es que luego falta agua... y cuando el agua se va... bueno... que te puedo decir tarda un poquito en volver ;0)!Me da gus
to que esten disfrutando la experiencia, tus vecinos /huespedes suenan bastante graciosos deberias de tomarles una foto para el recuerdo.Espero que entiendas todo lo que te escribi.Cuidate mucho.Aranza xx