Renting a hostel in Oaxaca can be an awesome way to meet people, learn about the area, and experience the culture of Mexico. But with so many hostels in Oaxaca, it can be difficult to figure out which one to stay at! For anyone wanting to travel to Oaxaca, here are tips for renting a hostel in Oaxaca.
1. Don’t go too cheap
One of the biggest mistakes people make when renting a hostel in Oaxaca is going too cheap. Sometimes people will only have $10 and stay at “the cheapest hostel in Oaxaca”. This is a mistake for obvious reasons. If you don’t have the money to get a good room, then you should save more money and come back again. I’ve made this mistake myself once before and ended up sleeping on the floor with sheets provided by my hostel staff! I already get enough of that when I have to sleep on my dorm room’s floor back home, so I decided to pass on this one.
2. Don’t stay in the touristy areas
Most hostels in Oaxaca will be located in the center of the city. This is good for many reasons. Close to most activities, close to food, lots of transportation, etc. However, this is also a major disadvantage for those wanting to get off the beaten path! If you want true interaction with the people of Oaxaca and also have better prices (places farther away from the touristy areas will cost less) then consider staying slightly further out of town. Of course, this all depends on your goals as a traveler and what you value more.
3. Look at pictures and reviews
When I was looking at hostels to stay at, I wanted to see the inside of the place. Many hostels in Oaxaca will have pictures of their rooms and common areas. If you want specific things (like a kitchen, or nice beds) then be sure to search for the room you want by searching for the amenities you want.
4. Get a room with your own bathroom
While this may cost a little more money, it is well worth it! Many hostels in Oaxaca will require you to share bathrooms with other people. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, there are times where one wants their own space and privacy.
Renting a hostel in Oaxaca can be an awesome way to experience the culture, learn about the area, and meet new people.