Sleeping: Isla Mujeres

Poc-Na Hostel

As far as hostels go, Poc-Na has been mostly impressive. While there are a few downfalls worth noting they don’t overshadow the overall appeal of the hostel. Right on the beach with free yoga and plenty of hammocks to relax in during the day — this place is hard to beat on the island.

It is impeccably clean — everything from the obvious (bathrooms/common spaces) to the discreet (dust/yellowing leaves on the tropical plants) is taken care of here.

The rooms are basic. Our room had 3 bunk beds (6 beds in all), a bathroom and lockers outside the door. The lockers had more than enough space and you have to provide your own lock.

The layout of the complex lends a great tropical island vibe with steping stone paths leading you through the wrap-around lay-out of the white stucco buildings. A large palapa serves as the common room and bar with free wifi and various drink and food options to buy.

Some of the not-so-charming aspects of this hostel are the plastic bracelet (sort of like the ones you get at a music festival, or other multiple entry event) you are required to wear during your stay. For us, it was really a bother (scratching your skin in the shower, etc.). We already had a large laminated card attached to our dorm key, couldn’t that serve as sufficient proof that we are guests. Also, if you are working on your tan, the unremovable wristbands just add to unwanted tanlines. There is just really no upside to this and we are 100% anti-bracelet.

The drink menu is priced the same as or more than bars on the street and you are prohibited from bringing your own drinks into the hostel. Our advice is to go to one of the many SuperMinis and buy the 12 peso beers, or head to the grocery for a 12-pack and enjoy the crashing waves and brilliant stars on the beach. And if you’re a group, it wouldn’t hurt the budget too much to go in together for some mixed drinks (ron y coca cola, vodka, tequila, pick your poison).

The kitchen is complete, but it is also off limits to guests. This makes it difficult since preparing your own food is one of the biggest money savers when tramp traveling.

Despite the downfalls, we still give it the Border Tramp approval. The young, eclectic and diverse staff here maintains a great vibe and all day there is music playing ranging from reggae to Bone Thugs-N-Harmony to The Beatles and everything in between. A large beach patio is part of the complex as well as a beach bar complete with dancefloor. Even if you don’t stay here, it’s likely you’ll end up partying at the Poc-Na bar during your stay on the island (if you like to party, anyway).

RATES:

(If traveling as a couple, make sure to ask about a private room, as they go for $24USD/ $300 pesos)

Standard bed (dorm) – $9USD / $115 pesos

Bigger, better quality bed – $11USD / $135 pesos

Even bigger and better bed – $12USD / $155 pesos

Big bed with air-conditioning – $14USD / $175 pesos

Camping (tent and sheets not included — you aren’t permitted to hammock camp) – $7 / $75 pesos

*a breakfast is included: toast with butter/jam/honey, a piece of fruit and bottomless coffee.

CONTACT INFO:

15 Matamoros Ave.

Phone: (52) 998 877 0090
Email: info@pocna.com
Website: http://www.pocna.com

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Hotel El Caracol

Hotel El Caracol

Located on c/Matamoros near the intersection with Avenida Vicente Guerrero. Free wifi, refrigerator in rooms, clean with nice beds. If you’re traveling in a group this hotel could be a nice option. And the refrigerator really helps on costs since you can keep food from the grocery, ice for your cocktails or cervezas cold.

RATES:

1 person, shared bathroom – $8usd

2 person, private bath, with fan – $16usd

3 person, private bath, with fan – $20usd

A/C available for $8usd fee

Extra person – $4usd

CONTACT INFO:

Calle Matamoros near the intersection with Avenida Guerrero

Phone: 998 87 70 50
Email: Huguin_pro@yahoo.com

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Hotel CarmelinaCentralAmerica_Mexico_IslaMujeres_Cheaptravel_Hotelcarmelina_1

In 2009, while we were traveling with Mom and sister (Cristi and Cassidi, respectively) we stayed here. It was clean, cool and with 3 beds, we were all more than comfortable enough. It’s a bit pricier, but likely the cheapest you’ll find three beds, private bathroom, A/C and a refrigerator. And given the time of year, you will likely be able to negotiate a cheaper price. We did.

It is located near the corner of Calle Matamoros and Avenida Guerrero.

RATES:

3 person, 3 beds, air-conditioning, refrigerator, private bathroom – $40usd

CONTACT INFO:

Calle Guerrero nº 4

Phone: +52 01 998 877 00 06
Email: hotelcarmelina@hotmail.com

Take me to EATING: ISLA MUJERES

 

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