Casa Zalaoui Hostel — Hotel in Jalisco

I'm still in Casa Zalaoui while writing this, and I just can't wait to write a positive review about this place. Before arriving, I actually attempted to cancel my reservation because I wasn't sure if a backpacker-style accomodation was a good idea (my first time), especially for introverts like me who are just not fond of social interactions. I really just wanted to save some money, and spend more on food and souvenirs that's why I have considered this place. But it was too late to cancel because there's a cancellation fee, and I didn't notice that policy when I booked. Anyway, I'm so glad I didn't cancel. First, It really has a great location, very near the major tourist attractions. I just walked from the hotel to the Plaza, Catedral, Museums, etc. Also there are a lot of restaurants nearby. I even spent an hour a while ago deciding where to eat lunch. They have a fast wifi, free breakfast, and kitchen with available mineral water for the guests. The interior design of the place is simple yet impressive - very homey. But perhaps the biggest reason why I gave it a 5-star rating is due to their outstanding hospitality and customer service. The hosts are just so nice and helpful. They all smile a lot, and very attentive to your needs. I was even asked 3x if I have already eaten, if I have my umbrella with me in case it rains, if I know the way, if I need any help, etc. When I went back at 8:30pm today, the host asked me if I would like to have "tamales" for breakfast tomorrow (for free). They even provided me with brochures of tourist attractions, and recommended some places to visit. It's rare to find this kind of service even in 5-star hotels, without worrying on giving a tip or other compensation. The place has that homey feel, and you're treated more like a family. Of course, don't expect state-of-the art facilities, and gigantic, luxurious rooms. One thing you should know about Guadalajara is that it's very hard to find a private room with private bathroom in or near the centro worth 500 MXN below. This is an expensive city. In Acapulco and Mexico city, you could find private rooms for 400MXN. Here, I paid 270MXN per night for a shared male dormitory (2 beds in a room). But lucky me, I'm solo in my room during my stay. Anyway, this place is ideal for tourists who don't mind less privacy and smaller rooms, looking for cheaper place to stay but located in a great location, and want to experience superb hospitality. I will surely go...

Right from the start, the communication and support from this hostel was fantastic, timely and helpful. The location was fabulous and we walked everywhere. ||On the down side, the hostel was packed with lots of personal belongings and We felt a bit like an intruder in someone's home. Especially because our room was past the living room and then through the kitchen. I understand that a family might be living in the hostel, but in my experience it is often more "hotel" like than totally someone's home. ||In the morning they will serve you instant coffee and toast. If you want something more substantial there is a cafe towards the church on the left that has a great breakfast. We were thinking it would be beneficial for them to make a deal together. ||Overall everything was fine. The location was fabulous and their assistance in setting up tours for us was great. We just felt a bit intrusive to...

I booked a single room, with bathroom for two nights for $761 pesos. When I arrived the very nice elderly person had access to no computer to verify my booking. I showed her my booking on my iPad. I understand the booking was in English, so I called my friend to make things clear. That did not help. She insisted on charging me $450 pesos per night and giving me a room with three beds, and a bathroom, and that there was no room the following night. This scene got worse, the elderly person was nice and is a gem. My translator even realized that it is not her fault. I booked this hotel for many reasons, one is "little English" to match my "poquito espanol". She called another hotel around the corner and got me a single room with bathroom, but...but...i am still being charged by Hotel Zalaoui, and the other hotel is...