Magical Cancún is a relaxed beach city on the eastern coast of Mexico. Separated into two very distinct areas, the Hotel Zone and downtown Cancún, you can easily live two different lives and experience the best offered by each.
The Hotel Zone is the long and thin stretch of beach that runs between Laguna Nichupte and the Caribbean Sea. Populated with all inclusive resorts, night clubs, shopping malls and movie cinemas this very Americanized tourist area offers the relaxation of beautiful beaches with food and drink just a footstep away.
Conversely downtown Cancún located just a 15 min bus ride away is the more authentic Mexican experience being amongst locals with supermarkets, laundry services, local bars and great street food style eateries and restaurants.
Personally I found downtown Cancún to be the authentic, easy going, good food, good people area that I had come to Mexico for and a huge contributor to my happiness in Cancún was Orquideas Hostel.
Located in the heart of downtown Cancún just 10 mins walk from the busy ADO bus station, Orquideas Hostel provides a haven for backpackers from all walks of life. This simple yet welcoming and comfortable hostel has everything a backpacker could need or want.
Hammocks hang sheltered from the elements at the side of the building. Music varying in styles from pop to retro to house mix, depending on who is in charge of the computer, plays into the hostel’s beautifully decorated central courtyard. This centre point serves as a wonderful area for guests to hang out, socialise, enjoy the company of strangers-turned-friends, and share the hostel provided daily breakfast and dinner at community tables.
Orquideas Hostel provides a full kitchen, all bedding, towels and hot water showers, free wifi and unlimited filtered water. Air conditioning is turned on in the dorm rooms overnight providing a comfortable sleeping environment, and the whole hostel is clean and well maintained.
The hostel staff are all friendly and informative and are able to assist with any questions, tour recommendations, partying options and directions, and their relaxed and welcoming attitude radiates throughout the guests, creating a really happy energy that fills the building.
If you are looking for an inexpensive yet authentic Mexican experience that is far enough away from the crazy expensive tourist zone, Orquideas Hostel is your place.
Thanks for the review! Gave me a insight into what the hostel experience is like. I’ve never done hostels before. Cheers. =)
Hostels are the best way to travel the world. There are so many people to meet, talk to, and have adventures with 🙂