$250 pesos per night, private cabana with en-suite, 28th - 30th June 2014

vibe

Run by a Canadian ex-pat who has made Puerto Arista home for the last 30 years, this ramshackle assortment of breeze block cabanas set amongst coconut and mango trees, whilst lacking a little in love, is not without its charms. Set far enough away from the beach and the tourist-centric hotels, it is a little tropical hidaway.

location

If being dropped off by a collectivo at the lighthouse, continue walking in the same direction with the beach on your right for a approximately 15 minutes until you see road flanked by a small comedor and a large, luxury hotel, then turn left and you will see Jose's sign.

best thing

The cabanas, although basic are tremendously well-built with good showers, free towels, comfy beds and excellent mosquito-proofing! It was also pleasant to have our own 'veranda area' to enjoy a couple of sunset beers.

worst thing

Whether it was because it was low-season, the grounds and restaurant area seemed to be lacking a little TLC. When you have a very few guests to make welcome it must be easy to let things slide but it also takes very little for a good reputation to go sour...

value for money

Considering we had our own bathroom, it is one of the better value hostels that we stayed at in Mexico.

recommended for

Those not keen on the traditional hostel and travelling on a budget. Although, as we mention in our Puerto Arista post, if here in low season you may well find rates to rival Jose's.

top tip

Although breakfast is not included here, the prices are competitive when compared to the more costly beach-front restaurants, and the coffee is excellent.