Hostel 1 - Viajero CDMX

Overall I'm thrilled with this hostel, which is part of the Viajero group. I'm also not 10 years older than most people here which was my initial worry! There are, of course, many gap year travellers here but there are a significant number of travellers in their 30s and 40s which is encouraging.

It's in the Centro Histórico - the old part of town - and it was only 20min in a taxi from the airport.

(Side story: I got an airport taxi to the hostel. I checked on Uber how much it should cost ($160MXN) but couldn't see where to get the Uber from and didn't want to wander around with my bag at night. So I got one of the officially licensed taxis. Although they are officially licensed they still will take you for all they can get. $300MXN he charged me - until I told him in Spanish that this was rubbish and I'd not give him a cent more than $200 and he could take it or leave it... he took it!)

I'm in a 12-bed dorm and I have a top bunk. I much prefer bottom bunks for practicality but for privacy top bunks are better. It's a mixed dorm so I usually get changed in the shower cubicle. The shower cublicles are large with a bench and a space for changing and a door that locks. I have a small locker on the floor that fits my backpack lying down. I've already started accumulating stuff on my bed though rather than try and get into my locker at night! No fan or air-con in the room although I've been assured they are bringing them in at some point in the future.

The hostel has lots of activities every single day and there's a really good vibe. I've met some great people. I've done a few of the hostel activities so far. Last night we did a Kahoot quiz on Mexico and I won (even against Mexicans!) and I got a tshirt and a cocktail for my efforts.

The absolute best thing about any hostel is that there are people here from all over the world, so I've already had the chance to practice my German, French, Dutch and Italian. I'm speaking Spanish constantly, of course.

I've had breakfast every day at the hostel. There's always healthy fruit juices, coffee and tea and then a 2 course breakfast, yoghurt and fresh fruit followed by a hot course - I've been having scrambled eggs with Mexican chorizo. I find it sets me up for the day and all I'll feel like having at lunch time is fresh guava or passionfruit juice. At the time of writing it's my last full day in CDMX and tonight my 4th and final night at the hostel. They have many hostels over 7 countries and I'd really recommend this group.