Merida, Calle 62 59720.95691,-89.626603(Show on Map)
7.7
Good
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+5 Photos
+ 3 Photos3
Checkin - Checkout dates
1 Room2 Guests
Info
Summary of reviews
Garra Charrua is a well-regarded hostel located in Merida, known for its calming atmosphere and strategic location within walking distance of the city’s central attractions such as Plaza Grande and the Cathedral. Guests appreciate its convenient proximity to key sites, yet the neighborhood remains tranquil, providing a relaxing environment away from the bustling city center. The hostel’s location is particularly advantageous for those looking to explore Merida further, thanks to easy access to bus stations, and the nearby local restaurants offer a delightful taste of Yucateca cuisine. The friendly staff are often highlighted for their exceptional hospitality, creating a welcoming environment and offering insightful local recommendations that enhance the visitor experience.
The hostel offers a complimentary breakfast that, while simple, is generally found satisfactory and appreciated for its hearty offerings. The rooms, especially the shared dormitories, are praised for their spaciousness, cleanliness, and comfort, with features like privacy curtains, personal lighting, and power outlets enhancing the overall experience. Although some areas, particularly the bathrooms and shared dorms, could benefit from improved ventilation and plumbing, the hostel maintains an atmosphere of cleanliness and warmth. The communal spaces, including the small pool, fitness corner, and garden areas, are inviting and well-maintained, providing guests with ample opportunities for both relaxation and activity.
The high-speed, reliable WiFi is another highlight, especially in the common areas, supporting work or entertainment needs. The gym, albeit modest, is appreciated for its contribution to guest wellness, and the outdoor pool is a standout feature, offering respite from the region’s heat and enhancing the peaceful ambiance. Although there are occasional mentions of pool maintenance issues, the overall impression is favorable.
Overall, Garra Charrua delivers an impressive combination of value, comfort, and hospitality, appealing to travelers seeking a balance between accessibility, relaxation, and engaging local experiences in Merida.
Categories
Pool
Outdoor Pool
Gym
Outdoor Pool
Romantic
Cheap
Adult Only
Small
Room Types
Double RoomThis double room is air-conditioned and has a shared bathroom and a tiled floor. The unit has 1 bed.
Budget Double RoomThis double room features a shared bathroom and a tiled floor. The unit offers 1 bed.
Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory has air conditioning and tile/marble floor.
Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory features air conditioning and tile/marble floor.
Double Room with Private BathroomThe double room provides air conditioning, an electric kettle, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The double room's kitchen, which features a refrigerator and kitchenware, is available for cooking and storing food. This double room offers a tiled floor and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Double Room with Private BathroomThe double room provides air conditioning, a tiled floor, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 1 bed.
Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
Guest Reviews
7.7
Good
Review Summaries
Location
Garra Charrua boasts a convenient position in Merida that guests frequently appreciate. Situated within walking distance of the central square, the hostel earns praise for its proximity to key sites like Plaza Grande and the Cathedral. Guests often find the 10-to-20 minute walk to the bustling center a manageable distance, allowing them to enjoy the vibrant downtown atmosphere without being right in the chaos. The neighborhood offers tranquility and a reprieve from the city's hustle, providing a relaxing environment for visitors.
The location is particularly valued for those looking for peace and practical access to both bus stations, making it easier to explore further afield. The quieter surroundings contribute to a laid-back ambience, complemented by a variety of nearby restaurants offering local Yucateca cuisine. Despite some mentions of a slight distance from the more touristy areas, the area’s quiet nature is often highlighted as a positive trait, encouraging a restful stay.
Combined with friendly staff and tasty breakfast offerings, Garra Charrua is well-regarded for providing good value, making it a choice destination for travelers seeking a blend of accessibility and tranquility in Merida.
Breakfast
At Garra Charrua, the breakfast offerings have sparked a mix of opinions among guests. Breakfast is included with the stay, providing a simple continental selection that is appreciated for being complimentary. Regular staples include toast, cereal, coffee, and fresh fruit, available each morning. Guests have described the breakfast as very decent for the accommodation price, with frequent mention of its filling nature. Some guests find it delicious, especially appreciating the variety that changes daily, while others feel a lack of variety, critiquing it as too simple or basic.
The breakfast is noted for its efficiency rather than extravagance, with highlights being the abundant portions and hearty offerings like muesli, toast, and an unlimited supply of coffee. A few appreciate the self-service coffee available early in the morning, which is a comfort for many. However, some guests feel that the breakfast could benefit from more choices, such as a wider selection of fruits or less sugary cereals.
Despite some opinions that the breakfast lacks excitement, several guests find it enjoyable and adequate, noting it's a nice start with complimentary portions. Overall, while there's room for improvement, the breakfast at Garra Charrua is generally considered satisfactory and appreciated for its convenience and inclusion in the stay.
Rooms
The reviews of Garra Charrua reveal a mixed experience for guests, with certain highlights and notable drawbacks. On the positive side, many guests appreciated the privacy offered by curtains in the dormitories, and found the rooms to be spacious and clean. The beds are often described as comfortable, with some rooms being reported as very cozy. Air conditioning is available from 8 PM to 8 AM in the dorms, providing relief from Merida's heat. The bathrooms, although basic, are generally clean, and private rooms offer the added advantage of having their own bathroom. Additionally, the facility is well-equipped, with a small pool, a fitness corner, and good Wi-Fi, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
However, several issues have been pointed out. Some rooms lack proper ventilation and windows, leading to unpleasant odors and stuffy conditions. Noise from street-facing rooms is a common complaint, and shared dorms are often described as small and cramped. Guests reported issues with air conditioning leakage, inadequate bed linens, and non-functioning power outlets. The absence of hot water in some showers and the presence of bed bugs for a few have led to uncomfortable experiences. While the private rooms are suitable for short stays, their value for the price is questioned, especially considering the additional costs for certain amenities. Overall, Garra Charrua presents a mix of comfort and challenges, appealing to those seeking basic accommodations with a few modern conveniences, but potentially falling short for guests with higher expectations or sensitivity to noise and ventilation issues.
Beds
The beds at Garra Charrua consistently receive high praise for their comfort and thoughtful design features. Guests frequently comment on the comfort of the mattresses and appreciate the privacy offered by the curtains surrounding each bed, especially in shared dormitory spaces. This design is enhanced with personal lighting and power outlets, making the space both private and functional. Despite some isolated complaints about older mattresses and occasional discomfort, the general consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests finding the beds cozy and conducive to a restful stay. The bedding, while somewhat dated, generally supports the pleasant sleeping experience. Overall, the combination of comfort, privacy, and personal amenities ensures that guests can relax and enjoy their stay.
Cleanliness
Garra Charrua presents itself as a mixed experience when it comes to cleanliness. On a positive note, the hostel is generally perceived as very clean, with many guests appreciating the pristine condition of the rooms and common areas. The bathrooms, in particular, are often described as clean, and the overall cleanliness is frequently praised by various reviewers. Guests also noted the attentiveness of the staff in maintaining cleanliness, which contributed to a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors have found the beds to be comfortable, and the communal spaces, including the pool and garden areas, are well-kept and inviting for relaxation.
However, some issues emerged in the feedback, indicating that the cleanliness could be inconsistent. The pool attracted criticism for being dirty at times, possibly affected by weather conditions, and some reviewers mentioned insect presence. The kitchen's cleanliness was occasionally questioned, often attributed to guests not following proper etiquette. While the hostel's cleaning efforts are generally commendable, areas like the bathrooms and shower facilities, which can become wet and are sometimes far from the rooms, have room for improvement. Overall, the hostel's clean and appealing environment stands out, though a few aspects require more consistent attention.
Staff
At Garra Charrua, the welcoming atmosphere and friendly demeanor of the staff consistently shine through. Numerous travelers highlight the warm and inviting nature of the employees, noting how their kindness makes guests feel immediately at home. From the owners to the volunteers, everyone is praised for their attentiveness and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant stay.
The reception team particularly stands out, offering valuable recommendations for local sights, routes, and activities, enriching visitors’ experience with insightful advice. Guests often extend their stays due to the positive interactions with the staff, underscoring the genuine care and attention they receive.
Additionally, the helpfulness of the staff is evident in their eagerness to assist with diverse needs, from language tips to maintaining suitableness and cleanliness throughout the hostel. The ambiance created by the team contributes significantly to the enjoyable environment, fostering a sense of camaraderie among travelers.
Overall, visitors consistently praise the exceptional service and geniality of the staff, declaring it among the friendliest encountered in hostels. Garra Charrua exemplifies excellent hospitality, ensuring guests feel valued and well-cared-for during their travels.
Wi-Fi
At Garra Charrua, guests frequently praise the WiFi, emphasizing its reliability and consistently fast speeds in various areas of the hotel. The common areas, in particular, receive high marks for having excellent WiFi, which is suitable for work, streaming, or staying connected with ease. The WiFi can be found throughout the hostel, with shared spaces boasting some of the best internet experiences visitors have had in Mexico. Besides speedy connectivity, guests appreciate the spaciousness of the common areas where the WiFi performs admirably.
However, a few guests noted challenges in specific locations, such as room #2 and smoking areas, where the signal may be weaker or experience occasional disruptions. Additionally, while the internet speed is impressive, there are isolated instances of connection drops that some guests have experienced. Despite these occasional hiccups, the overall sentiment remains positive, with many vacationers impressed by the robust WiFi capabilities during their stay.
Gym
Garra Charrua offers guests a harmonious blend of relaxation and fitness in its inviting environment. The hotel's gym, though modest in size, is frequently appreciated as a valuable amenity. Equipped with adequate facilities, it serves as a convenient corner for exercise enthusiasts looking to maintain their workout routine while traveling. Visitors praise the existence of free gym equipment, which complements their stay by adding an element of wellness to the experience.
In addition to its fitness options, the hotel provides various spaces that promote relaxation, with ample seating areas that encourage guests to unwind. The clean kitchen and availability of free water contribute to the overall pleasant atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for those seeking both leisure and activity during their visit. The accommodating staff further enhance the friendly and relaxed ambiance of the hostel, ensuring travelers enjoy a balanced and refreshing stay.
Pool
Garra Charrua offers a diverse pool experience that proves essential in the warm climate of Mérida. Generally perceived as a pleasant and welcome feature, the pool area is appreciated for its capacity to offer a cooling respite. It complements the well-kept outdoor spaces, which are often described as nice, beautiful, and inviting, enhancing the overall atmosphere of relaxation and comfort.
The pool, characterized as large and well-maintained, is a definite highlight with its ability to provide relief from the heat, particularly on sweltering days. Visitors frequently commend the pool's cleanliness and maintenance, although there are occasional mentions of insects, leaves, and murky water conditions detracting from its appeal.
Despite mixed reviews regarding pool cleanliness, many guests find it a good spot for relaxation, especially with additional amenities like loungers and hammocks around. Common areas and gardens, paired with friendly staff, especially noted individuals like Carina, contribute positively to the poolside experience.
While some reviews note operational limitations, such as occasional closures for cleaning, the overall ambiance of Garra Charrua remains favorable, with the pool being a significant facet of guest enjoyment amidst the warmth of the region.
Outdoor Pool
Garra Charrua offers a delightful escape with its inviting outdoor spaces that guests consistently appreciate. The hotel boasts a welcoming and spacious area, perfectly blending relaxation and functionality. Visitors find the outdoor space ideal for unwinding, with a well-maintained garden featuring practical tables and outlets for those looking to mix leisure with a touch of work. The terrace, equipped with a pool, provides a serene ambiance reminiscent of a relaxing retreat, complete with sun loungers and hammocks for basking in tranquility. Guests highlight the swimming pool as a standout feature, providing much-needed relief from the heat. Together with a decent breakfast, the combined amenities contribute to a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favored spot for those seeking both relaxation and comfort during their stay.
FAQ
Yes, Garra Charrua has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Garra Charrua.
No, Garra Charrua doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Garra Charrua.
