Hostel La Casa del Tio Rafa

1 Ewa Szalkowska - a year ago

I really don't want to offend Rafa in any way, because he seems like a really kind person. But, the traveller vibe that you're going to see on the Hostelworld or Booking pictures is not there. I've stayed at the hostel for 3 nights and I was the only guest at the time. Rafa lives at the place, hangs out with his friends an it feels more like he's hosting you rather than being in a hostel. The bathrooms are not clean, there is no breakfast included (said otherwise at the side) and it can be hard to find a plug in the room. It can be a good option for someone who wants to have an extremely local experience but the hostel vibes are just not there.

The only big problem I have with this place is that I really don't think Rafa should offer a place like that on sites like Hostelworld, because it's just madly dishonest. The conditions are rough, which would be manageable if the hostel was just like shown on the pictures, with people having fun and all. The way Rafa is advertising his hostel is just not what it should be- after seeing the cool pictures your expectations may run high, especially compared to the extremely disappointing reality.

1 Yahiza Jaramillo Quiñonez - a year ago

The place is very old and not well maintained. The bathrooms didn’t work, there’s no hot water, no breakfast (even though it says breakfast included), kitchen wasnt clean and the garbage would accumulate ants. He’s friends with locals and one night his drunk friend came and kept bothering me for a hug and even tried to open the door to my room. I picked this place because it has good reviews but I think he recently gave up on the hostel and it’s falling apart. I wouldn’t recommend.

3 Robert Cooke - 6 years ago

The hostel is pretty central, about 10 minutes from the main ADO station and also close to the main tourist areas. It's a reasonably small somewhat cramped place. I was in a 6 bed dorm, the room has a fan, it would be a lot better with AC as it's very humid and I anyways woke up caked in sweat every morning.
They're was some renovations happening so everything was a bit rough and ready but sometimes upgrades need to happen I guess. Others who stayed before said the garden is really nice when it's done.

Rafa is a nice guy who is there to help all the time and good source of info who makes breakfast. A weird, and for me annoying, thing is that you can't get in or out on your own. Only Rafa (or assistant) has a key to open the main door. I don't like having to be let out, it made me feel like I was 10 years old again. I don't know why Rafa doesn't just invest in getting keys, it would certainly make his life easier!

It's fine, room for improvement but does the job for few days.

5 Natalia Swiechowicz - a year ago

Such a cool place to stay! Rafa - the owner, makes this place really special. Conditions are simple but it's everything you gonna need! :)

4 Miguel Ángel Meza López - 5 years ago

I really enjoyed staying there. It's a colorful place near downtown and not so crowded. It could be a little bit cleaner, but it's nice and cheap to sleep there. Tio Rafa is a cool guy, and it includes breakfast.

5 Peter Rasmussen - 5 years ago

This isn't just a hostel, it's a home.
Rafa is very welcoming and kind. The hostel is pretty close to the bus terminal, which is handy, and very close to 24/7 oxxo, a long with a proper super market. The garden is really nice, and the little cenote (the pool) is nice for the heat. The beds are ok, and there are lockers in the rooms.

5 Chris Adach - 6 years ago

It is a small, but very friendly and cozy place. The hostel is situated in the center of the Merida. During the day the main street can be busy but is quite in the night. The hostel has beautiful back garden with small pool and plenty of plants. You can stay here in privet room or dormitory.