Every day of the year, we are on the road, which means we’ve stayed in countless hotels along the way. Amid all the grimy and disappointing budget accommodations, there are some hidden gems among the economical lodgings. Here, I want to share some hotel tips that include establishments we confidently recommend after personally trying and testing them, demonstrating that budget travel can be both enjoyable and comfortable. So, if you’re asking yourself: where to stay in Valladolid? You’ve come to the right place!
While we mentioned this Mexican inn in articles about visiting Valladolid and in my list of 33 things I love about Mexico, a comprehensive review of La Candelaria Inn is long overdue.
La Candelaria Hotel is situated on a tranquil square in the colonial town of Valladolid on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, close to the renowned Chichen Itza Mayan ruins. It’s run by a hardworking Dutch-Nicaraguan couple whose dedication and love for the inn, along with their own travel experiences, are evident in the presence of all these thoughtful amenities that collectively enhance comfort and guest satisfaction.
A ten-minute walk from the bus station brought us a warm welcome, a tour of the premises and all common areas, making us feel immediately at home. Next, we received a map with markings for all the town’s significant tourist attractions, paths to two natural cenotes just outside the city, great dining spots, and places to get cash.
On our way to our rooms, we first encountered two curious little Chihuahuas and a cat living in the inn. These resident pets are always happy to cuddle on your lap if you need companionship and lots of amusing entertainment. Private rooms are set across two levels, facing a spacious outdoor courtyard. We stayed in two different rooms at La Candelaria Hotel, and both rooms featured firm and comfortable beds with soft pillows, crisp white linens, cable TV, a small desk, and Mexican decor. The main building has two rooms with several dorm beds, one upstairs for females and one downstairs for males, each with spacious lockers. Two cozy common rooms are equipped with sofas, a TV, musical instruments, and games, giving this hostel a homely feel.
The bathrooms at the Valladolid hostel are shared – the dormitory bathrooms are inside the house, and the private rooms share outdoor shower/toilet facilities on the two levels. The bathrooms are kept spotless, with excellent showerheads and constant hot water.
The outdoor space is perfect for bookworms, with a couple of hammocks hanging under the shade of trees, and it’s adjacent to the large outdoor kitchen (which is one of the highlights down below).
The covered outdoor courtyard at the Valladolid accommodation is very inviting, with two long tables and a small table and chairs, where guests can gather in the evenings for conversations and relaxation. The Wi-Fi signal is also strongest here, making it the place where most Facebook interactions (and work, if needed) get done. For guests without a computer, there is a computer at the front desk for guest use.
Like much of Valladolid and the Yucatan Peninsula, it has good roads, and the best way to explore is by bicycle. La Candelaria has eight very cool, well-maintained blue cruiser bicycles lined up and ready for rent, priced the same as the bike rental shops in town.
Complimentary Breakfast: The hostel offers a breakfast experience that goes beyond the standard fare. Each morning, guests are treated to individual servings of fresh fruit, cereal, and yogurt. This healthier and heartier breakfast option is an excellent start to the day for travelers. Additionally, you can enhance your meal by grabbing a fresh, large bread roll and adding your choice of butter and jam. The highlight of the breakfast is the coffee, which is brewed in a substantial coffee maker. This machine produces delicious and robust coffee, and you can help yourself to as many refills as you desire. This complimentary breakfast is not just a quick bite but a fulfilling and satisfying way to begin your day.
Two Fully-Equipped Kitchens: La Candelaria offers the convenience of not one, but two well-equipped kitchens. These kitchens cater to the diverse needs of travelers, making it easy for guests to prepare their meals. One kitchen is situated indoors, providing a comfortable and air-conditioned cooking environment. The other kitchen is located outdoors, allowing you to cook while enjoying the fresh air. Both kitchens are spacious and equipped with the necessary tools and utensils for cooking. With multiple stovetops and ample counter space, several guests can simultaneously prepare their meals without any hassle. Furthermore, the hostel provides two refrigerators for storing your groceries and beverages, ensuring that your food remains fresh during your stay. To make cooking even more convenient, the outdoor kitchen supplies basic cooking ingredients like oil, sugar, salt, and spices, so you won’t need to purchase these items separately. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or simply prefer to prepare your meals, having access to these two fully-equipped kitchens adds significant value to your stay at La Candelaria.
These features collectively make La Candelaria Youth Hostel stand out as a welcoming and traveler-friendly establishment, where guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast and the convenience of well-appointed kitchens. Whether you’re seeking a hearty start to your day or the ability to prepare your meals, La Candelaria’s thoughtful amenities cater to your needs and enhance your overall experience in Valladolid.
Dealing with Small Creatures:
It’s important to address the issue of small creatures in an open space like La Candelaria. In warm destinations like Mexico, it’s not uncommon to encounter ants or other insects. While the hostel does its best to keep the premises clean, guests should be mindful not to leave food or food-related items out on the countertops for extended periods. This is a common practice in many tropical and subtropical areas to prevent attracting unwanted visitors. However, it’s worth noting that La Candelaria maintains high cleanliness standards to minimize the impact of these minor inconveniences.
Open-Air Bathrooms and Showers:
The bathrooms and showers at La Candelaria are set in the courtyard, providing a unique, open-air experience. To access them, guests walk across the courtyard wearing a towel. While this setup may not be ideal for guests who prioritize absolute privacy, it’s important to emphasize that many travelers find it to be a charming and memorable aspect of their stay. The open-air concept adds to the hostel’s relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, and it’s all part of the authentic experience of staying in a tropical destination.
La Candelaria’s Overall Appeal:
La Candelaria Hostel stands out as an excellent representation of what a hostel should be. It combines a warm and welcoming atmosphere with opportunities for casual interaction and meeting fellow travelers. At the same time, it offers the tranquility required for a restful night’s sleep. The breakfast served at the hostel is not just basic; it’s a delightful and satisfying meal that exceeds typical hostel breakfast standards. The cleanliness and upkeep of the bathrooms add to the overall positive impression of the establishment.
Value for Money:
One of the most noteworthy aspects of La Candelaria is its exceptional value for money. The prices for private rooms are notably affordable compared to other accommodation options in Mexico. Despite the budget-friendly rates, the hostel doesn’t compromise on quality and features. This combination of affordability and amenities is one of the primary reasons why travelers often choose La Candelaria when visiting Valladolid.
Strategic Location for Chichen Itza:
For visitors planning to explore Chichen Itza, staying at La Candelaria is advantageous. While many travelers opt to stay in larger tourist destinations like Cancun or Playa del Carmen and then embark on a long bus journey to Chichen Itza, Valladolid’s proximity to the archaeological site makes the trip more convenient and relaxed. It allows you to arrive early, avoiding the crowds and heat. Choosing La Candelaria as your base in Valladolid further enhances the overall experience, as it is well-equipped and provides the necessary comfort and convenience for travelers.
La Candelaria Hostel offers an exceptional balance of cost-effectiveness, a welcoming atmosphere, and strategic proximity to Chichen Itza, making it a top choice for travelers exploring Valladolid and its surrounding attractions. While some aspects, such as the open-air bathrooms, may not be ideal for every guest, they contribute to the unique character and charm of the hostel.
La Candelaria Hostel: Overall Impression
La Candelaria epitomizes what a hostel should be: warm and welcoming, perfect for leisurely exploration and meeting fellow travelers, while offering a peaceful environment for a restful night’s sleep. The breakfast is not only delicious but also a delightful start to your day, and the cleanliness of the bathrooms is commendable. We enjoyed our stay here so much that, in fact, we returned for a few more days after our initial visit before heading to Belize last year.
This hostel offers exceptional value for money, making it the top choice among all the accommodations we considered in Mexico. The prices for private rooms are notably more affordable than other lodging options in Mexico, and it doesn’t compromise on offering some of the best hostel features. La Candelaria’s strategic location near Chichen Itza makes it the perfect place to stay if you plan to arrive at the archaeological site early the next day. While many travelers opt to stay in larger destinations like Cancun or Playa del Carmen and then endure long bus rides to reach Chichen Itza, staying in Valladolid significantly eases and quickens your journey to this historic site.
La Candelaria Hostel combines hospitality, affordability, and convenience to provide a well-rounded travel experience. Its warmth, affordability, and proximity to Chichen Itza distinguish it as a top choice for exploring Valladolid and its surrounding attractions. Whether it’s the delectable breakfast or the clean facilities, La Candelaria offers an exceptional stay that’s hard to beat.
We’re not the only devoted fans of La Candelaria, and we believe it’s the best hostel in Valladolid. Below are the majority of the positive reviews on TripAdvisor:
Accommodation in Valladolid: La Candelaria
Location: Calle 35, Parque Candelaria
Prices: Private rooms at 250 MXN (21 USD), dorms at 100 MXN (8.40 USD) – including breakfast
LGBT-Friendly: Yes
Convenient Amenities:
Two kitchens,High-speed wireless internet,Hammocks,Garden,Lounge,TV,Bike rentals
Digital Nomad Friendly: Yes, only outdoors
Website: We haven’t found one yet, but we made our reservation through Booking.com.
