Lonely Planet Review
Spotless, straightforward, friendly and cheap - what more could you ask for? Location? You're smack in the middle of the Palermo Hollywood bar scene, and just across the tracks from Palermo Viejo, the hippest neighbourhood on the planet.
It's nothing fancy, but the two small dorm rooms and four private rooms are all comfortable, despite the fact that they're slightly small and dark. The common room is bedecked with old couches, a TV, stereo and a tall stack of CDs for guests to enjoy. It's a very inviting, nonchalant atmosphere that cries out, 'Kick back!' There's a communal kitchen and a small rooftop terrace to boot. Besides its location and the wonderful friendliness of the staff, another of Casa Esmeralda's main draws is its backyard garden, complete with two big hammocks for afternoon naps. And, of course, there's the constant love, attention and unbreakable enthusiasm of Mora, Casa Esmeralda's happy-go-lucky, bouncing black dog. Overall, it's a comfortable cross between a guesthouse and a hostel, low on pretensions and high on friendliness.
Review by author
Danny Palmerlee