Lonely Planet Review

The Moneda is an altogether more modest affair than the nearby Hostel Catedral, but longer established, and it has its faithful fans. Chief among its assets are a friendly, well-informed, bilingual staff and a terrific multi-purpose rooftop for email writing, hammock swinging or tequila sipping.

The hostel sits on Calle Moneda, one of the city's most exuberant and historic streets. Only the private rooms face Moneda, while dorms give onto an institutional gray-marble interior. The latter are adequately sized with five or six beds and corresponding steel lockers. Attached baths in either arrangement are exceptionally clean. All but the most frugal travelers should avoid the cramped 10-bed room behind the front desk, with poorly maintained facilities. The most attractive feature is the broad rooftop terrace, a pleasant hangout with impressive views of an adjacent former convent. Breakfast and dinner are served up here, buffet-style, and there are online computers and a bar. In addition to meals, rates include internet access and participation in several tours. The Moneda belongs to a private federation of hostels, with similar establishments in Oaxaca, Campeche and Tulum.