12 Responses to “Merida Yucatan Hostels”

1. "Jay Bridwell" said on October 1st, 2006:

   I am trying to determine the feasibility of buying a house in Merida and renting to tourists, students, etc. Could you either advise as to needs there or suggest another location?
   I am sixty-six and have around $200,000 to invest in something that will make me a living down there. Thanks, Jay.

2. "Working Gringos" said on October 1st, 2006:

   Jay,

   We have watched the hostel scene in Merida change dramatically over the past five years, from only two to over a dozen, most struggling to survive due to the competition. We’re not experts in this field, but we would not suggest Merida as a place to invest in this way at this time.

   There are two places we can think of that are underserved and growing in popularity: the colonial town of Izamal (about 40 minutes west of Merida) and the coastal town of Majahual, south of Tulum, on the “new” Costa Maya. If we were thinking of doing what you are contemplating doing, these places would be where we would begin our investigations.

   Suerte!

3. "Maryalice" said on June 4th, 2007:

   I am coming to Merida for a bat conference that is being held at the Fiesta Americana hotel. However, I’d like to stay in a hostel. There seem to be some hostels not so far from the hotel, but I thought I’d ask just to make sure – is it safe to walk alone in the evenings about 3-5 blocks? Thanks!

4. "Working Gringos" said on June 5th, 2007:

   Holy Hostels, Batman! There’s going to be a Bat Conference in Merida! Yes, it is safe to walk 3-5 blocks at night. We notice there is a Hobo Hostel on Calle 60 that isn’t far from the Fiesta Americana. It looks very nice and is in a renovated colonial building. There is also Suites del Sol, which isn’t a hostel, but furnished apartments with kitchens, etc. If you have someone who wants to share, this could be another economical way to spend your time in Merida.

5. "Phil" said on June 21st, 2007:

   You’d better off going somewhere where there is no competition.

   I own a hostel in Chihuahua, right in front of the train station to the Copper Canyon. I charge 140 pesos per person for a dorm, and 260 for a small double-room. Most hostels in touristic cities charge 90 pesos per person because there are so many hostels around. I can do my prices because I have no competition.

   Any question about starting a hostel biz, you are more than welcome to write to me.

   Best regards.

   Philippe

6. "lic. pedro gamez" said on April 12th, 2008:

   JAY I HAVE ONE HOSTEL FOR YOU ON DOWNTOWN STA. LUCIA HOSTEL

7. "Ron Johnson" said on February 14th, 2009:

   Dear Mr Bridwell
   A recent article in El Diario del Yucatan stated that there are more than 100 hotels in downtown Merida, and many of them are just the kind of hostel/guest house/bed and breakfast business you have in mind. The competition for scarce tourists these days is intense. You might make a living in the venture you contemplate, but I would think that more likely you are going to have to kick in your retirement check just to pay the bills of such a place at this time. I would wait for the economy to improve considerable, and maybe for the house prices in Merida to fall considerably.
   -Ron

8. "Mérida Mexico" said on June 5th, 2009:

   I am planning to visit the Yucatán Peninsula next year. I am sure Mexico is going to be a safe travel destination, despite the swine flu scare. It will be all right.

   So, where to stay? Any more suggestions? I am going to be a lonely backpacker and would like to find a cheap place to stay. Possibly under 50 $?

9. "Working Gringos" said on June 5th, 2009:

   All of the hostels and hotels listed above have rooms for under $50 US per night.

10. "Marie Callendar" said on September 20th, 2010:

    I am 64 yr old female looking to explore inexpensive retirement on the Yucatan peninsula three or four blocks from beach. I would like to rent an apartment. As I am just on social security I could only pay $300 USD a month. If possible, please reply.

11. "CasiYucateco" said on September 20th, 2010:

    Marie,

    A few thoughts: First off, there is a website called Yo-Listo ( = “I’m Ready!”) with a Forum where many participants are beach home owners or inhabitants or vacationers in the Progreso area. http://www.yolisto.com/

    Beach living anywhere in the world is not the least expensive. Even in Merida – which is a 30-40 min drive from the beach – it may be difficult to find an “American-ready” apt for $300 a month.

    Others have found a good solution serving as a house keeper/sitter/caretaker for beach home owners. When the owners come to town for one to two months a year, the caretakers can stay in a hotel or with newly made friends. We know of one person, who went by “Cap’n Bill”, who was successful in that. There may be others.

    Rather than paying rent, you’d be living rent-free, in return for taking care of and watching after the house. You’d need to develop your contacts for maintenance items, etc. Depending on the agreement made, you may have to cover utilities or other costs of living there.

    Again, Yo Listo may be the best place to look for that type of situation or to explore what solutions the folks who hang out there may have for you.

    Living alone as a single female on the beach in an isolated area is not a good proposition anywhere in the world, so a village like Progreso, Chelem, Telchac Puerto is a much better idea, at least from our way of thinking.

    Living in the Merida/Progreso area will be much, much less expensive, generally speaking than in the Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum “Maya Riviera” coast.

    Finally, maybe taking a vacation to Merida / Progreso would be a good idea to see what the area looks like and whether you’d like living here. If it turns out you don’t like it, at least you had a nice (hopefully!) vacation and experienced a new area of the world. And if you do like it and can make some arrangements, then problem solved.

    Best wishes!

12. "Sharon Wright" said on October 22nd, 2010:

    Dear Marie

    I too want to relocate to Merida in January! I have the same desire as you to try to find an apartment in Merida proper for about $300.a month and so I am wondering what luck you have found so far in your search? I teach art and Eglish here in Toronto and hope to continue in that vain when I reach Mexico while working on a body of work for gallery shows. Look forward to hearing from you or anyone else in the forum with input….thanks!

    Sharon