Central Pacific Coast of Mexico Accommodations

Guadalajara is chock full of low-cost hotels and hostels, most located within easy walking distance of the centro histórico. Most hostels are located west near Federalismo, while cheap hotels abound along Mina and Calzada Independencia. The latter areas occasionally suffer typical big city problems—24hr. traffic, poor room quality, and prostitution. Some of the best values are around the old bus station, a 20min. walk from Plaza Tapatía. This area’s advantages include proximity to Agua Azul and easy access to buses going to Guadalajara’s appealing surroundings, including Lake Chapala, Tequila, Tlaquepaque, and Tonalá. Accommodations run on the small side, so arrive early or call ahead to ensure a room. Hotels advertising that they cater to families are declaring themselves to be prostitution-free.

Away from the action, this area offers a slew of quality, low-priced hotels. Beware of the traffic; to ensure a relatively quiet night, request a room that doesn’t face the large streets.

• Hotel San José, 5 de Febrero 116 (☎3619 2811; hotelsanjose@hotelsanjose.com.mx). An unremarkable exterior hides a lush, beautiful lobby and immaculate, elegant rooms. All rooms with TV, fan, and private bath. More expensive rooms have been recently remodeled. Singles 160-230 pesos; doubles 190-270 pesos. Cash only.
• Hotel la Calandria, Estadio 100 (☎3619 6579). Wood paneling and brass decor greet visitors to this well-kept hotel. Rooms are clean and come with fan and private bath. Singles 115-180 pesos, with TV 135 pesos; doubles 150-200 pesos. Cash only.
• Hotel Royal, Los Ángeles 115 (☎3619 8473 or 3650 0914). Shocking pink walls and a plethora of tropical plants give this place a kitschy vibe wholly distinct from its urban setting. Clean rooms come with TV, fan, bath, and a little street noise. Singles 135 pesos; doubles 155 pesos. Cash only.
• Hotel Monaco, 5 de Febrero 152 (☎3619 0018 or 3619 0019). A gleaming white lobby leads to tiled, slightly worn rooms with bath, TV, and fan. Hotel restaurant serves cheap Mexican fare. Singles 110 pesos; doubles 130 pesos. Cash only.

Along Calzada Independencia

While hotels in this area are generally safe, it is not recommended to walk on the Calzada alone after dark. The 24hr. diners, bus routes, and cheap cantinas with mariachi bands make Calzada a noisy place at night.

• Hotel Metropolitán, Calz. Independencia Sur 278 (☎3614 9382). Rooms with clean, comfortable beds and tiled bathrooms open to a pleasant, sky-lit lobby adorned with old maps. Avoid rooms with windows facing the street. Reception 24hr. Singles 140 pesos; doubles 200 pesos; triples 230 pesos; quads 260 pesos. Cash only.
• Hotel Flamingos, Calz. Independencia Sur 725 (☎3619 8764), near Los Ángeles. Enamelled wooden desks and dressers make the simple rooms a bit more classy. All rooms with TV. Reception 24hr. Singles 170 pesos; doubles 210 pesos. Cash only.
• Hotel Ontario, Calz. Independencia Sur 137 (☎3617 8099). Across from Hotel Metropolitán, Ontario offers unbeatable prices (if not rooms) and good access to the centro. Simple, slightly run-down rooms with private baths. Reception 24hr. Singles 100 pesos; doubles 120 pesos; triples 150 pesos.

West Of Corona

Upscale restaurants and shops replace the taquerías and markets downtown as you travel west on Juárez, but the hostels nearby still offer solid lodgings for moderate prices.

• Posada San Pablo, Madero 429 (☎3614 2811). Basic but large rooms come with private or communal bathrooms. Travelers chat in the kitchen and courtyard. Laundry 50 pesos. Checkout 1pm. Curfew 11pm on Sunday. Singles 190 pesos, with bath 270 pesos; doubles 280/330 pesos; triples 299/399 pesos; quads 550 pesos. MC/V.
• Posada San Rafael, López Cotilla 619 (☎3614 9146). This former monastery-turned-posada had its 19th-century roots in mind when renovating. The original stone walls still guard the colorful courtyard. Rooms with phone, remodeled bathroom, and TV. Internet 12 pesos per hr. Singles 270 pesos; doubles 330 pesos. AmEx/MC/V.
• Hostel Vallarta, Rayon 135 (☎3825 7278; www.hostelworld.com), off Juárez. This secluded hostel lies west of Federalismo, a short walk from the Parque Revolucionario and the Ex-Convento del Carmen. Lounge with talkative, amiable staff in the breezy courtyard. Kitchen, TV, lockers, and Internet available. Breakfast and linens included. Reception 24hr. Singles 135 pesos; doubles 300 pesos. Cash only.

Around Plaza Tapatía

The hotels clustered around Tapatía charge more than others in Guadalajara, but the easy access to the plazas and downtown sights more than make up for the extra pesos. Word of caution: the cheapest hotels may be frequented by prostitutes; the tourist office advises visitors to avoid lodgings southeast of Mina and Calzada Independencia.

• Hostel Guadalajara Centro (HI), Maestranza 147 (☎3562 7520; www.hostelguadalajara.com). Funky art and plush couches set the tone for this hostel in the heart of the downtown area. Communal bathrooms and dorms with balconies overlooking the streets. Breakfast and linens included. Private rooms for 1-3 people have fan and TV. Laundry 50 pesos. Kitchen and storage available. Free Wi-Fi and Internet. Reception 24hr. Check-out 10am. Dorms 145 pesos; private rooms 250 pesos. 10 peso discount for ISIC members, 30 peso discount for HI members. Cash only.
• Hotel las Américas, Hidalgo 76 (☎3613 9622 or 3614 1604), at Humboldt. Paintings and well-groomed native plants complement clean and simple rooms. Carpeted rooms have fan, phone, private bath, purified water, and TV. Ask for a room away from the noisy street. Reservations recommended during the summer. Reception 24hr. Singles 200 pesos; doubles 255 pesos; triples 285 pesos; quads 315 pesos. Cash only.
• Hotel Imperial, Mina 180 (☎3686 5718; fax 3586 5719). Good upkeep, friendly staff, and the cool, protected lobby/courtyard make the Imperial worthwhile. Spacious rooms come with fan and private bath; some with cable TV. Wi-Fi access. Reception 24hr. Singles 150 pesos; doubles 200 pesos. Cash only.