If you are on a hostel budget but want something a little less rambunctious, look no further than Flores-Tikal, a backpacker B&B, (est. April 2007.) You can see the sign for Flores-Tikal from the bridge as you pass into Flores from Santa Elena. Instead of following the instinctual left hand curve of the main road hang a right down the quaint alley walkway that leads to Flores-Tikal, peace-love-town.
When you walk through the door, if you’re like us, you get an immediate welcome home feeling. The lighting is passive and water cascades from the roof two-stories above into the lobby. With Angelica’s family attending to all parts of the business you get the feeling a touch of respect is in order. For some this is comforting. For others seeking a traditional, lively, traditional hostel with dorms, bunks, etc. Los Amigos hostel is only two blocks away.
To the right of the lobby is the sleeping area for guests where there are private tee-pees over futon mattresses. The tee-pees are made of thick white fabric hung from the ceiling, and have televisions with cable inside. They are quite private as communal sleeping areas go and you can rent DVD’s and players. In the evening when guests are bedding down the cascading water muffles the noise from neighboring tee-pees. It really is a pleasant place to sleep, especially for couples on a hostel budget.
On top of the good privacy provided by the teepees, if you leave for the day you can stash belongings on your bed; safely out of sight. The front-desk across from the sleeping area is well staffed so it is unlikely that unwanted visitors will wander into the sleeping area. We felt very secure while staying at Flores-Tikal with valuables. You can also pay a small fee and store your bags on a shelf right by the front desk.
As for the rest of peace-love-town, they have an Internet-café with the cheapest Internet in Flores, and on the second floor a common area/restaurant. This space is filled with tropical vegetation; there are hammocks for lounging, and tables for dining. The food is high-quality for the price and the flat rate includes a drink. They also have morning and evening happy-hours. The evening happy hour is more to provide a cheap light bite than to encourage profuse drinking or anything like that. Although the beers like the Internet are as cheap as you can find in Flores. The morning happy-hour includes good coffee or tea and a light bite for a minimal charge. Above the restaurant, on the roof is a smoking area and quiet place to get away for a view or maybe even an evening fire.
This Hostel like home is worth a stop, it's clean, comfortable, affordable, and simply lovely. You can't beat the quaint feel of Flores-Tikal, Peace-Love-Town.
by tfortim on November 4, 2007