Hostels Not Far From Hotels?

The very first place I ever stayed in Mexico was the Poc-Na youth hostel on Isla Mujeres, long ago. I didn't know it at the time, but Poc-Na was Mexico's first-ever hostel and was considered pretty radical. In the early days of "youth" hostels, you had to help with the chores (such as washing dishes or sweeping rooms) but your dorm bed was only $2 a night. There were German snorers and Japanese slobs (and Canadian neat freaks?), but hardcore travellers would search out these places like leaky ships find safe harbours.

The Poc-Na is still here, on very valuable beachfront land, but has evolved along with its customers. The shared 6-in-a-dorm rooms are still here ($10), but there is now air con, free internet, movies at night with a giant beer keg, full-menu food service, and music from Bob Marley to Brazilian bossa nova. So-called "backpackers" can also now get massages, tatoos, and souvenir merchandise. Oh and the showers are hot, the toilets unclogged.

But fear not, Cheap Sleepers, because two other hostels have emerged to bring back the basic hostel experience. Cheap bunk, Polish snorers, and lights out at 11!