Santa Fe as a town is charming, but touristic and chichi... and, from everything I have heard and seen, quite expensive in terms of accommodations. Hence, I was quite happy to have found this rustic, funky hostel that has proved to be quite the find! For $40 per night, I have a comfy room with my own bathroom and kitchenette. There is a large, communal kitchen where I have actually done most of my cooking, because it is more of a professional-grade set up... AND a great place to socialize with other guests and staff. There is quite a sense of "family" here. Everyone is quite convivial and interesting, with stories to tell about where they have been and how the landed here as travelers. The old fellow who runs the place--a gentleman named Preston--started the International Hostel 40 years ago and still lives here. It seems to me he defers to the manager and staff members (all volunteers except for the manager, trading room and board for the work) to do most everything... but remains a colorful fixture! I have been having a great time hob-nobbing with all the various folks... as much as I have been enjoying my adventures out and about town. Truly, it is proving to be a great week's stay. My only real challenge has been the poor wifi in my room; I have had to conduct my lessons in the reception area amongst the comings and goings of various people. Still, small price to pay for affordabilty and the fun of getting to know different folks here.
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| Undoubtedly the original sign! And a good indication of the funkiness of everything else about this place! But it is homey in its funkiness... and there is a sense of a temporary "family" amongst us all. |
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| The kitchen is pretty nice; well-equipped, and always warm! What is more, Whole Foods makes weekly donations (the hostel is a nonprofit) of TONS of "expired" food, most of which is still quite edible! AND expensive! Especially the assortment of cakes and such. Good thing I am a vegan and most of it is off limits to me...otherwise, I would surely put on 10 lbs. during this stay! |
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| The "coffee station", where coffee is always brewing for staff and guests, and donated pastries and other goodies aplenty! |
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| I haven't seen one of these "spool" tables in about 50 years....what a relic! |
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| My humble--but very comfortable--room. It is actually fairly spaceous, to boot! |
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| The "kitchenette" is fairly sparse and awkward to use... another good reason to join others in the large communal kitchen. The large clock on the wall, by the way, is just decorative: it no longer works! |
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| The main corridor to all of the rooms. Notice all the other funky chairs and tables! I commented to the staff person who took me to my room that it appears to have been an old motel, and he said "exactly right!" |
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| Being the land of many artists, it is no surprise that the entrance has wonderful murals painted around it. |
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| The very funky reception/"lobby" area! I felt at home because it reminded me so much of camp days...I attended kids' camp for many years as a youth, and those camp experiences were truly the best times of my childhood. |
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Yep! I had the same reaction as you are probably having: the hostel takes pity on the homeless and feeds them. But no, Ricky Montez is no homeless person! He is a local actor, and this appearance is his "character". He is a very interesting man! With any luck, he will be starring in ABQ's Little Theater production of "Misery", to be presented on stage next month. I hope to go! Nice to have yet another new friend in New Mexico!
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