"I SLEPT WITH CHE AND FIDEL, WELL ALMOST," PENSION MEZA GUATEMALA CITY
Written: Feb 07 '02 (Updated May 09 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Quaint and full of character.
Cons: It's located in a bit of a rough area. be careful after dark.
The Bottom Line: It's worth the price of a room just to sit and chat with Mario the owner
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| JAMES23's Full Review: Guatemala City |
I first read about this place in the Rough Guide to Central America when I was doing some pre trip planning. I had a good idea I might be transiting through Guatemala City and therefore might need a cheap place to crash for the night. There was something about this place that made it stick out from the other's listed.
That something was the fact that both Fidel Castro and Che Guevera had stayed there in the past, the later for an extended period of time. I'm not a particular fan of either and especially so of the political legacy they left in Cuba, but they are intriguing to say the least. Were some of the plans for the guerrilla campaign in the Cuba's Sierra Mastre perhaps worked out in this seedy little Guatemalan Pension? Soon, as is often the case, my imagination was running rampant.
Months later I of course did find myself in Guatemala City and in need of a room. I seriously considering giving the pension a miss in favour of something more comfortable, read expensive. The last three nights had been spent in three ever decreasing in quality dumps in Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala respectively. There was a nice renovated mid priced place in Zona 1, owned and operated by Best Western. I'm sure my credit card(s) and/or money belt could have handled the strain of a single night there.
I also considered just pushing on through. I'd arrived in the capital at noon from Monterico on the Pacific coast. I was intending on heading for Tikal in the north as soon as possible. I needed to hit and Internet café, and ATM and pick up a few things and then could be on my way. There was an overnight bus from Guatemala City to Flores and Tikal and I was sure I could accomplish all I had to do and catch it that night.
Sure I would have liked a night to unwind, but I could do the next night in Flores, or push on and reach Belize City a day earlier and unwind there. I seriously considered all of these options and then I remembered the guide book passages. Soon after I was ringing the bell on the massive red doors on Avienda 10, the entrance to Pension Meza.
I highly recommend the Pension Meza after my one night's stay there. A single room with private bath costs $10.60 US, considerably less if you're willing to share a bath. The place has rooms built around two courtyards with a small office area between them.
The building itself dates from the 18th century and does look a bit run down but it is clean. More than that it has character. It is also convenient to both the bus station, the main market, and other attractions in Zona 1.
The owner and manager, Mario has been there forever or so it seems. His older brother even longer. Their family has owned the place for over 75 years. Mario speaks excellent English and is a great source of local information. On his desk in the office is a supply of small photocopied maps of Zona 1 with the main attractions marked on it.
In addition to Mario the other main source of information is the bulletin board outside the office. It is full of information on both Guatemala City and the rest of the country. Here one can get up to date information on teaching at English language schools, other volunteer opportunities and various eco tours.
Naturally the other guests them selves are also a great source of information as well. This is still a favoured haunt of back packers and those living and working in Guatemala when they pass through the capital.
There are washing machines and clotheslines in the back courtyard for those who need to do their laundry. There is also a small library, and English language book exchange. For those feeling energetic there is a ping pong table set up in one room.
The place is quite safe and secure despite the rough neighbourhood. The outside door is locked nightly at 10:00 p.m. and entrance is given to guests only. There is also a secure locked luggage storage available in Mario's office free for guests. This is perfect for those who like I was are taking the night bus to Flores and Tikal. You can check out at noon and explore the city in the afternoon before returning to grab your bag.
Mario will also secure Passports, plane tickets and other documents in the office safe for you. He will not however store money. The rooms are all secured by padlocks. You can either rent a lock from him or provide your own for your room.
There is no restaurant at Pension Meza, but next door is Johathons Cafe Bar. It's a local student hangout where cheap meals, drinks and good conversation can be found. They have two happy hours daily there, one in the afternoon, the second in the evening.
Incidentally Che Guevera stayed in room 21, according to Mario. His brother who was working here at the time confirmed this. That room was available the night I stayed there, and I considered it. However the bathroom was out of service. I took creature comfort over a sense of history and took another room. The next day I found out they moved Che's bed to room 10 several years back.
Pension Meza, Avienda 10 Calle 10-17, Zona 1, Guatemala City, Guatemala CA
Tel: 232-3177, 253-4576
Other Articles on Guatemala
Tikal
http://www.epinions.com/content_121484906116
Montericco
http://www.epinions.com/content_2552144004
Puerto Barrios
http://www.epinions.com/content_55183642244
Border crossing Honduras/Guatemala
http://www.epinions.com/content_2442043524
Night Bus to Tikal
http://www.epinions.com/content_3104678020
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Students
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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JAMES23
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Member: James Smith
Location: Toronto Ontario CANADA
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