Mama Simona outside

Mama Simona Hostel in Ollantaytambo – A Review

I stayed at Mama Simona Hostel a couple weeks ago as I made my way to Machu Picchu. It cost a little more than the cheapest of local hostel accommodation, but boy was it worth every penny!

You will read on HostelWorld.com that it’s a good walk away from the central plaza of Ollantaytambo, which is true. However, I was able to snag a motorcycle-taxi to Mama Simona Hostel for a measly s./ 2.00 (about $0.66 USD) so that really didn’t seem like much of an issue. Also, everyone in the very small town of Ollantaytambo knew exactly what I was talking about when I asked where it was. In fact a local woman even flagged down the moto-taxi for me after I stood there confused for a few moments.

Mama Simona room

 

The first thing that comes to most people’s minds when booking accommodation is usually cleanliness. Germ-freaked can rest assured here, as I’d place Mama Simona Ollantaytambo Hostel in the top 3 cleanest hostels I’ve ever stayed in. No kidding, the place was spotless.

Every dorm included an ensuite bathroom (again, spotless) which made things very convenient. I happened to luck-out by visiting in the off-season (January) and had a whole dorm—and subsequently a bathroom—to myself!

Mama Simona river

 

The beds were comfortable and warm (it gets chilly in Ollantaytambo at night) and it was a very quiet and relaxed environment. Some reviewers on HostelWorld complained about the river being too loud, but for someone who usually sleeps with a fan on like myself, it was absolutely perfect.

They offer a full kitchen for preparing your own food, or if you want to go out on the town and get some Alpaca steak like I did, you can store it in the communal fridge.

My only complaint with Mama Simona Hostel was the internet. It just plain sucked. That being said, it’s not much better anywhere else in town, so I wouldn’t go out in search of accommodation based on finding fast internet. It won’t happen. Put away the cell phone and computer, and enjoy the fresh mountain air, Incan ruins and friendly locals or fellow travelers.

Mama Simona yard

 

Further on that note, Mama Simona Hostel also sports a really awesome outdoor communal area including hammocks, a garden, swings and of course the river which flows swiftly past the property.

Lastly, the staff were all friendly and helpful as could be asked for! They gave me some local restaurant recommendations and answered any questions about Machu Picchu or the surrounding area that I had.

Mama Simona lounge

 

I’m going to keep this review short and sweet, as I think I’ve covered everything the traveler needs to know about Mama Simona Hostel in Ollantaytambo, Peru: GO THERE! The scenery is arguably the best in town as far as hotels/hostels go, the place is SUPER CLEAN and has everything the weary traveler needs!

Do you have any questions? Leave them in the comments below and I’ll answer as quickly as I can!

 

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