🇲🇽 Zapopan, Mexico
Hostel del Refugio
📍 927, Juan Álvarez, Zapopan, 44200
Your stay — Hostel del Refugio
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Zapopan.
The Property — Hostel del Refugio
Hostel del Refugio sits inside a converted 19th-century mansion, its lobby a cool courtyard with a stone fountain and high ceilings tiled in traditional Talavera. The vibe is bohemian but practical: mismatched armchairs, a honesty bar, and a constant low hum of travellers swapping tips over free coffee. It suits the independent explorer who wants a sociable base without sacrificing quiet corners — not a party hostel, more a hybrid between a guesthouse and a hotel. The USP is the location: two blocks from the Arcos de Zapopan and walking distance to the basilica, but set back enough that you can sleep.
Chronicles of Zapopan
Zapopan started as a pre-Hispanic settlement before the Spanish founded it as a mission town in 1541. The Basilica de Zapopan, built in the 1730s, houses the famous Our Lady of Zapopan statue and anchors the city's religious identity. Its architectural evolution is a mix of colonial churches, mid-century modernist public buildings, and now a sprawl of tech offices and shopping malls that earned it a 'Mexican Silicon Valley' nickname. Contemporary Zapopan is leafy, upmarket, and more laid-back than central Guadalajara, with a strong murals-and-gastropub scene. The city's identity revolves around the annual Romería pilgrimage in October, but everyday life hums to a rhythm of mariachi, tequila tastings, and weekend tianguis markets.
Best Time to Visit
Full Zapopan guide →Best months
November and December: dry, clear skies, 20–25°C, and the city dressed up for the Romería lead-in; also March for warm days and few tourists.
Peak / festival surge
October (especially 12th) for the Romería de la Virgen de Zapopan — the basilica draws over a million pilgrims. Hotel prices double, rooms book out months ahead; the city is gridlocked but electric.
Budget shoulder season
May and June: prices drop 30%, humidity low, and you catch the tail-end of jacaranda bloom without the monsoon. Fewer crowds at the basilica and museums.
Weather & packing
July is the wettest month, with sudden afternoon downpours that last 30–60 minutes. Pack a compact umbrella and a light rain jacket; leave the denim jacket at home — you'll need quick-dry layers instead.
Live City Briefing — Zapopan
- The new Line 4 of the Guadalajara light-rail (Mi Macro Periférico) now connects Zapopan with Tlaquepaque, shortening cross-city trips by about 20 minutes; buses from the hotel stop to the nearest station (Estación Zapopan) are frequent.
- A major renovation of the Arcos de Zapopan plaza finished in early 2026, adding wider pedestrian zones and new food stalls; the night market there now runs Wednesday to Saturday.
- The summer rainy season has started early this year — expect thunderstorms from 4pm most days; some local tour operators have shifted afternoon departures to mornings, so check start times when booking.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hostel del Refugio, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (2nd or 3rd) as the hotel's Juan Álvarez street address in Zapopan suggests it may be closer to the city center and potentially busier, with more street noise. The fact that the hotel has a lift (elevator) implies it has multiple floors, making higher floors a good bet for a quieter stay.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift or service entrance, as these areas may be noisier due to frequent comings and goings.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on a main street in Zapopan doesn't offer any particularly scenic views, but you may get a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape from a higher floor.
Quietest floors
2nd or 3rd floor
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for possible street noise from Juan Álvarez, a main street in Zapopan. Noise from the lift and service entrance may also be a consideration.
Insider tips
Request a room with a window to the north or south to minimize street noise. If you're arriving by car, note that parking may be limited in the area, so it's a good idea to ask about parking options when checking in.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Hostel del Refugio
free basic tier, 512 kbps; paid premium tier 1,500 kbps for 50.00 MXN/day
serves all floors, no stairs-only sections
complimentary PressReader access on lobby PCs
14:00-00:00; early bag-drop available from 08:00; late check-out until 15:00 for 100.00 MXN fee
available 24/7 for 50.00 MXN per item/day
wheelchair-accessible entrance, accessible rooms available, no structural limitations
on-site parking available for 150.00 MXN/night; nearest public car park 'Zapopan Shopping Center' 5 minutes' walk, 20.00 MXN/night; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 15.00 MXN per person per night
Deposit & card hold: 200.00 MXN advance deposit + 300.00 MXN incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Templo de Los Santos Ángeles (906 m · ~11 min walk)
- Church: Parroquia Dulce Nombre de Jesús (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
- Church: Nuestra Señora de la Paz (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Mosque: Mezquita de Guadalajara Isa Ibn maryam (1.4 km · ~17 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Mueblería Viu — 2.0 km · ~26 min walk
Parque Juan Manuel — 311 m · ~4 min walk
Museo de las Artes UDG — 945 m · ~12 min walk
Teatro María Teresa — 890 m · ~11 min walk
Juegos Infantiles — 632 m · ~8 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Cajero Bitcoin Cryptobox — 1.4 km · ~17 min walk
VITA HERBAL — 31 m · ~1 min walk
7-Eleven — 806 m · ~10 min walk
Juárez II — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Mexican Peso, MXN
You can exchange currency at local banks (such as Banamex or Scotiabank) or at a currency exchange office in the airport, but be aware that rates may be lower than in the city. Some hotels may also offer currency exchange services.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express) are widely accepted in Zapopan, including in most restaurants, shops, and taxis. Contactless payments are becoming more common, especially in larger establishments.
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. Aim to tip around 10-15% in restaurants and bars, and a few pesos for hotel staff and taxi drivers.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a typical cup of coffee for around 20-30 MXN ($1-1.50 USD) at a local café or street vendor.
Tacos al pastor from a street vendor cost around 20-30 MXN ($1-1.50 USD), while a more substantial meal at a local eatery can cost around 50-70 MXN ($2.50-3.50 USD).
A budget-friendly dinner option is a street food stall, where you can find a delicious meal for around 50-70 MXN ($2.50-3.50 USD).
The Mercado de Zapopan is a great place to find affordable street food, with various options available, including tacos, tortas, and soups.
Superama and Soriana are common supermarket chains in the area.
You can find affordable clothing at local markets like the Mercado de Zapopan or at stores like Indumentaria Famsa.
A single ride on the public bus costs around 8-10 MXN ($0.40-0.50 USD), and a day pass can be purchased for around 20-30 MXN ($1-1.50 USD). The cheapest way to get to Zapopan from the airport is by taking the bus (around 20-30 MXN, $1-1.50 USD) or a taxi (around 150-200 MXN, $7.50-10 USD).
Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, as prices tend to be higher.Use public transportation instead of taxis or ride-hailing services.Shop at local markets or street vendors for affordable groceries and clothing.
Good to know — Zapopan
Type A/B · 127V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ MX$17.54 · MXN
Emergency Contacts
ZapopanFor all emergencies in Zapopan, dial 911. For non-urgent police, call 33-3836-0090. The tourist assistance line is 078 from anywhere in Mexico. Local hospitals: Hospital Ángeles del Carmen (33-3834-3000); Hospital Puerta de Hierro (33-3669-0400).
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Zapopan, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hostel del Refugio
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Cajero Bitcoin Cryptobox — 1.4 km · ~17 min walk — pharmacy · VITA HERBAL — 31 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) → Casa del Retoño B&B, Zapopan
💡 Pre-book at the official airport taxi stand inside arrivals. Avoid unlicensed drivers offering lower fares outside the terminal.
Anywhere in Zapopan or GDL → Casa del Retoño B&B
💡 From the airport, an Uber costs around 300–400 MXN (usually cheaper than official taxis). Always confirm the license plate and driver name before getting in.
Periférico Norte station (nearest line) → Casa del Retoño B&B
💡 The bus stops at Periférico Norte and Avenida Patria. From there, it's a 10-minute walk. Use the prepaid card and tap on/off.
Central de Autobuses station → Zapopan Centro station
💡 Take the airport bus to Central de Autobuses first (20 mins, cheap). Line 3 runs mostly elevated with good views. Get off at Zapopan Centro, then 15 mins walk north-east to the B&B.
About Zapopan
Wikipedia ↗
Zapopan (Latin American Spanish pronunciation: [saˈpopan]) is a city and municipality located in the Mexican state of Jalisco. It is part of the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area. Zapopan is the most populous municipality in the state of Jalisco. Zapopan is notable for the Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopa...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hostel del Refugio?
Request a room on a higher floor (2nd or 3rd) as the hotel's Juan Álvarez street address in Zapopan suggests it may be closer to the city center and potentially busier, with more street noise. The fact that the hotel has a lift (elevator) implies it has multiple floors, making higher floors a good bet for a quieter stay.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hostel del Refugio?
Avoid rooms near the lift or service entrance, as these areas may be noisier due to frequent comings and goings.
Is Hostel del Refugio noisy?
Be prepared for possible street noise from Juan Álvarez, a main street in Zapopan. Noise from the lift and service entrance may also be a consideration.
Which rooms have the best views at Hostel del Refugio?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on a main street in Zapopan doesn't offer any particularly scenic views, but you may get a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape from a higher floor.
What are insider tips for staying at Hostel del Refugio?
Request a room with a window to the north or south to minimize street noise. If you're arriving by car, note that parking may be limited in the area, so it's a good idea to ask about parking options when checking in.
What time is check-in at Hostel del Refugio?
Check-in at Hostel del Refugio is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hostel del Refugio have Wi-Fi?
free basic tier, 512 kbps; paid premium tier 1,500 kbps for 50.00 MXN/day
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hostel del Refugio?
15.00 MXN per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Hostel del Refugio?
Tacos al pastor from a street vendor cost around 20-30 MXN ($1-1.50 USD), while a more substantial meal at a local eatery can cost around 50-70 MXN ($2.50-3.50 USD).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hostel del Refugio?
A single ride on the public bus costs around 8-10 MXN ($0.40-0.50 USD), and a day pass can be purchased for around 20-30 MXN ($1-1.50 USD). The cheapest way to get to Zapopan from the airport is by taking the bus (around 20-30 MXN, $1-1.50 USD) or a taxi (around 150-200 MXN, $7.50-10 USD).
When is the best time to visit Zapopan?
November and December: dry, clear skies, 20–25°C, and the city dressed up for the Romería lead-in; also March for warm days and few tourists.
Top Attractions in Zapopan
💡 Come on a Sunday morning when the square hosts a free dance class (folklorico) and vendors sell cheap local snacks.
💡 Free entry every day, not just Sundays. Check their website for free guided tours in English on the first Saturday of the month.
💡 Visit between 11am and 2pm for the freshest fruit and to see the torta-making action. BYO small bills for stalls.
💡 Arrive before 10am to see the small museum (free) inside the basilica, which opens only until 1pm.
💡 Rent a bike at the park entrance for 20 pesos per hour; the lake loop is 5km and mostly shaded.