This is a really neat hotel. Not exactly for the budget traveler is it was US$40, but I like it and thought it was a good value. I stayed in the older section of the hotel, but my room still had central air (which they control... it's either on or off at their whim for the whole hotel). Cable TV. Free drinking water in the hallways. It's older, but clean, and everything works well since it has been maintained. The bed an pillows were both super comfy, which I never seem to find in Mexico. They take credit cards and are right on the main square. The was plenty of hot water and great water pressure in the shower. The room was fairly large with lots of room to walk around. The only negative about the hotel is the potential for noise. There is no carpeting anywhere, so noise can be a problem. When I was there, not many guests were there besides me, so noise was no problem. But you can easily hear people talking in the hallways, children running and yelling, etc. During high season when the place is full, I don't believe it would be easy to sleep very late. There is a newer section that I believe would be quieter, but it costs about $10 more per night.

Fabulous hotel right on top of the zocalo in the middle of the bares portales. It doesn't get any better than that! Super-friendly staff who are very helpful. Large rooms - very clean. I stayed in the "new" section because I didn't want to be bothered by the zocalo noise and it was very peaceful. Very nice roof patio that looks out over the zocalo. In addition to the bares portales, which are also restaurants, Sanborn's in next door. Walking distance to the big park and the Malecon. Best reasonably-priced hotel I've ever stayed in. Well worth the price!

If you are going to Veracruz, MX stay here.

The new (nuevo) section is spotlessly clean, has a good view of the city and the hotel innkeepers where the best honest workers I've seen anywhere. Totally helpful even if the night guys speaks zero english. This is a great mexican run hotel.

I stayed in the 'old' section (no a/c) the last night there and it was still impeccably clean and romantic colonial style. No view in the old section (or much of a window) but who cares it's cheap, clean and honestly run. Plus you should be out getting drunkz0r at one of the bars in the Zocalo (main square) instead of sleeping.

Upstairs is a few public courtyards with a huge balcony that overlook the entire plaza. Get some beer to go and sit upstairs for the best view of the entire plaza.

There's public fountains w/bottled water in every hallway and the cleaning staff couldn't be better.

It's also 24hrs so you can check in anytime which came in handy for me since I arrived in Veracruz with absolutely no idea where I was going except for a blurb out of a lonely planet book to stay here.

Walk out the back door and you are in the main Zocalo surrounded by bars.

The hotel is all right, neither great nor terrible. What it has, is location. It is right in the middle of the traditional activity of the evening. An inside room is better because the party goes on all night.
We enjoyed our stay at this hotel. We had no problems or surprises. If you are going to Veracruz to enjoy the traditional activities there, this hotel is a fine base of operations.