I stayed at Ximenas for one week, as I used it as base to explore the rest of El Salvador. The hotel is located in a great and safe neighborhood called Colonia Central America. It is within 5 minutes walking distance to many restaurants, and 15 minutes by foot to the Metrocentro Mall. It is 40 minutes by car to the airport. Many beaches are only 30 minutes by car.

My room was a single with a private bath. The room was clean, and daily service was adequate. Must supply own shampoo and soap. Water pressure did suffer at times, and I was told this was common for 2nd floor rooms. There was also hot water, cable TV, and A/C. There is parking space for 2 cars, and there is 24 hour food service in the kitchen.

The staff (Oscar and America) were great, friendly, and extremely helpful. This is without a doubt the finest budget hotel I have been at in Central America. You will not be disappointed.

I just read a couple of reviews about Ximena's Guest House in San salvador!! I just visited this same hostel (in December) and disagree with the descriptions given in other posts. I found the room very clean, the people who worked there were helpful and even gave me advice on how to find places of interest in other parts of the country. The food was good and not expensive. I stayed in a private room with shared bath and paid $15.- which was fine but there were other rooms with dorm beds for cheaper rates. The location is great as I just had to walk a couple of blocks to restaurants or malls etc. I have travelled throughout Central America and actually fond Ximena's to be one of the best hostels I have visited.

There are numerous other places to stay in San Salvador that won't break the bank. Ximena's Guest House was uninhabited when I visited in November 2005; after one day I found out why, I left and found other lodging cheaper, cleaner and nicer than this place. You will be greatly disappointed in Ximena's, to say the least. Smells like urine in the bedroom.

Better bets would include El Torrogoz and Hotel International, both running around $20 or $30 night.

ximena's is awful. crappy beds, dirty bathrooms, no fans, no window screens. how did this place get on this website? i changed hostels after two nights of misery. the place i found is just a couple blocks away - it's called La Almohada. it's on Calle Berlin, next to Cafe Luna. much better plus it's only $7 per night.