The Albergue Transitorio

Conversations with some recent visitors to the city revealed that not everyone is aware of that very useful and seemingly essential facility, the albergue transitorio. These are hotels with rooms for rent for periods of two to three hours, or maybe more. A room will cost from about $25 to $40 pesos (US$8 - US$13) for the period and are usually very comfortable and well-equipped with large double bed, shower and toilet, and may contain television showing topical videos, mirrored walls and ceiling, jacuzzi, maybe a water-bed, and are invariably very clean. In the Barrio Norte district there seems to be an albergue transitorio every other block and there are certainly some in every district. They are listed as such in Paginas Amarillas (Yellow Pages) and there also web-sites with listings. For some years now there has been a city law that these hotels cannot refuse entry to same-sex couples.

If you should make a new friend in a bar or disco, or on the street it would be extremely foolhardy and dangerous to invite that person back to your apartment or hotel. Instead the albergue transitorio will provide the necessary privacy and comfort at relatively little cost. It is very probable that your new friend will know of one nearby.