Lonely Planet Review

The recently spruced-up Maison des Jeunes is fine budget value. Rooms are as simple as they come - so simple, in fact, that the management call them boxes, which is honest, if not particularly inspiring.

This place gets a high turnover so if you're planning on sleeping in the large dorm (dorm sizes range from two to 12 beds), always try to arrive early in the day to choose the bed with the cleanest sheets. One of the benefits of staying here is that the clientele is mainly African so touts and guides are not as prevalent as elsewhere. Although staff can sometimes get a little overwhelmed by the numbers, the bathrooms and other rooms are given a thorough washing every day. Don't, however, come dreaming of toilet seats; toilets here are of the squat variety. There's a pleasant and shady garden restaurant where simple food is served. Sometimes, if you're lucky, local musicians have a jam session here and get the crowd on their feet.