Title: Hostel in Playa del Carmen Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026 - Expedia.co.uk [See all properties](http://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?regionId=601751&destination=Playa+del+Carmen%2C+Quintana+Roo%2C+Mexico&selected=58214106&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) # Hostel in Playa del Carmen This charming hostel near Quinta Avenida offers a relaxed atmosphere where travelers can unwind while staying connected with WiFi in public areas ## Photo gallery for Hostel in Playa del Carmen ![Miscellaneous - Hostel in Playa del Carmen (Playa del Carmen)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/59000000/58220000/58214200/58214106/7fc89450.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Private kitchen - Hostel in Playa del Carmen (Playa del Carmen)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/59000000/58220000/58214200/58214106/150ab470.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![1 bedroom - Hostel in Playa del Carmen (Playa del Carmen)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/59000000/58220000/58214200/58214106/13d56483.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Miscellaneous - Hostel in Playa del Carmen (Playa del Carmen)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/59000000/58220000/58214200/58214106/e73b6c76.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Dining - Hostel in Playa del Carmen (Playa del Carmen)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/59000000/58220000/58214200/58214106/7f784d24.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Rooms - Location - Policies Hostel in Playa del Carmen provides a vibrant stay experience just steps from the popular Quinta Avenida. Travelers appreciate the smoke-free premises and convenient WiFi access in common areas, making it an ideal base for those looking to recharge between adventures. ## Popular amenities - Pet-friendly - Free Wi-Fi ## Room options ### Check availability for these dates Tonight [Apr 2 - Apr 3](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-02&endDate=2026-04-03&selected=58214106&PinnedHotelID=58214106&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-02&endDate=2026-04-03&selected=58214106&PinnedHotelID=58214106&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) Tomorrow [Apr 3 - Apr 4](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-03&endDate=2026-04-04&selected=58214106&PinnedHotelID=58214106&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-03&endDate=2026-04-04&selected=58214106&PinnedHotelID=58214106&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) This weekend [Apr 3 - Apr 5](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-03&endDate=2026-04-05&selected=58214106&PinnedHotelID=58214106&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-03&endDate=2026-04-05&selected=58214106&PinnedHotelID=58214106&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) Next weekend [Apr 10 - Apr 12](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-10&endDate=2026-04-12&selected=58214106&PinnedHotelID=58214106&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-10&endDate=2026-04-12&selected=58214106&PinnedHotelID=58214106&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ## You may also like Ad ![2 outdoor pools](https://a.travel-assets.com/media/meso_cm/PAPI/Images/lodging/20000000/19140000/19138900/19138867/58ae47f4_b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=357&h=201&p=1&q=medium) #### The Fives Downtown Hotel - Curio Collection by Hilton Downtown Playa del Carmen - Pool - Spa - Pet-friendly - Parking included 8.6 Excellent 745 reviews £97 includes taxes & fees 7 Apr - 8 Apr [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Playa-Del-Carmen-Hotels-The-Fives-Downtown-Hotel-Residences.h19138867.Hotel-Information?chkin=2026-4-7&chkout=2026-4-8&rm1=a2®ionId=601751&destination=Playa del Carmen&destType=MARKET&latLong=20.629571,-87.073173&searchId=eb0ebdf1-bacd-40b5-8968-d9501dc8c9a9&top_cur=GBP) Ad ![Front of property](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/22000000/21460000/21452700/21452690/31f11ae0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=357&h=201&p=1&q=medium) #### IT Boutique Hotel & Restaurant Zazil-ha - Pool - Spa - Parking included - Free Wi-Fi 8.6 Excellent 469 reviews £67 includes taxes & fees 3 May - 4 May [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Playa-Del-Carmen-Hotels-IT-Boutique-Hotel-Restaurant.h21452690.Hotel-Information?chkin=2026-5-3&chkout=2026-5-4&rm1=a2®ionId=601751&destination=Playa del Carmen&destType=MARKET&latLong=20.629571,-87.073173&searchId=eb0ebdf1-bacd-40b5-8968-d9501dc8c9a9&top_cur=GBP) Ad ![Exterior](https://a.travel-assets.com/media/meso_cm/PAPI/Images/lodging/89000000/88210000/88203600/88203504/3a7dccbd_b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=357&h=201&p=1&q=medium) #### The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya Maroma - On private beach - Pool - Spa - Pet-friendly 9.4 Exceptional 119 reviews £650 includes taxes & fees 3 May - 4 May [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Playa-Del-Carmen-Hotels-The-St-Regis-Kanai-Resort.h88203504.Hotel-Information?chkin=2026-5-3&chkout=2026-5-4&rm1=a2®ionId=601751&destination=Playa del Carmen&destType=MARKET&latLong=20.629571,-87.073173&searchId=eb0ebdf1-bacd-40b5-8968-d9501dc8c9a9&top_cur=GBP) Ad ![5 outdoor pools, pool cabanas (surcharge), pool umbrellas](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/101000000/100120000/100114100/100114025/720ee448.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=357&h=201&p=1&q=medium) #### Jungala Hotel at VidantaWorld Riviera Maya Playa del Carmen - On private beach - Pool - Spa - Water slide 9.2 Wonderful 161 reviews £257 includes taxes & fees 30 Apr - 1 May [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Playa-Del-Carmen-Hotels-Jungala-Park-Hotel-Riviera-Maya.h100114025.Hotel-Information?chkin=2026-4-30&chkout=2026-5-1&rm1=a2®ionId=601751&destination=Playa del Carmen&destType=MARKET&latLong=20.629571,-87.073173&searchId=eb0ebdf1-bacd-40b5-8968-d9501dc8c9a9&top_cur=GBP) Ad ![Exterior](https://a.travel-assets.com/media/meso_cm/PAPI/Images/lodging/33000000/32540000/32536800/32536723/17eccde6_b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=357&h=201&p=1&q=medium) #### Palmaïa-The House of AïA: All Inclusive Wellness Resort Playacar - Pool - All-inclusive - Spa - Kids’ pool 9.8 Exceptional 609 reviews £986 includes taxes & fees 3 May - 4 May [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Playa-Del-Carmen-Hotels-Palmaia-The-House-Of-AiA-Wellness-Enclave-All-Inclusive.h32536723.Hotel-Information?chkin=2026-5-3&chkout=2026-5-4&rm1=a2®ionId=601751&destination=Playa del Carmen&destType=MARKET&latLong=20.629571,-87.073173&searchId=eb0ebdf1-bacd-40b5-8968-d9501dc8c9a9&top_cur=GBP) Ad ![Premium Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View, Corner | Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/121000000/120820000/120814200/120814106/216887f2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=357&h=201&p=1&q=medium) #### Hotel Indigo Playa Del Carmen by IHG Downtown Playa del Carmen - Pool - Pet-friendly - Free Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning 9.0 Wonderful 65 reviews £104 includes taxes & fees 26 Apr - 27 Apr [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Playa-Del-Carmen-Hotels-Hotel-Indigo-Playa-Del-Carmen-By-Ihg.h120814106.Hotel-Information?chkin=2026-4-26&chkout=2026-4-27&rm1=a2®ionId=601751&destination=Playa del Carmen&destType=MARKET&latLong=20.629571,-87.073173&searchId=eb0ebdf1-bacd-40b5-8968-d9501dc8c9a9&top_cur=GBP) Ad ![View from property](https://a.travel-assets.com/media/meso_cm/PAPI/Images/lodging/16000000/15100000/15100000/15099903/7b9ad3ae_b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=357&h=201&p=1&q=medium) #### Ocean Riviera Paradise All Inclusive Playa del Carmen - Pool - All-inclusive - Spa - Kids’ pool 8.4 Very good 2,875 reviews £235 includes taxes & fees 3 May - 4 May [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Playa-Del-Carmen-Hotels-Ocean-Riviera-Paradise-All-Inclusive.h15099903.Hotel-Information?chkin=2026-5-3&chkout=2026-5-4&rm1=a2®ionId=601751&destination=Playa del Carmen&destType=MARKET&latLong=20.629571,-87.073173&searchId=eb0ebdf1-bacd-40b5-8968-d9501dc8c9a9&top_cur=GBP) Ad ![Rooftop terrace](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/71000000/70560000/70558600/70558507/a74c11a1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=357&h=201&p=1&q=medium) #### Residence Inn by Marriott Playa del Carmen Playacar - Pool - Breakfast included - Free airport shuttle - Pet-friendly 9.2 Wonderful 1,095 reviews £87 includes taxes & fees 2 May - 3 May [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Playa-Del-Carmen-Hotels-Residence-Inn-By-Marriott-Playa-Del-Carmen.h70558507.Hotel-Information?chkin=2026-5-2&chkout=2026-5-3&rm1=a2®ionId=601751&destination=Playa del Carmen&destType=MARKET&latLong=20.629571,-87.073173&searchId=eb0ebdf1-bacd-40b5-8968-d9501dc8c9a9&top_cur=GBP) Ad ![3 outdoor pools, pool cabanas (surcharge), pool umbrellas](https://a.travel-assets.com/media/meso_cm/PAPI/Images/lodging/2000000/1160000/1151600/1151540/c74bfc43_b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=357&h=201&p=1&q=medium) #### Hyatt Vivid Playa Del Carmen - Adults Only - All Inclusive Downtown Playa del Carmen - Pool - Hot tub - All-inclusive - Spa 9.0 Wonderful 2,132 reviews £334 includes taxes & fees 19 Apr - 20 Apr [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Playa-Del-Carmen-Hotels-Hilton-Playa-Del-Carmen.h1151540.Hotel-Information?chkin=2026-4-19&chkout=2026-4-20&rm1=a2®ionId=601751&destination=Playa del Carmen&destType=MARKET&latLong=20.629571,-87.073173&searchId=eb0ebdf1-bacd-40b5-8968-d9501dc8c9a9&top_cur=GBP) Ad ![Aerial view](https://a.travel-assets.com/media/meso_cm/PAPI/Images/lodging/98000000/97870000/97861600/97861543/3c634c9f_b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=357&h=201&p=1&q=medium) #### The Riviera Maya EDITION At Kanai Maroma - Pool - Hot tub - Spa - Pet-friendly 9.8 Exceptional 101 reviews £568 includes taxes & fees 26 Apr - 27 Apr [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Playa-Del-Carmen-Hotels-The-Riviera-Maya-EDITION-At-Kanai.h97861543.Hotel-Information?chkin=2026-4-26&chkout=2026-4-27&rm1=a2®ionId=601751&destination=Playa del Carmen&destType=MARKET&latLong=20.629571,-87.073173&searchId=eb0ebdf1-bacd-40b5-8968-d9501dc8c9a9&top_cur=GBP) ![Mod logo](https://a.travel-assets.com/pricing-claim/sparkle_dark.svg) Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures! [Sign in](https://www.expedia.co.uk/login?ckoflag=0&uurl=e3id%3Dredr%26rurl%3D%2FPlaya-Del-Carmen-Hotels-Hostel-In-Playa-Del-Carmen.h58214106.Hotel-Information)[Sign up, it's free](https://www.expedia.co.uk/signup?enable_registration=true&uurl=e3id%3Dredr%26rurl%3D%2FPlaya-Del-Carmen-Hotels-Hostel-In-Playa-Del-Carmen.h58214106.Hotel-Information) ## About the area Downtown Playa del Carmen, a neighbourhood in Playa del Carmen, is home to Hostel in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal and Xplor Theme Park are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Playa del Carmen Main Beach and Playacar Beach. Xcaret Eco Theme Park and Xaman Ha Aviary are also worth visiting. [Visit our Playa del Carmen travel guide](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Playa-Del-Carmen.dx601751) [View more Hostels in Playa del Carmen](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Playa-Del-Carmen-Hostels.d601751-aaHostels.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C20.62568%2C-87.07368&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=MlpV3Fp1h_kd_3juXmsLrxNFTwc=) Calle Quinta Avenida, Playa del Carmen, QROO, 77710 ### What's nearby - ![Quinta Avenida](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/601751/f7a7cd1e-a63b-44de-b1ad-0949daac4415.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=115.61&rh=65.03&ra=fit&q=high) Quinta Avenida 2 min walk \- 0.1 miles - ![Playa del Carmen beach palapa in Riviera Maya Caribbean at Mayan Mexico](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6159559/35945f0e-9105-4f54-883a-1397b4824eeb.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=115.61&rh=65.03&ra=fit&q=high) Playa del Carmen Main Beach 6 min walk \- 0.4 miles - ![Mamita's Beach en Playa del Carmen](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6159527/e84b9308-5452-4763-8358-59548a461ac4.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=115.61&rh=65.03&ra=fit&q=high) Mamitas Beach 11 min walk \- 0.6 miles - Central Square 3 min walk \- 0.2 miles - Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal 11 min walk \- 0.6 miles ### Getting around - Cancun, Quintana Roo (CUN-Cancun Intl.) 50 min drive ### Restaurants - Mercado 174 2 min walk - Yum Yum 1 min walk - Don Mario Steak and Pasta House 1 min walk - Morgan's Tabacco Shop 2 min walk - Renzo's Pizza 1 min walk ## About this property ### Hostel in Playa del Carmen Hostel near Quinta Avenida Close to Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal and Playa del Carmen Main Beach, Hostel in Playa del Carmen has plenty to offer. Stay connected with free WiFi in public areas. Other perks at this hostel include: - A table football ## Similar properties ![TV](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/111000000/110570000/110568400/110568340/abb472f4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### White Sand Playa Downtown Playa del Carmen - Free Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning - Bar - Housekeeping 8.6 Excellent 44 reviews £32 includes taxes & fees 3 Apr - 4 Apr [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-03&endDate=2026-04-04&selected=110568340&PinnedHotelID=110568340&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Daily continental breakfast (MXN 150 per person)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/126000000/125350000/125343200/125343132/8327f2f6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Marelle Hotel Boutique Downtown Playa del Carmen - Pool - Free Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning - Extra beds/cots 5.6 4 reviews £40 includes taxes & fees 5 Apr - 6 Apr [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-05&endDate=2026-04-06&selected=125343132&PinnedHotelID=125343132&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Outdoor pool](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/109000000/108900000/108891300/108891259/27bb97fc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Kumaru Suites by The Spot Rentals Luis Donaldo Colosio - Pool - Kitchen - Free Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning 8.6 Excellent 17 reviews £100 includes taxes & fees 26 Apr - 27 Apr [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-26&endDate=2026-04-27&selected=108891259&PinnedHotelID=108891259&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Restaurant](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/108000000/107290000/107289900/107289890/w3997h4598x3y0-8e51c8e1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### HOSTAL DEL MAR Downtown Playa del Carmen - Pool - Breakfast included - Free Wi-Fi - Restaurant 8.0 Very good 7 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-16&endDate=2026-04-17&selected=107289890&PinnedHotelID=107289890&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Traditional Quadruple Room, 2 Double Beds, Pool View | In-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/122000000/121730000/121726400/121726306/475b38a0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Casa Central Downtown Playa del Carmen - Pool - Free Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning - Outdoor space 9.2 Wonderful 5 reviews £42 includes taxes & fees 10 Apr - 11 Apr [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-10&endDate=2026-04-11&selected=121726306&PinnedHotelID=121726306&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/116000000/115500000/115498700/115498665/70c9641c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Calma Chicha Rooms Downtown Playa del Carmen - Free Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning 10 Exceptional 2 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-16&endDate=2026-04-17&selected=115498665&PinnedHotelID=115498665&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Outdoor pool](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/92000000/91130000/91126400/91126366/10146101.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Hotel Brisas 5a Av. Playa del Carmen Downtown Playa del Carmen - Pool - Free Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning - Breakfast available 7.6 Good 34 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-16&endDate=2026-04-17&selected=91126366&PinnedHotelID=91126366&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/118000000/117900000/117895700/117895639/6dfbe7cd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Izsla Hostel Downtown Playa del Carmen [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-16&endDate=2026-04-17&selected=117895639&PinnedHotelID=117895639&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Rooftop terrace](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/112000000/111820000/111810300/111810237/a72e0bcb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Town Tower by Casago Downtown Playa del Carmen - Pool - Kitchen - Free Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning £79 includes taxes & fees 30 Apr - 1 May [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-30&endDate=2026-05-01&selected=111810237&PinnedHotelID=111810237&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Comfort Double Room, Courtyard View | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/109000000/108770000/108765800/108765767/119bc1b0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Zihil Ha by OÜRS Downtown Playa del Carmen - Breakfast included - Free Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning - Housekeeping 7.4 Good 8 reviews £34 includes taxes & fees 15 Apr - 16 Apr [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-15&endDate=2026-04-16&selected=108765767&PinnedHotelID=108765767&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [Compare similar properties](/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-04-16&endDate=2026-04-17&selected=58214106&PinnedHotelID=58214106&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2&comparePropertyIds=58214106,110568340,125343132,108891259,107289890) ## Property amenities ### Internet - Available in some public areas: Free WiFi ### Things to do - Foosball table ### More - Designated smoking areas ## Policies ### Check-in Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 4:00 PM Minimum check-in age - 18 ### Check-out Check-out before 10:00 AM ### Special check-in instructions Guests must contact the property for check-in information To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools ### Pets Pets stay for free ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome ### Payment types at the property ## Important information ### You need to know This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed This property accepts credit/debit cards If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. ### We should mention A mandatory cleaning fee is included in this property's rental rate ### Property is also known as Hostel In Carmen Carmen Hostel in Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen Hostel in Playa del Carmen Hostel/Backpacker accommodation ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Hostel in Playa del Carmen pet-friendly? ### What time is check-in at Hostel in Playa del Carmen? ### What time is check-out at Hostel in Playa del Carmen? ### Where is Hostel in Playa del Carmen located? ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ---