HOSTELS

Being at the right place at the right time means, when traveling, choosing the right kind of accommodation.

Who you meet, what services or products you are told about (or not), location, facilities…all of these are factors will eventually make the best or the worse out of your visit to any town in the world.

Buenos Aires hosts over 300 hostels.

Most of them will offer both private and shared rooms, include breakfast, internet connection, kitchen access, luggage storage, tourist information, TV room, laundry facilities, etc.

They will organize different activities: BBQ’s, happy hours, parties. A lot of times at their own roof, with a great view of the city.

A lot of them also have their own bar, travel agency and spanish school.

So those are the basics.

But when most hostels end up offering the same services, it might feel a bit overwhelming and challenging to find THE place that would be good for you, so I have done a little research to find those hostels that do offer something different from the regular facilities.

Even though I decided to organize the hostels by area of the city (and added a little description of each area), I would like to remind you that even though big, Buenos Aires is very well connected, so no matter what area you decide to stay in, you’ll never be more than US$5 taxi ride from where you want to go, so don’t get crazy about finding “the right spot”.

So, I contacted the most popular hostels. Some of them didn’t even bothered to reply to my request for information, which I guess was not a very good thing.

The ones that I am reviewing on this article have all passed the “very friendly, fast and efficient” costumer service test. (Thank you all for your time by the way!)

Remember that http://www.hostelworld.com (fee), http://www.hostelbookers.com (free) and http://www.minihostels.com (membership) are great sources of information as well

ABASTO/ BALVANERA/ BOEDO
These are the traditional tango districts. Staying in any of these areas will probably give you a “real neighborhood” feeling.
They are all very well connected areas of town with a very busy commercial life. You should be able to find loads of supermarkets and cheap eateries.
Abasto is the Jewish district, where you will be able to find a lot of Synagogues and regional restaurants, it also hosts one of the biggest malls in town (Abasto shopping)
In Boedo you will be able to find some of the most important tango shows and milongas.
Balvanera is right in between.

ESQUINA BED& TANGO (US$35- US$45)
This is also a great option for long term stays. Mostly used by local and foreign students. Weekly stays available for US$220. Small, homey and quiet.

HOSTAL DON SANCHO (US$9- US$19)
Two childhood friends opened this hostel looking forward to meet and have fun with travelers. Personalized and friendly service.
The name of the hostel is actually after one of the owner’s grandfathers, so tradition is a good word to describe this place.
Big and comfortable. Beautiful patio. Long term stays for students available.

HOSTEL PLAZA HOSTEL (US$10- US$50)
it’s not only the only hostel in Abasto but one of the biggest in the whole city! It can host up to 80 people, which makes it a great option for those traveling with groups.
They also offer packages that include your meals. So if you feel lazy, your fee can include one or two full meals a day.
Hostel Plaza also offers very affordable long term stays, usually hosting both local and foreign students.

PANGEA (US$9)
A small (34 beds) and friendly hostel run by young people who claim to be able to know the names of each single one of the travelers staying with them! A beer and a game of pool would be waiting for you upon arrival.
This is one of the hostels where you FINALLY won’t miss out on the free breakfast…They don’t have a time limit to serve it!
Once a week they organize a big free dinner for everyone to give you the chance to meet other travelers or just have a nice chat with the locals that work at the Hostel.
Other options in the area include LA MENESUNDA HOSTEL and CHE HOSTEL

CENTRO/ CONGRESO
Downtown BA could be a good option for those not spending too much time in the city because you’d be closer to the main sites. As any other downtown in the world, please expect a lot of noise, a lot of people and empty streets at night. This area might be quiet during the weekends too but during the week it’s an excellent opportunity for people watching!

ALKIMISTA (US$8, 50)
With a beautiful view of the legendary “Avenida de Mayo” the Alkimista hostel might not be the fanciest but certainly the homiest option in the area.

BA STOP (US$10- US$40)
Small and quiet. Their professional personnel (all tourism graduates) offer a good personalized service.
A good place to enjoy lomg chats over a few drinks and good music, avoiding the big crazy parties.

HOSTEL CLAN (US$9)
Their friendly staff certainly makes the difference in this hostel.
Young employees with not only loads of experience in the hostel industry but loads of knowledge of the city and what’s going on in each corner of it.
The hostel has a recently opened a cool terrace bar serving cocktails until 4 am every day.
Popular and with an important social scene, yet small enough to allow a personal and professional service.

MILHOUSE HOSTEL (US$10)
Probably the most popular hostel in town. One of the first hostels to open in Buenos Aires, still offering a fun and professional service.
Through these last 5 years they have polished their social and party reputation. From salsa and tango dancing to soccer matches and parties, there’s something every day of the week and on weekends, the staff take guests by minivan to BA’s hottest nightclubs, even kicking down VIP passes for many of the clubs.
If you are looking for an intense social scene with loads of activities, this is the place to be.

SUDAMERIKA HOSTEL AND SUITES CENTRO (US$10- US$35)
“The facilities and quality of a HOTEL at HOSTEL prices” I was told when contacting this hostel.
Full restaurant available, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Quiet nights. Good location.

Other options in the area include: ABOUT BAIRES, PORTAL DEL SUR, HOSTAL COLONIAL , EL FIRULETE, LA ROCCA HOSTEL, DOWNTOWNMATE HOSTEL, ST. NICHOLAS HOSTEL and HOSTEL ESTORIL

BARRIO NORTE/ RECOLETA
The fancy, family and student area. Loads of students that come to the city to study rent their flats in the area, and I guess those busy/ lazy students are the reason for all the restaurant deliveries around.
The area hosts some of the biggest Universities, traditional (posh) family houses and loads of shops, making it a good combination of resources.
The area is also close to some of the best Museums, art galleries and the famous “Recoleta Cementery” allowing you to do a lot of sightseeing trough their big parks during the day.
Even though Recoleta and Barrio Norte are known for being a bit pricey, if you are looking to treat yourself to some comfort in style, this is a good place to stay.

SUDAMERIKA HOSTEL AND SUITES RECOLETA (US$8- US$35)
A 1900’s tradictional and elegant restored house, re designed to offer the most modern facilities.
Friendly staff and accessible prices.

THE RECOLETA HOSTEL (US$9- US$50)
Nice and clean HI hostel. Professional service.

BELGRANO/ CAÑITAS
This neighborhood is a good area to choose for those looking to stay out of the typical “tourist” circuit and enjoy the family life of a residential area.
Even though a bit away from the bars and restaurants of Recoleta or the sites of the City Center, Begrano offers their own very good restaurant options and loads of green areas.
It’s also a good option to be near Palermo.
Well connected to the rest of the city by the metro (That runs until around 10 PM).

HOSTEL PAMPA (US$12- US$28)
A nice and friendly hostel with a laid back roof area where they organize group dinners and parties.

TE ADORO GARCIA (US$12- US$48)
A trendy hostel in the Canitas area. Large DVD collection and full library for those looking for a home away from home” . Discounts available for weekly stays. Near hip bars and great restaurants.

PALERMO
This residential area keeps on growing as “THE” trendy, stylish and party part of town.
Loads of restaurants (Sushi, Mexican, Indian, Chinese, South east asian and OF COURSE traditional Argentinean!), hip bars and clubs and the most green areas you will be able to find in the City.
Unfortunately, it does take walking a few blocks to catch the metro but the area is very well connected trough buses and as I said on the introduction, there’s nowhere in the city where a US$5 taxi ride can’t take you anyways!
During weekends you will also be able to find the best deals on independent designer’s clothing. Young designers would take their creations out on the streets (literally) and create a huge open air market. Some of the bars around the “Plaza Serrano” area will also ditch their tables and replace them with clothes hangers during the day.
This is a very popular area for young locals too, so even though there are lot of travelers walking around all day, you won’t necessarily find it such a “touristy” area.

BAIT HOSTEL (US$7- US$53)
Only 2 blocks from the vibrant Plaza Serrano.
Small and homey (only 9 rooms!)
Bar open 24 hours, films on big screen every night.
BBQ’s and music shows every week.

GECKO HOSTEL (US$9- US$40)
The recently opened hostel (September ‘07) is the biggest hostel in the area (26 rooms) with it’s own bar, not one but FIVE terraces and BBQ area.
Upon arrival you will be welcomed with a typical argentinean drink: The famous “mate”.
Run by it’s owners (three travelers that met once in Ireland and followed their dream) they like to offer a personalized service to make you feel at home.
The hostel is conveniently located near the metro station and several bus stops as well.

PALERMO HOUSE (US$10- US$65)
This hostel has been in the area for more than 5 years, which has granted it not only the official recognition of the City of Buenos Aires’ board of tourism but probably a lot of knowledge of the are as well!
A spacious building located only 6 blocks away from the metro and 2 blocks away from the famous “Plaza Serrano”.

SOHOSTEL and AMASOHO (US$7- US$50)
These two hostels are run by the same owner and they are both good options in Palermo.
They both offer A/C in each of their rooms (private and shared).
SOHOSTEL offers monthly stays and discounts on weekly stays.
AMASOHO offers VIP rooms with private bathroom and cable TV.

Other options include: TANGO BACKPAKERS, HOSTE SUITES PALERMO, HOSTEL GIRAMONDO and HOGAR A SUR.

SAN TELMO
The traditional and bohemian district of Buenos Aires.
Within walking distance of Buenos Aire´s most atractive and visited tourist stops, including: the Obelisk, Plaza de Mayo, Plaza Dorrego, Avenue 9 de Julio, Puerto Madero, the historic neighborhood of La Boca, Nature Reserve on the bay, Museums, antique shopping, the “broadway” of Buenos Aires on Corrientes street, and the pedestrian only Florida street.
At night, the area lights up with their magical laid back pubs and music shows.
Close enaugh to the city center but special enaugh to give you a taste of the authentic City’s Culture and life.

CARLOS GARDEL (US$7- US$35)
A red wall full of Gardel’s pictures is the first thing to greet you. This hostel is built into a renovated old house, and though it has been severely gutted, a few charming elements, such as marble staircases, wall sconces, and stained-glass windows, remain.
Comfortable atmosphere n the traditional tango way,

CHE ARGENTINA (US$10- US$60)
Elegant building. Spacious rooms and quiet, yet fun atmosphere.
Book and DVD library available.

GARDEN HOUSE (US$9- US$26)
A hostel made by and for travelers. Big house where travelers can feel at home. Run by its owners, Anna & Javier, two young people who after backpacking around the world, decided to open their own place in Buenos Aires, the city they love.
Busy social life that includes pizza and BBQ parties and folklore shows on their garden/ roof area.
Book exchange and DVD collection.

OSTINATTO (US$10- US$46)
A beautiful recicled XX century building that combines an old structure with a fine, minimalistic design.
A stylish option in the traditional district of San Telmo and within a budget!
Free yoga and tango classes. Weekly free Argentinean history classes and walking tour. Films screenings and loads more of activities to keep you busy!

SANDANZAS (US$10- US$25)
Also known as the “cultural hostel”. Their staff ( made up of people in art, photography, the social sciences, and education) try to facilitate cultural exchange among guests using the local cultural scene, ranging from the arts to the social sciences and humanities.
The house was envisioned as a meeting place for local cultural expression and the people of the neighborhood or barrio. A space for you to enjoy and participate in.

TELMO TANGO HOSTEL SUITE (US$15- US$50)
Tango- theme hostel.
A 130 year-old house completely restored with a great glazing dome, one of the only ones of San Telmo, a must see.

Other options include: CHE LAGARTO, PUERTO LIMON, HOSTEL INN TANGO CITY, CARLOS GARDEL, END OF THE WORLD, AYRES PORTENOS and DOMUS.