Argentina - The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget - page 58

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particularly if you are staying for more than a few days.
Most backpackers head for San Telmo, where the hostels
are concentrated, but you can also increasingly find good-
value, pleasant accommodation in leafier Palermo.

Hostel Inn - Tango City Piedras 680, at Chile T 011
4300 5776, W hitangocity.com; map p.55. Large, fun
hostel popular with party animals (there's a themed
party every Friday). A plethora of activities is organized,
including asado nights, Spanish lessons, free walking
tours and tango excursion s. There 's anoth er hostel at
Humberto Primo 820. Dorms AR$60 , doubles AR$180
Ostinatto Chile 680, at Perú T 011 4362 9639, W ostinatto
.com; map p.55. Falls squarely in the category of “hip” hostel,
with cool minimalist design, spacious dorms and extremely
friendly staff. Hosts tango shows and film viewings and
there's a decent happy hour in the bar from 6-11pm. More
expensive than some other hostels, but well worth it. If
you feel like treating yourself there are two self-contained
apart ments, t he loft ( AR$500) and penthouse (AR$650).
Dorms AR$75 , doubles AR$350
El Hostal de San Telmo Carlos Calvo 614, at Peru
T 011 4300 6899, W elhostaldesantelmo.com; map p.55.
Located in one of the prettiest parts of San Telmo, Buenos
Aires' original ho stel is cheaper t han mos t, friendly and
well kept. Dorms AR$50 , doubles AR$150
Sandanzas Cultural Hostel Balcarce 1351, at Cocha-
bamba T 011 4300 7375, W sandanzas.com.ar; map p.55.
One of Buenos Aires' smallest hostels, set slightly off the
beaten track. The cosy common room is the set ting for
a variety of cultural events. Dorms AR$75 , doubles AR$290

HOSTELS
Most hostels have communal kitchens and offer free or
cheap internet, breakfast and laundry.

CENTRAL BUENOS AIRES
Ì Estoril Terrazas Av de Mayo 1385 (1st & 6th Floors),
at Uruguay T 011 4372 5494, W hostelestoril.com.ar;
map p.55. Directly opposite the Palacio Barolo, one of
Buenos Aires' most stunning buildings, Estoril has to be
among the top hostels in the world. Extremely comfortable
and always impeccably clean, it offers all amenities and
has a roof terrace with perfect views of Av d e May o
and Con greso. As k for the roof-top dorm. Dorms AR$65 ,
doubles AR$200
Milhouse Hostel Hipólito Yrigoyen 959, at Bernardo
de Irigoyen T 011 4345 9604, W milhousehostel.com;
map p.55. A large, lively hostel in a colonial-style building
with a huge range of activities on offer. One of the city's
most popular, so book well in advance. Full English break-
fast AR$20. Milhou se also has anot her outp ost at Av de
Mayo 1245. Dorms AR$80 , doubles AR$300

PALERMO, RECOLETA AND RETIRO
Casa Esmeralda Honduras 5765, at Bonpland T 011
4772 2446, W casaesmeralda.com.ar; map p.59. Small,
friendly hostel with a shady back garden, hammocks and
a large living area. Slightly tired-looking, but a goo d
location to kick back and meet people. Dorms AR$90 ,
doubles AR$210
Eco Pampa Hostel Guatemala 4778 T 011 4831 2435,
W hostelpampa.com; map p.59. Dubbing itself the city's
first green hostel - the vibrant lime-hued facade sets the
tone - Eco Pampa is comfortable as well as eco-friendly,
with it s leafy te rrace an d low-energy computers. Dorms
AR$75 , doubles AR$400
Giramondo Guemes 4802 T 011 4772 6740, W hostel
giramondo.com; map p.59. Spacious Palermo hostel in
an early twentieth-century townhouse (discounts for long
stays). Has a vast, lower-ground-floor bar area - a great
place f for partyi ng and m eeting fellow travellers. Dorms
AR$60 , doubles AR$275

HOTELS AND B&BS
CENTRAL BUENOS AIRES
Alcázar Av de Mayo 935 T 011 4345 0926, W hotelalcazar
.com.ar; map p.55. This old hotel with a lovely central
staircase features basic roo ms, all with heating, a fan and
private bathroom. AR$280
Gran Hotel Hispano Av de Mayo 861, at Tacuarí T 011
4345 2020, W hhispano.com.ar; map p.55. Metres from
the famous Café Tortoni , this family-run classic retains
its original Spanish-style architecture. Most rooms are
centred on a beautiful old courtyard, while so me have
balconies looking onto the street below. AR$350
Marbella Av de Mayo 1261 T 011 4383 8566, W hotel
marbella.com.ar; map p.55. Calm, good-value lodgings
(discounts for cash) in a central location. Rooms are
modern with cable TV and decent-siz ed bathr ooms, and
there is also an economical restaurant. AR$350
Posada de la Luna Perú 565, at México T 011 4343 0911,
W posadaluna.com; map p.55. Attractively decorated B&B
set in a colonial townhouse between San Telmo and the
Centro. Home-made bread and jam is served with breakfast
and there's a jacuzzi and sun deck. No hotel sig n outside the
door means it's still a relatively well-kept secret. AR$430
Roma Av de Mayo 1413, at Uruguay T 011 4381 4921;
map p.55. Low prices and a central location are the draw
at the Roma . Slightly noi sy room s, some with balconies
looking onto Av de Mayo. AR$220

SAN TELMO
Che Lagarto Youth Hostel Venezuela 857, at Piedras
T 011 4343 4845, W chelagarto.com; map p.55. Rooms
are standard but the sociable atmosphere, cool bar/
restaurant (meals AR$40-75) and lovely tree-sha ded bac k
garden make Che a top traveller hangout. Dorms AR$60 ,
doubles AR$310