Salta & the Northwest - Argentina - page 216

218 Inexpensive

Hotel del A ntiguo Convento Finds The humble colonial entrance to this
budget hotel might make y ou think it is a little too budget. B ut you will be pleasantly
surprised as the modern r eception ar ea opens out into thr ee cour tyards and a gar den
pool, all decorated with flo wers, pots, and flagstones. The surrounding rooms are mid-
size, with air-conditioning and TV. The bathr ooms ar e small but spar kling clean and
perfectly adequate. Out back is a spacious suite that accommodates thr ee people and is
conveniently located in front of the pool. The extremely helpful staff and central location
make it the best choice for quality accommodations in the city .
Caseros 113. & /fax [phone]. www.hoteldelconvento.com.ar. 25 units . From $60 (£41) double .
Rates include br eakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Parking $5 (£3.40). Amenities: Outdoor pool; laundr y ser vice.
Wi-Fi. In room: A/C, TV.
Los Cardones Youth Hostel Youth is the correct term here when describing one of
Salta's better hostels. I f you want to meet people and be close to the nightlife action on
Balcarce, this pleasant town house is not a bad choice. An attractive common room with
comfy sofas leads to clean, simple r ooms with bright blue walls and simple beds. The
dorms are light and airy with plenty of space, and beds and bunks to choose fr om.
Entre R ios 454. & 387/431-4026. w ww.loscardones.todowebsalta.com.ar. 12 units . F rom $22 (£15)
double with shared bathrooms; dorm bed $9 (£6.10) per person. Rates include breakfast. No credit cards.
No parking. Amenities: Bar; communal TV/DVD player w/DVD library; high-speed Internet.

Victoria Plaza If you're in Salta to sightsee rather than to loll ar ound in sumptuous
hotel rooms, then the Victoria Plaza should do just fine. Rooms are stark and simple, but
they're clean, comfor table, and cheer fully maintained. Those on the sev enth floor and
higher enjoy better views for a few dollars more. The hotel has an excellent location next
to the main plaza, the Cabildo (to wn hall), and the cathedral. The cafeteria-like restau-
rant is open 24 hours, and the hotel offers fr ee airport transfers.
Zuviría 16. & /fax [phone]. www.hotelvictoriaplaza.com.ar. 96 units. From $75 (£51) double. Rates
include buffet breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking. Amenities: Tiny exercise room; sauna; meeting
room; laundry service; Wi-Fi. In room: A/C, TV, fridge.

8

Outside the City Center
Very Expensive
House of Jasmines Moments This pristine farmhouse on 120 hectar es (296
acres) was converted into a fantastic inn worthy of a spread in House & Garden. There is
a beautiful fir eplace in the main living r oom as y ou enter the house. Each of the sev en
rooms is differ ent, but all ar e exquisitely decorated in keeping with the colonial feel of
the house—four-poster beds, antique furnitur e, and fluffy duv ets. Fresh roses (and jas-
mines in season) will fill y our room with a glorious scent. B athrooms are sparkling and
new. Most guests opt to dine in the elegant dining r oom, and the chef pr epares every-
thing from scratch—even the br ead is baked on the pr emises. Miles of trails and open
fields surround a magnificent swimming pool and a rose garden. You are a guest here, not
a customer, and the staff will do ev erything to help make y ou feel at home. The farm-
house is close to Salta's airport, about a 15-minute drive from the city center.
Camino al Enc on, La M erced Chica. & /fax [phone]. www.houseofjasmines.com. 7 units . $215-
$365 (£145-£247). R ates include c ontinental br eakfast. MC, V. F ree park ing. Amenities: Restaurant;
lounge; pristine outdoor pool; room service; laundry service.