Types of Accommodation in Argentina
An Insight in Hotels, Hostels, Hospedajes, Posadas and Estancias
Nov 12, 2009
Whether Argentina is visited on a business trip, to enjoy a fishing trip or to backpack through the country as cheaply as possible, it offers accommodation for all types of travellers. Between luxurious hotels and cheap hostels is a range of options for an overnight stay in the form of hospedajes, pensións, posadas, estancias and apartments.
Basic and Luxurious Hotels in Argentina
All Argentinian cities and towns offer a selection of hotels, from a cosy family-owned hotel to a five-star international chain. Prices start around 50 pesos [US $15] and may skyrocket for a top accommodation in an exclusive location with a dazzling view. Among the regular hotels the level of luxury varies from a simple room with private bathroom to a room equipped with extra amenities like T.V. and telephone.
Buenos Aires is Argentina's capital and together with the favourite holiday destinations of Argentina's wealthy, Mar del Plata, Bariloche and Mendoza, these sum up the most expensive cities for an overnight stay. These cities have internationally known hotel chains like Hilton, Sheraton, or Golden Tulip. Top hotels often offer laundry service and WiFi connection. They may be equipped with a swimming pool, a bar and sometimes even a shopping arcade.
Hostels in Argentina
Hostels are common in many of Argentina's cities and towns. In general they cater to the younger traveller although anybody is free to book an overnight stay at a hostel. Services range from a room with private bathroom to a dormitory. Rates vary greatly, a basic hostel may cost about US $10, others cost as much as US $40 per night. Hostelling International offers discounts for members.
Hostels are in general equipped with communal kitchens – cooking one's own meal is an easy way to save money on the budget. The hostel's lounges are excellent locations to meet other travellers.
Apartments at Argentina's Popular Holiday Destinations
A good option for a multiple-day stay in Argentina's major holiday destinations like Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata and Bariloche is to rent an apartment. Most of them are rented by the week or longer. Renting an apartment may be a good way to save money because it offers the possibility of sharing the place with more people and cooking one's own meals.
Accommodation at Estancias in Patagonia and Lake District
An overnight stay at estancias is especially popular in Patagonia and in the Lake District. Some travellers want to learn something about life on a ranch, others are attracted by the possibilities of sport fishing [especially trout]. A hotel-estancia varies from the look and feel of a luxurious hotel, with all kinds of amenities, to basic – having more of a bed & breakfast ambience.
Hospedajes, Pensións and Posadas in Argentina
Other forms of accommodation are often on offer – but not exclusively so – in the countryside or villages. The most common terms for these accommodations are "hospedaje", "pensión", or "posada". In general they are cheaper than an overnight stay in a hotel and often come with a shared bathroom. Especially the smaller accommodations may offer the chance to meet [and sometimes share a meal with] the owners, which is a wonderful way to learn the language as well as learn something about the Argentinean way of life.
Tips to Arrange an Accommodation in Argentina
- Bring a language book or dictionary. Whereas in the most luxurious hotel the traveller may expect English to be spoken, don't expect this service elsewhere. Especially the countryside is void of English-speaking Argentineans.
- Some hotels may offer a discount during low season or for a long-term stay. Negotiate the price before the room is booked. Some hotels, especially in tourist destinations for foreigners, may have a two-tier price system, which means that a foreigner pays more than a local.
- Argentina's high seasons are January/February [school summer holidays], Semana Santa [Easter] and July [school winter holidays] and in these periods it is advised to make reservations for an overnight stay at popular tourist destinations.
- Most cities and towns have a Tourist Information, which is a good source of info on available accommodation.
Argentina – Accommodation from Cheap Hostels to Expensive Hotels
Argentina offers different types of accommodation throughout the country. An overnight stay ranges from a low-budget hospedaje or hostel up to a unique stay at an estancia or a five-star hotel. Travellers who like camping will find Argentina a camper’s paradise and may want to read more about Argentina's campgrounds.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
