Arequipa Tambo Viejo Hotel

Tambo Veijo Hostel is located on a busy road a little outside the centre of town. The easiest way to get there is via taxi, as some of the streets in the immediate area aren't considered safe to walk along at night. From the front it's not the easiest to locate, but it's next door to another hostel and an internet cafe. Once safely there, it's a five to ten minute walk to the centre of town. As long as you stick to safe streets (the staff will tell which streets are ok) walking to and from the centre of town easy enough day or night.

The hostel itself is large and airy and the common areas beautifully furnished and decorated. In the reception area there are some couches and a television, complete with DVD player. There is a catch however: the DVD and television can only be used between 6pm and 10pm.

Out back, there's a large sunny courtyard, complete with parrots, plus several balconies upstairs. All are amply supplied with chairs and tables to sit around, including some shaded from the sun by trees and verandahs.

As for meals, there is no kitchen available for guests. The hostel does serve breakfast and other meals are available on request. Breakfast isn't included in the price but is reasonably priced and includes fresh fruit juice.

The bedrooms are spacious, clean and comfortable, with normal beds rather than bunk beds. The dorm rooms have five or six single beds and bathrooms are close by. The bathrooms are generally clean and the showers warm to hot, however not scaldingly so. Towels are available if needed but may incur an extra fee.

The hostel also has two or three internet computers. Their use also incurs a small fee, which is about 50% greater than that of the internet cafe next door. Other services include a travel agency and luggage storage facilities. Prices seem reasonable, but the quality of the tour operators that they use is variable, so one might be better advised to shop wisely and compare services with those of other agencies in the centre of town. In relation to the luggage storage, be warned: unlike many other hostels, it's not free, even when travelling on tours booked through the hostel.

All in all, the hostel is reasonable. However, it was a little lacking in atmosphere and heart. As place to relax, its a highly suitable choice, but on the other hand, as a place to party and meet other travellers, it seems a little lacking.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
January 2006