In a "resort" town full of high prices and less-than modern accommodations and services, the Hostel Park Iquazu is a perfect refuge for the backpacker. While far from luxury, the hostel is an excellent value. Since it is quiet and inexpensive, it's an especially good option for the solo/older traveler who doesn't want to share a room.
Getting There
Even if you fly into Iquazu, you'll still end up at the bus station. Walk out of the main entrance of the bus station. You are facing Av. Cordoba. Go one block to your right. Go up the first street on your left (there is no sign) which is beside the restaurant, La Estagne. The hostel is at the end of this street/road, about three blocks back. While it can be rather dark at night, it is generally safe to walk.
Overview
The grounds of this hostel are a bit spread out so there is no definitive common hang out space in which to meet other travelers. There is a large dining room with a TV that functions as closely to a "lounge" as anything here. There is a little "bar" (really just a fridge with beer you can buy from the front desk staff) and patio area near the entrance that seems to get little action, but is a nice place if you don't mind a hard seat with your beer. The overall atmosphere of the place is really relaxed with mostly young people, looking for a place to just rest their head after a long day of hiking around the waterfalls. It is not a ritzy place though, and an occasional small lizard may get into your room.
Rooms and Bathrooms
Small but clean, the rooms contain bunked beds (even in the private rooms) and a table and chair. Large metal lockers are very spacious and secure with built-in locks. The mattresses are fairly soft and pillows decent. Air-conditioning in the private and double rooms is a vital part of a good night's rest in this tropical climate. Again, the bathrooms are small but clean and entirely functional. The showers have plenty of hot water and good pressure.
Common Areas
Lacking any really comfortable common areas, the dining room serves as a hang out spot as does the pool and courtyard area behind the main building. The pool is really nice and worth a dip! The kitchen is rather obscure and inaccessible. Do not count on being able to cook up much here as the kitchen is outside of the main hostel building and very "rustic." Breakfast is included and served in the dining room. It includes an assortment of fruits (some rather questionable in quality), toast, jam, tea, and coffee.
Other Points to Note
The internet, while free, is very slow here. Don't plan to do much emailing and certainly don't try to download pictures. The staff doesn't speak much English. There is no airport bus! You must call a charter service to get between the hostel and the airport. Ask at the desk the night before you need to leave to have a reservation made and leave plenty of time between leaving and your flight as the charter shuttle stops all over town before actually heading to the airport.
-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
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