Hostel Lago Argentino is a place to stay for a couple of nights or for long term. It is not a great place to meet people, even though it has a large common area, since most people spend full days out at the glacier or exploring the national park and return late at night. The walls are sponge painted to give it an alternative atmosphere with pictures and posters of Patagoni hanging on them. The staff are friendly at times, but are not very helpful and do not speak any English.
The Location
The hostel is in a good area, behind the bus station (and town) only about five minutes' walk (two hundred meters). There are supermarkets within a few blocks and kiosks next door for basic items such as water, soda, and snacks. The town of El Calafate is small and although it is not on the main tourist street, you can reach it in a few minutes' walk.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The dorms are basic. They are brightly coloured, with basic single beds, sheets, and towel. Each bed has a locker outside the room to lock your personal things in, however you need to bring your own lock with you. Security in the hostel appears fine as long as you lock your personal good in a locker supplied. The bathrooms -- three toilets and three showers -- are all shared and located at the end of the hall. There are no problems with bathroom availability.
Common Spaces
The common area is nice, including two couches and two tables for eating. The kitchen is big and clean, with everything you need. There's a common table where people can sit, but since El Calafate is a place to stay at to see what's around, there are not so many people sitting in the common areas. Breakfast is served in the common area from 7 to 10 a.m., consisting of bread and butter that you have to get yourself on top on the refrigerator. Tea and coffee are prepared for you. The hostel also offers tours and excursions but you have to ask to book. They also offer expensive laundry service and internet.
Summary
Overall, we do not like this hostel. The atmosphere is bland and it does not feel clean and tidy, as the rooms smell of mildew and it's hard to fall asleep in the room (with our mild allergies). The owners and workers are not overly friendly and we did not feel comfortable at this hostel.
-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
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