Hostel El Sol

Hostel El Sol is a friendly, quiet, and traditional Uruguayan establishment. While the staff generally doesn't speak English, they are eager to help and to overcome any language barriers. Visited mostly by summer sun-seekers from Buenos Aires, the hostel is far from crowded on the off-season and never overrun with tourists, so it's got a much more traditional flavor.

Getting There

Most everyone arrives by the ferry. From the port, walk "up" the street from the port's entrance gate. You'll quickly come to Manuel De Lobo. Turn left of this street and follow it to #337 (five or six blocks). On the left side of the street is the hostel, although the sign is mostly blocked by tree leaves, so just look for a bright yellow building. Once settled in, getting to the sights from the hostel is a very pleasant walk through the heart of this small town.

Dorm Rooms

The whitewashed rooms are tidy and clean with very high ceilings and French doors/windows. The beds themselves are comfortable, with fresh smelling sheets. Most rooms have ceiling fans to regulate the temperature and there's usually a breeze coming up from the river to make nights cool. Some rooms are ensuite while others share bathrooms. Dorm rooms generally sleep six and there are two private rooms with a queen bed. Lockers in the rooms are small, school-style lockers that come with a key -- good for storing valuables but you probably won't get your whole pack in there unless you travel very light. Rooms also come with a table and chairs, which is handy for filling out postcards.

Bathrooms

The price difference between an ensuite room and one with shared bath is marginal, so it's worth it to pay for the ensuite rooms (the shared bathrooms are inconveniently located in the courtyard, away from the dorm rooms). All bathrooms, including those ensuite, are kept clean and have good hot water/pressure. However, don't expect anything fancy -- a shower (no stall, just one of those that has a drain in the floor), toilet, and small sink. That being said, everything functions and guests get a towel and small bar of soap at check-in.

Common Areas

There is a central courtyard/patio in the hostel with an open roof that is nice for mild evenings and sunny afternoon lunches. There is also a covered dining room off the kitchen and a lounge area with some worn couches and a computer for free internet. Again, like most of the hostel, none are luxurious but all are clean.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the one negative of this hostel. If you are looking to cook, this kitchen will prove challenging. There is a stove and fridge, along with a hodgepodge of pots and cutlery. The shortcoming is the sink (barely functioning and not adequate for washing dishes) and getting the stove to boil water -- making pasta takes much longer than one might ever imagine. That being said, the kitchen space is large and clean. Just don't plan any gourmet meals while staying here.

Extras

There is luggage storage in the front desk area, although nothing is locked up so take real valuables with you. There are bikes for use by hostel guests, but they are not in the best shape. Just don't plan any long excursions out of town on one of them.

Summary

Overall, this hostel is very authentic and relaxing. Its charm is in its simplicity and homey atmosphere. It's worth a visit, if only to take evening strolls around Colonia's quiet streets after navigating the crunch of Buenos Aires.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
May 2007