Hostel Lao

Homey and comfortable, Hostel Lao in Mendoza is a delight in every respect. It is full of character that feels intimate and friendly without being over the top. It's tough to leave. With a front door that's always locked and a big (but super friendly) dog, you'll always feel very secure inside the hostel's colorful and roomy walls. The staff is very accommodating and little planned gatherings, such as free wine most nights at 8 p.m., keep the hostel's social life thriving. It's not uncommon to strike up easy conversations with other travelers in this welcoming atmosphere. This hostel is a great place for the solo traveler looking to pick up a companion for the next leg of the journey.

Getting There

A taxi from the airport is the easiest (and recommended) option. If you're up for a bit of adventure or hard up for cash, use the bus system. Begin by getting the bus at the airport (pay using the little machine inside the door -- it takes coins only, so get change before getting on), which drops you off at a mysterious terminal on the edge of town. From there, using the same ticket from the first bus, get on the #64 bus (sign is on the windshield near the driver) and ask to be let off at Rioja and Av. Alem (this is not a regular stop). The hostel will be in the middle of the block on your left.

Common Areas

There a lots of comfortable lounge areas in this hostel. First in the door is a more formal room with leather couch, fireplace, and TV along with the reception desk and beer fridge. Around the corner is the more "zen" room with a comfy futon, several chairs, and the computer for free and fast internet. The zen room looks out onto the back garden, lush with pomegranates, roses, and trees. There is a small pool with several clusters of patio furniture and hammocks.

Kitchen and Dining

The kitchen is galley style but still large and pleasant with all the resources you need to cook up a great meal. Adjacent to it is a spacious dining room which hosts a delicious breakfast ever morning until 10:30 a.m. Included in your rate, breakfast involves several types of pastries, fruit, jams, toast, cereal, teas, coffees, and more. Also in the dining room is a board full of traveler tips and books -- make sure to look here for good ideas for what to do out in the city.

Rooms and Bathrooms

Each rooms is a little different but all are clean and comfortable. Decent size lockers and good pillows top off the list of pros. A couple of the dorm rooms are a bit cramped. Two really nice and quiet private doubles are available in the separate "pool house" at the back of the garden. These are a great value for couples who want privacy but don't want to stay in a hotel. Bathrooms are very clean and individual so you don't have to worry about stripping down in front of any strangers. With four bathrooms for the small hostel, there is rarely a problem with getting one when needed. Water pressure and temperature are both superb.

Other Points to Note

The hostel offers several good tour options and the owners, who speak very fluent English, are always happy to help you create your own "tour" using the public bus system (much cheaper and takes you to all the same places). Buses to the outlying mountains and vineyards stop right outside of the hostel. There is some reported crime targeted at tourists (snatching packs, cameras) in the city so it is wise to hail a taxi when carrying any amount of luggage or equipment.

— Avis exclusif de Hostelz.com
September 2007