Lodging in San Antonio de Areco
San Antonio de Areco is a registered town of national historic interest and is a focal point for international tourism in the province of Buenos Aires. As one of Argentina’s primary destinations to have the cowboy experience, the accommodations here are not generally a good value compared to some other areas of Argentina such as Cordoba, and in the province of Buenos Aires, Capilla de Monte and Lobos.
The majority of the pueblo’s handful of estancias, or vacation ranches, seem to have fixed their prices at around US$165 per night per person for foreigners—five-star prices for accommodations that are not typically five-star quality.
While several estancias in San Antonio de Areco try to conceal a double pricing policy – one for foreigners and one for residents, this practice is commonplace in the popular pueblo. Many of the well-known estancias such as Rosario de Areco (who refused requests for a price list, charging upwards of US$ 200 per night, cash only) do not publish their prices, a good indication that there may be a two-price system in place. Some estancias, such as Estancia Criolla and Estancia de la Fiesta Gaucha don’t hide the fact that foreigners are charged a third to twice as much for the same accommodations. This is understandable, given the prices are far out of the reach of most middle-class Argentine families, but with prices starting at around US$500 a night for a family of four, they are also out of reach of many middle-class foreigners.
Those who go with the understanding that they are purchasing the experience of staying at an estancia and the accompanying activities, not the lodgings themselves, may feel less sticker shock.
Travelers looking for more bang for their buck who also want to have the ‘estancia experience’ in San Antonio de Areco may want to consider staying at a hotel and then passing the day in an estancia for a typical cost of US$ 40-60.
Estancias:
-photo courtesy of La Porteña-
La Porteña de Areco — A beautiful 180 year-old estancia and National Historic Monument where writer Ricardo Güiraldes (1886-1927), author of Don Segundo Sombra, spent time as a child. The accommodations are adequate, not luxurious. This estancia is listed in the book, ’1,000 Places to See Before You Die.’
Seven km from the intersection of route 41 going down Route 8.
Tel: (54 9 11) 5626-7347
La Bamba Chica—The sister estancia to La Bamba, the first estancia to open it’s doors to tourism in the province, beginning in 1989 (and now closed for restoration). Adequate rooms in a homey atmosphere starting at US$160 per night. The 30-hectare ranch is close to the town center. From Tuesday through Sunday afternoons they also operate an English style teahouse.
Address: Route 8, km 116
(500 meters from the Güiraldes Museum)
Tel: 4732-1269
Cell: 15-5893-7412 (Buenos Aires, from Mon—Fri 10 am until 4pm)
Hotels:
| Hotelscombined.com |
La Posta de Vagues, a few kilometers outside of San Antonio is thankfully one ‘hotel de campo’ doesn’t hand out their prices in US dollars. A perfectly adequate country-style double room goes for AR$350-400 per night per couple. There’s even wifi, a salon with a pool table, horse riding, golf and polo classes offered. Children under 10 are not permitted.
La Posta de Vagues
Off Provincial Route 41
Tel: (02326) 45 1008
Couples on a weekend getaway may want to consider Patio Moreno, a newer hotel in San Antonio de Areco. The minimalist, modern style of the hotel is a bit out of touch with the surrounding pueblo but the hotel goes the distance to compete with the estancias. At an average of US$145 per night, it is certainly different than the more rustic and homey estancia experience. Reservations recommended.
Patio Moreno
Moreno 251,
San Antonio de Areco
Tel: 0-800-222-0115
Budget Lodgings:
There’s not much competition in San Antonio for budget lodging, but Hostel Gaucho enjoys a good location right in front of the river and the ‘old bridge,’ two blocks from the central plaza. The staff is friendly and it is clean, if a bit barren. Beds from AR$65, a double room with a private bath starts at AR$100 per person.
Hostel Gaucho
Zerboni 308
Tel: (02326)-453625
Cell: 02326-15401676
El Puesto Hostel, three blocks from San Antonio’s main plaza is so peaceful that you will truly get the country experience, chirping crickets and all. The hostel is in an 100 year-old house with leaded glass windows and is tastefully, if sparsely, decorated in country style. Amenities include a garden and swimming pool, wifi and free breakfast. It does close down at some points during the year, so check availability before showing up.
El Puesto Hostel
Belgrano 270
Tel: (02326) 453-148
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