V&S is a hostel that ticks all the boxes. It’s reasonably priced, clean, and offers a wide range of activities to guests.
It is also located in the thick of the action downtown — this could be either a plus or a minus, depending on what you’re after.
Most Buenos Aires hostels are gathered around the tango bars and steak houses of San Telmo, or the bars and clubs of Palermo, but the microcentro area offers a happy compromise.
The corner of Viamonte and Suipacha streets lies within walking distance of the pedestrian thoroughfare of Florida and other shopping streets, as well as the Retiro train and bus stations, and numerous bus and subway connections.
Getting to San Telmo from the V&S takes less than 30 minutes on foot, and is even quicker by public transport or by using one of the city’s free bikes.
Palermo is slightly further away but still easy to reach from here. The only drawback with being based downtown is the noise and hustle of a typical working day, which confront you as soon as you step out the door. If you can cope with that, you’re in a very convenient spot.
Inside, the V&S is relaxed and comfortable. Typical Argentine early 20th century elegance is reflected in details such as the antique elevator, the cozy library and the French balconies and terrace. The communal area is spacious and decorated with touches of rural Argentina. It’s also dominated by a gigantic TV, perpetually alternating between movies and sports, depending on who has wrestled control of the remote.
V&S offers all the standard features you would expect from a good hostel. The price of your room includes a buffet breakfast (until 10:30am), introductory Spanish and tango lessons, and personal lockers (bring your own lock for extra security). Internet access and laundry are available for a small fee. Staff are helpful in arranging trips to the usual attractions such as football games, theater and tango shows.
The management also finds a good balance between encouraging a peaceful environment for guests who need their rest, while providing plenty of opportunities to socialize. Group dinners are arranged a couple of times a week they can get guests discounts at various recommended nightspots every night of the week.
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights the hostel puts on live shows highlighting Argentine genres of music, such as tango and national rock, giving guests the chance to experience the local scene.
Rates vary slightly depending on season and length of stay, but the cheapest option is the 8-person room. Four-bed rooms, with either external or internal bathrooms, are a slightly more expensive alternative.
Private rooms for solo travelers or couples with a small balcony and private bathroom are also available. A huge plus is that all rooms have air conditioning and heating, an important feature during Buenos Aires’ chilly winters and muggy summers.
Book V&S Hostel Online
Viamonte 887 (corner of Suipacha)
Retiro/Downtown