Review: Eco Pampa Hostel Buenos Aires

By now I’ve stayed at my fair share of hostels, all of which have run the gamut from rustic and charming to cramped and horrifying (I’m looking at you, hostel in New York City). In the past I have argued against the “scary hostel myths”, instead choosing to praise the social benefits, affordable options and great locations that most hostels abroad will provide.

On my recent visit to Buenos Aires as a first time solo traveler, I was looking for a hostel in the charming neighborhood of Palermo Soho where I would be staying. The criteria for my hostel search was simple: a good location, clean and safe hostel and a setting conducive to social interactions would be just right. The Eco Pampa Hostel fit the bill perfectly.

Nestled on the quiet, tree-lined street of Guatemala in Palermo, the Eco Pampa Hostel is around the corner from J.L. Borges-a large avenue lined with cafes, shops, art galleries and restaurants. The hostel prides itself on being a boutique ecological hostel that is the first of its kind in Buenos Aires. Furniture is recycled-bought as antique and restored by local artists-while the hostel’s main mission of reducing, reusing and recycling infuses their business model.

Offering private rooms or dorm rooms, Eco Pampa caters to couples, groups or (in my case) solo travelers looking to call a corner of Buenos Aires home. By far one of the best features of the hostel, in my opinion, is the common area where travelers from around the world can strike up conversation over a cold beer. As a solo traveler, I was banking on meeting other like-minded backpackers at my hostel and was happy to find Eco Pampa was not only comfortable but social as well.

While the idea of a social hostel may bring up images of sleepless nights and rowdy guests, there was never a night at Eco Pampa where I woke up to the sounds of drunken hostelers stumbling the halls. The common area rests on the first floor of the building with all guest rooms on the higher levels-both only accessible by guests and removed from music and conversation taking place on the first floor. The staff was friendly and never ceased to be helpful in giving directions, tips and recommendations on places to visit in Buenos Aires.

Book this hostel if…

You are a budget traveler looking to stretch your dollars without sacrificing comfort. Eco Pampa Hostel is a great option with fast internet, hot showers, spacious rooms, roof top access and an excellent location in one of Buenos Aires’ top neighborhoods to stay. Private rooms with a private bathroom start at $60 USD, while dorm rooms start at $17 USD.

*Tip: Save money on your trip to the international airpot by reserving a shuttle directly through Eco Pampa, which will conveniently pick you up, help you with your luggage and drop you off at the terminal you need to go.

***I was invited for a complimentary stay at the Eco Pampa Hostel in exchange for editorial coverage. As always, all opinions expressed on The Pin the Map Project are unbiased and my own.