Rancho Grande Hostel in El Chaltén enjoys an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those looking to explore the Fitz Roy and Laguna de Los Tres trails. Positioned on the town’s main avenue, it provides convenient access to supermarkets, restaurants and hiking equipment rental shops. The hostel's vibrant atmosphere and the 24/7 on-site restaurant add to its appeal, especially for trekkers. Though it's about a 20-minute walk from the bus station, its central position near trailheads makes it a preferred choice for many.
The breakfast at Rancho Grande Hostel is widely praised for its quality and variety, often described as one of the best experiences in Patagonia. It's available from as early as 1 am, catering perfectly to the schedules of early hikers. Guests appreciate the delicious and hearty options, including an American breakfast and homemade pastries. However, a small number of reviews note that breakfast is not always included in the room price and some found the choices limited.
The hostel’s 24-hour restaurant receives high marks for convenience and the quality of its meals, which are affordable and cater to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan. Hearty dishes like lasagna and lentil stew are frequently mentioned and generous portions are a recurring highlight. Additionally, the warm and attentive service and practical lunch boxes for hikes contribute to its positive reception.
Accommodations at Rancho Grande Hostel range from private rooms to shared dormitories, both noted for their comfort and cleanliness. Shared rooms, accommodating up to four people, provide a not-too-crowded and cozy atmosphere. The hostel is commended for acoustic comfort, large lockers, daily cleaning and well-maintained facilities, though some reviews mention issues with overheated rooms, occasional noise and variations in room size.
Cleanliness is generally praised with daily room cleanings and tidy common areas contributing to a pleasant stay. The bathrooms are often described as clean and well-equipped with amenities like round-the-clock hot showers. However, some inconsistencies are noted with occasional lapses in bathroom and kitchen cleanliness.
The hostel staff are a standout feature, consistently described as friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The reception and restaurant teams receive specific commendations for their professionalism and warm service, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Wi-Fi at Rancho Grande Hostel has mixed reviews. While available for free throughout the premises, it tends to work best in common areas and can be slow and unstable, particularly in guest rooms and during peak times.
Parking options are somewhat limited but generally well-received with free and secure parking available albeit with limited spaces. Paid parking is available as well.
While the bed comfort receives mixed feedback, many find the beds comfy and well-equipped with outlets and reading lights. However, several reviews call attention to old and saggy mattresses, particularly in the shared dormitories, suggesting a need for updates to ensure consistency in sleep quality.
Overall, Rancho Grande Hostel is favored for its fantastic location, vibrant atmosphere, excellent food options and friendly staff, though some areas like Wi-Fi connectivity, mattress quality and occasional cleanliness issues could benefit from improvement.
Rancho Aparte Hostel enjoys high praise for its prime location, particularly among hiking enthusiasts. Its proximity to key hiking trails and essential amenities like restaurants, stores and supermarkets makes it a perfect base for trekkers looking to explore the area's natural beauty. The hostel is strategically placed for easy access to popular routes, earning it a stellar reputation for convenience and value.
The breakfast offerings are generally well-received, although not included in the standard rate. The hostel makes up for this by providing free tea and cake throughout the day, along with a selection of tasty marbled muffins. For those desiring a more substantial meal to start their day, the affordable 24-hour restaurant next door is a popular alternative. Despite suggestions for including breakfast in all room rates, guests appreciate the variety and quality of the available options.
The in-house restaurant stands out for its delicious food, particularly the steak and other mouth-watering dishes, available 24/7. Hostel residents benefit from discounts, making the generous portions and homemade quality dishes even more appealing. Though a bit pricey for some, the overall food experience is highly recommended for its taste and convenience.
When it comes to rooms, guests are generally pleased with their cleanliness and comfort, albeit with some variability in size. The beds receive mixed reviews; while some find them cozy, others point out the need for mattress upgrades. The shared spaces are appreciated for their coziness and good facilities, although issues like the lack of lockers and limited space for personal items are noted. Overall, the rooms provide a clean and simple environment suitable for most travelers.
Cleanliness at Rancho Aparte Hostel is frequently commended, from the rooms to the common areas. Guests highlight the spotless bathrooms and well-maintained kitchen, contributing to the hostel's welcoming atmosphere. The attentive and friendly staff play a significant role in upholding these high standards, despite occasional minor issues with supplies.
The hostel staff receives consistent accolades for their warm and helpful demeanor. Individuals like Romina and Leo are often mentioned for their exceptional service. The team's readiness to assist with recommendations for outdoor activities adds to the positive guest experience. Although there are some contrasting opinions about staff attentiveness, the general sentiment is highly favorable.
WiFi, however, garners mixed reviews. While the service is adequate for some, many guests experience unreliable connectivity and poor signal strength, particularly in rooms. Despite these challenges, a few guests acknowledge that it is better compared to other local options.
In summary, Rancho Aparte Hostel offers a convenient and clean accommodation option with a strong emphasis on friendly service and good food. While there is room for improvement in certain areas like WiFi and bed quality, the overall experience remains positive, making it a commendable choice for travelers, particularly those keen on hiking and exploring the natural surroundings.