ATMOSPHERE:

Casa Argentina is packed with backpackers and language students, and thus is a lively and social place. It is run by a friendly family whose rambunctious kids and their friends will gladly let you join in their soccer games. The house parrot is sure to greet you with "Hola" or "Tonto" as you pass the kitchen.

ROOMS:

Rooms are clean and spacious, and many have TVs. Most have two beds, and if not, the staff will gladly roll in an extra if you need it. We enjoyed clean sheets and plenty of blankets for chilly nights. Rooms on the lower level are farther removed from gathering areas and therefore quieter at night.

BATHROOMS:

All bathrooms are shared, and we occasionally had to wait to use one or seek out toilet paper. They are clean, however, and have hot water (usually).

COMMOM SPACES AND AMENITIES:

The spacious and sunny rooftop patio is a great place to relax and meet other travelers. The kitchens, one just for guests and one shared with the family, are a bit lacking in supplies but usable. Other conveniences include free coffee, tea, and filtered drinking water, a pila (big sink) for doing laundry, and lines for drying.

Casa Argentina is also home to Quetzaltrekkers, a non-profit adventure tour company whose proceeds fund a school and boarding house for street kids, among other projects. (See separate entry on tour companies.)

SAFETY:

The outside door is always closed and locked, and rooms lock as well. The area is lively during the day, and we felt safe coming and going. Some travelers reported small items disappearing from dorm rooms.

PRICES:

Private rooms cost 50Q (about 7 USD) per night, and a dorm bed is 25Q (about 3.50 USD). These prices are from summer 2005, with exchange rate at about 7.5Q to a US dollar.

LOCATION:

Casa Argentina can be tricky to find. Follow 7a or 8a Calle west from the park, and turn left onto Diagonal 12. It's a big white door on the left at an intersection. Ring the bell to get in.

Private or Shared Bath?
Shared bath, with a warmer-than-most shower. Occasionally, we had to wait a bit to use the bathroom/shower.

The Atmosphere:
Very friendly atmosphere, in reference to the travelers as well as the family running the hotel. The family always took a moment to chat with us if we came into the kitchen for some coffee or tea. Some of the family kids and their friends were often playing games and would welcome travelers who wanted to kick around the soccer ball.

Food and Other Amenities:
There is no restaurant on-site, but there is a community kitchen for preparing meals. Instant coffee, tea, and purified water are complimentary. Also on site is Quetzaltrekkers, a non-profit organization offering guided hikes at modest prices (see separate entry in this journal). There are sinks for doing laundry and clothes lines for drying. Many rooms have televisions. There is also a large patio area to catch some rays.

Location:
It was a little hard to find Casa Argentina from the center square the first time. Basically, follow 7a calle west to Diagonal 12 and turn left. Casa Argentine is marked only with a very small sign that is easy to miss. It is a white building on the left side –- the door will be closed. Ring the bell to enter.

Security:
Casa Argentina is locked during the day and at night. Guests are given a key or need to ring a bell to enter. We felt very safe here. It would be an excellent place for single women to stay as well.

Price:
25 quetzales (US$3.12) per person, per night.

There are kitchen facilities, but you may have to search for a clean dish. It's a good short-term option, but not for someone looking for a bit of privacy and relaxation.