Hostel El Puesto

The outdoor area was really the only good thing. I never saw a staff member during my stay; I left two days later and left some money with the cleaning lady, and I hadn't even checked in. There was no AC, so sleeping in summer wasn't possible. Wi-Fi was spotty at best, and the beds felt unstable, like they might fall apart while you were lying on them.

The owner had friends over for a garden party, with loud music and groups of drunk people right outside my window. The hostel doesn't have quiet time until 2 am, so don't stay here if you want to sleep.

The host was kind and helpful, but the place felt a little run down and unloved. It's an okay place to stay if you don't have high expectations.

I'm making this complaint because they haven't shown the basic courtesy of fixing a problem they caused. We were recommended Hostel El Puesto, which also rents houses, by someone at another hostel in Areco who said its service was excellent. My partner and I booked two months ahead for the weekend of Tradition Day. We asked about booking that far in advance, were given the conditions, and accepted them: payment in US dollars, a specific final price, cash, and so on. We reserved for the full amount and were issued an invoice. Then, today, October 15, 2024, they contacted us to cancel, saying the owner had decided to cancel all reservations for today and in the future to rent the house to some friends. They said they'd refund our money, and that was it. They knew it was a busy weekend when finding accommodation would be difficult, but didn't care, take responsibility, or try to resolve the situation. We were left hostage to a problem we had nothing to do with. We offered to let them find us another place and pay any difference, since prices might have changed given how far ahead we booked. They refused everything. Their service and attention were terrible, disrespectful, unethical, and completely untrustworthy. Zero word, seriousness, or attention, and plenty more negative adjectives. Disastrous. Every time I return to Areco, which is beautiful, I'll make sure to complain to the Tourism Office, Consumer Protection Agency, or other relevant authorities about this experience and the people responsible. Their behavior was appalling. I'm tired of places that are quick to demand things and set conditions, then pull something like this and leave you feeling bitter. Complete lack of interest.