El Refugio Lodge Hostel

We had a great stay here. The dorm mattresses were comfortable, and the privacy curtains were a big plus. The showers were clean with really hot water, and the free breakfast was generous. The staff were incredible: Camilla, the owners, the two guys, and the housekeepers all made our stay special. We spent three days in a dorm, then moved into a private room that was so cozy. I’d definitely stay here again.

The central location is good, and the kitchen and living room are spacious. There’s also a large personal storage compartment that fits a suitcase. Breakfast was good, and there was free coffee, tea all day, and fruit. You can cook in the kitchen, and the staff are very nice. But the cleanliness was poor. The towels smelled bad, and when I arrived the room had a strong odor and seemed not to have been cleaned. I found hair and a dirty bed where the sheets hadn’t been changed. They replaced them after I complained the next day, but the new sheets were still stained and dirty. Cleanliness is basic, and it just wasn’t there. The doors creak when opened and closed, making it hard to fall asleep. Wind and cold come in through the windows, and in the late evening you can hear everyone downstairs because there’s no sound insulation. Foreign tourists pay tax.

The staff were very helpful, and the beds were really comfortable with curtains. Breakfast comes with the stay. It isn’t a huge spread, but it’s a nice extra, especially for the good price.

The location is very convenient, just one block from Main Street, and breakfast is free. The staff were friendly and helpful. I booked because earlier reviews said the wifi was reliable, but it didn’t work when I checked in. They reset the router straight away. The hostel was noisy, with people talking and walking around, so I didn’t get the best night’s sleep. The facilities weren’t the cleanest I’ve seen for this price range, though that seems average for Ushuaia.