Circus Hostel & Hotel

In a distinctive modern building constructed of gray and red concrete, the wood-slatted facade of the Circus Hostel & Hotel is somewhat inconspicuous. But after stepping off the sidewalk, guests are greeted by a small outdoor terrace decorated with cheerful white furniture and leafy ferns in bright red pots. Beyond is the simple, spacious lobby with contemporary accents -- like subtle, neon blue lighting on the front desk -- and glazed concrete floors. The space has a minimalist atmosphere, and is furnished only with a long, white bench against one wall. It opens onto a TV lounge and billiard room with comfy red leather couches and wall-mounted bookshelves -- a bright space with glass doors leading directly to the pool area, where ivy-draped walls surround wood furnishings. The lobby is filled with information for tourists and faux-antique posters in the lounge help to create a laid-back, welcoming impression. The vibe here isn’t backpacker at all, and instead the hotel feels like a simple budget property. Guests are mostly tourists, including couples and solo travelers, though families are also welcome.

San Telmo is one of Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhoods and its streets are lined with a vibrant blend of crumbling Colonial mansions and hip boutiques. Atmosphere is a key word here, and the neighborhood is home to plenty of tango, classic milongas (dance halls), and trendy supper clubs. San Telmo’s biggest draw is its Sunday market, which stretches down Calle Defensa and is lined with vintage clothes, indie designer goods, antiques, and street orchestras that all culminate in the stalls and public tango routines in Plaza Dorrego five minutes' walk away. The hotel is within walking distance of several Buenos Aires landmarks, including MACBA, the city’s contemporary art museum (a 10-minute walk) and the Convent of Santo Domingo (15 minutes away on foot). Sights in the Microcentro are a bit farther (around 30 minutes on foot), and Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada, the presidential building, are a 20-minute walk from the hotel’s front door. The Independencia Metro station is an eight-minute walk from the hotel to reach destinations like Palermo in about 45 minutes. The city’s two airports, Ezeiza and Jorge Newbery, both take about 30 minutes to reach by taxi.

This property offers a blend of larger, hostel-style rooms and private hotel rooms, but the vibe is decidedly flashpacker and much more low key than that of many wilder hostels throughout the city. Rooms are basic and clean, with light wood laminate floors, white walls and bedding, and light Ikea-style furniture. Some rooms have decorative rugs and mirrors tastefully mounted on the walls, but the overall impression is austere. Rooms include individually controlled air-conditioning, and unlike many hostels, every room has its own tiled, en-suite bathroom with towels, toiletries, a stand-up shower, and a large vanity. We noticed a small amount of dirty grout in some spots when we visited, and some shower curtain rods seemed tenuously wedged into position. Additionally, in the main guest rooms we saw some walls with fingerprints and grime that could use a fresh coat of paint. The hotel offers an array of rooms sizes, from Double Rooms to Quadruple-Bed Dorms with lockers to Apartments with full kitchens and space for groups or families. Daily housekeeping is also included with every room, a feature sometimes neglected in hostel-style properties in Buenos Aires. 

This hotel has many features that add value to a stay here, including a small outdoor pool surrounded by a wooden terrace that’s lined with trees, vines, and lounge chairs. Just inside of the pool area is a generous TV lounge, a computer corner, and a pool table set amongst red leather couches and small tables where guests can sip a coffee or tea while reading a free newspaper or magazine. The hotel serves a free breakfast every day, while the restaurant includes a small bar for cocktails, beer, and wine and serves a full dinner menu with traditional Argentine grilled dishes. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, luggage storage is available, and the 24-hour front desk can provide concierge services and allows 24-hour check-ins. Airport transfers can also be arranged, though some guests have reported issues with this service.