Hostales, Hoteles, Hosterías And Haciendas

Hostales tend to fill the gap between the totally basic pensión and the rather more classy hotel and come in many architectural shapes, sizes and forms. Usually they include private bathrooms and hot water, clean towels and maybe a television and cost from $5 to $20/night. In the southern countries, though, hostales may be youth hostels.

Hosterías and haciendas are lovely examples of South American architecture, often old, sprawling estates converted into hotels in the middle of nowhere, and are perhaps the grandest places to stay in the continent. They are often furnished in period style and offer excellent home-cooked meals, fires and hot water and maybe a swimming pool. Be aware that hostería can also refer to a family-style hotel complex out of town, usually an anything-but-charming experience – be sure to check which kind of hostería you’re getting first.