Hostel Review: Art Factory, Buenos Aires, Argentina

When visiting Buenos Aires, Argentina, I knew I wanted to check out their legendary art scene. I’d seen pictures of the beautiful graffiti art in the city and heard about their encompassing art museums and decided that, for the richest art experience, I should also stay at an inspirational accommodation. I’ve stayed in a lot of different accommodations during my travels, but Art Factory definitely was one of the most unique. Art Factory is a combination between an art gallery and a social hostel. The inside of the hostel is covered in creative works from international artists and designers. And because the art is funky and eclectic, it adds to the fun vibe of the space. Getting to Know the City and Culture Right at reception, there is a colorful chalk board featuring fun things to do on each day of the week. They also help organize tours, bike rentals, Spanish lessons, and dance workshops. I would absolutely recommend the tango lesson, as it was a fun way to get to learn about a bit about the culture first-hand, especially since tango originated in Argentina. Also, the free city tour was really educational and provided the same level of quality that I would expect on a paid tour. There are a ton of events at this hostel, as well. For example, if you’re there on a Sunday, make sure to attend their weekly film festival where you will see a mix of film styles. Other events include things like free club tickets, bbq’s, live music, tango lessons, Spanish lessons, and free tours. Moreover, the city is located in the funky, hip area of San Telmo, with many art markets, galleries, museums, cafes, pubs, and street performances. Party The hostel has an on-site bar and roof terrace, which is a must is you’re looking to party with other travelers. What I really loved about it was that it seemed more like a real bar you’d find in the downtown area than a simple hostel bar, with funky lighting, deep red walls, groovy decor, and, of course, art. And, the roof terrace aspect gives the space a feeling of hip luxury. Moreover, the location of the hostel allowed my new companions and I to walk to the downtown area of the city after pre-gaming in the hostel. Freebies Who doesn’t love free stuff? At Art Factory, you will get free Wif-Fi, internet, linens, a book swap, and breakfast that included breads, cereals, spreads, coffee, tea, and fresh juices. They also offer free Tango lessons, Spanish lessons, and a city walking tour. In a way, I also felt as if I was given free admission to an art gallery, as this was bigger and included more pieces than many of the galleries I go to in New York. Rooms Don’t come here expecting bare walls and plain furniture. The rooms here are creative and artistic. You could end up in a room with bright yellow walls and funky curtains, or a dorm with graffiti-adorned walls and leopard bedspreads. My room is pictured above! Overall Impression For a social experience, great location and complete arts and culture immersion, Art Factory is the perfect hostel. If planning a trip to Argentina, make sure to add it to your itinerary! This post was made possible by Art Factory