Lonely Planet Review
Occupying a fabulous, old corner-house in Palermo, El Firulete is the perfect pad for those who just can't take another billion-bed hostel. With six rooms, 20 beds, a groovy terrace and weekly asados (barbecues) and pizza nights, this is a real charmer. Sheets, towels, breakfast and Internet are all included.
It's hard to imagine a better location. The hostel's a block from Plaza Italia Subte (subway) stop, walking distance from Palermo's fabulous parks and stumbling distance from its myriad of hip bars. The building itself is cosy and old fashioned. A narrow, creaking spiral staircase leads up to the kitchen, which in turn opens onto a little terrace overlooking this busy neighbourhood corner. Here, the owners whip up weekly barbecues, your chance to experience a real asado, something those poor hotel dwellers never get. There are two dorm rooms, one with seven beds, another with nine. The other four rooms are interchangeable single/double/triples. All rooms have shared baths, and on our visit, the bathrooms were immaculate. El Firulete also maintains a no-smoking-inside rule (a rarity in BA). The terrace is perfect for a fag, so both sides win, really.
Review by author
Danny Palmerlee