Lonely Planet Review
Adhering to an admirable philosophy of socially responsible independent travel, Via Via offers simple but totally adequate accommodations above it's namesake restaurant in an excellent location (near loads of restaurants) in San Telmo. There's one dorm and five doubles, all with shared baths. The knowledgeable staff are outstanding.
Via Via is a Belgian-owned 'chain' of international hostels; each of its 12 locations are co-owned by locals and they try to create connections between visitors and residents. It hosts excellent cultural events (such as anthropology exhibits and artisan shows) and musical performances in the cafe downstairs, so you'll rarely be left with nothing to do. The staff can also set you up with insider tours led by local architects or teachers. In terms of the digs themselves, the rooms lack windows, but hey, who comes to Buenos Aires to hang out inside? Rooms are for sleeping, and the mattresses are great. Sunshine floods the common area, which has a small balcony overlooking Calle Chile. This is one of the coolest spots in San Telmo, with cheap sandwich shops, cafes, pizza parlors, outdoor tables and lots of shady trees.
Review by author
Danny Palmerlee