I stayed here because it had quite good reviews and I was able to book it in advance. The value is okay because it was quit cheap, but don't come if you are expecting fast service or clean bathrooms.

The location is great, you can walk most places and it is on the subway. There are two kitchens that you can use which is nice.

Some mornings breakfast is great, other days it doesn't seem to exist. The staff are quite friendly if you ask them direct questions, but they don't go out of their way to help you. Overall, this place is haphazard - could be great if they put a bit more effort into keeping it clean.

We arrived in BA after a long flight and had reserved this hostal. When we were dropped off at the address there was no sign out front. The door is locked and you have to get buzzed in. A man exiting told us the hostal was on the first floor. We rang and rang but no one ever answered. We got in when someone was exiting. Inside the hostal we learned that there was no staff there this morning. One traveller remarked that they never put out any breakfast that morning which was included. Another couple were waiting to check in like us as they had just arrived. We waited a half hour and after my wife used the bathroom and was disgusted (mind you this isn't our firts hostal - we we know what to expect) we decided the early warnings were a sign to get out of there. We left and found another hostal. We can't speak to room quality. One group of three young girls we saw said they were happy.

I stayed here twice in June+July 2011. Both times I found the staff extemely helpful (with maps, directions, things to do+see in B.A), rooms were clean and great morning coffee!
The owner is friendly and all the staff go out of their way to make you feel at home, although some can't speak English too well. A big thank-you to Barbara, Maria, Leon, Bruno and Christian for everything. Definetly recommend to other travellers who enjoy a bit of social interaction (nice common areas and well-stocked kitchen), price is good and location excelllent for most major tourist sites.

After read the review on internet, we though Rayuela Hostel offer decent place to sleep. Turn out is a big disappointment.

DISASTER#1 upon on our arrival, staff informed us our room has over-booked. They offered us 8 beds dorm for the first night, free of charge; then we can have 2nd and 3rd night our 3 beds private room. Which we booked for 3 nights.

So we decided take the offer, 1st night in 8 beds dorm and 2nd, 3rd night in 3 beds private room.

DISASTER#2 when we move in the 8 beds dorm get settle in, there is no bed linens. The staff explained the laundry has running late and promise we will get bed linens later of the day.

DISASTER#3 after settle in, I walked around the common areas. Everywhere I turn is dirt and grime. Shared bathroom seem like have not clean for many days. Dirt and hairs gather around every corner of bathroom. There is no toilet paper in bathroom. Kitchen - dirt and grease left from cooking; bin over filled. Dinning table over cluttered from the guests' belonging and towels hang on dinning chairs everywhere.

DISASTER#4 after been to town and back, hoping get some siesta before dinner. Our 8 beds dorm turns to 10 beds dorm, due to “over booked” again. Luggage cases were everywhere in over crowded poky room with no window. So we decide to move out, because there is no guarantee there might more bunk beds move in throughout the day.

The staff/owner was very helpful to help us find other hostel available is such short notice. The owner has given us taxi fare (AR$20 peso) and only refund our first night deposit. So at the end we still make a lost (lost the 2nd and 3rd night deposits). At the end, we are glad move out the Rayuela Hostel, because I don’t think I’m able to shower in their bathroom (just have a feeling I will get dirtier after the shower). On our way to get taxi, there is a couple also waiting for taxi. Their room also over booked.

On the positive side, there is a computer beside reception area for guest to use. Plus there is Wi/Fi access at dorms and common areas.