It is hard to believe some of the other reviews here relate to the same Hosteria Meulen we recently stayed in. As mentioned by the previous poster, this hotel is in the suburbs, a good 20 minute walk from town. As a result, not only are you further than you need to be from major amenities, but you are also the first to be picked up (not a good thing) and last to be dropped off for the glacier tours. The rooms appear dated (by age or design). The restaurant's food is average at best. On the positive side, things are clean and hot water is plentiful. The staff is relatively friendly, if somewhat insincere and prone to dishonesty.

There are plenty of hotels in El Calafate and you can certainly do better than the Meulen.

I feel compelled to write a review to correct the balance of the other fantastic reviews on which we based our decision to stay here. Firstly the hotel is a 20mins walk from the main street and is so isolated that there is only a dirt track leading to the hotel...that said a taxi is only about US$2 so get one every time. Secondly the "lake view" does not mean the hotel is by the lake, it's just that it can be seen in the distance. The hotel itself is pretty old inside and could do with some upgrading. They also tell you not to drink the water and then try and charge you over US$1 for a small bottle....stock up in the supermarket in town for about a quarter of the price. The hotel also backs onto the local dump which, due to a kind wind, we didn't get any smells from but I'm sure with the wrong wind that wouldn't be the case. Finally, there are TVs in the rooms but only 2 local channels so bring your own entertainment.

All that said, the staff were fantastic and their restaurant recommendations should be followed religiously. And they do provide a mini-bus service into and out of town twice a day (though the minibus itself has seen better days). Overall though, if you can afford anywhere better in town I'd have to advise to go there instead.

We stayed 3 nights whilst on a tour of Argentina.
Superb lake views, excellent cuisine,clean and smart accommodation but most of all very friendly and helpful staff.
The hosteria is located 2o minutes walk from El calafate town or 5 mins in car.
Perfect peace as the hosteria is far enough away from other buildings with a 5 min stroll to a beach by the lake.
For a relaxing and tranquil break I can think of no other place I have stayed.

Very helpful and friendly staff from the minute we arrived until we departed helped make our stay in Calafate very enjoyable.

The hotel situated away from the town in a quiet location overlooking Lago Argentina is ideal. The rooms are very comfortable with extensive views, and the common areas are well appointed.

The staff in this hotel are obviously trained to make guests feel at ease and at home. We wish more establishments in Argentina followed their example.