The Black Cat Hostel Asuncion’s first hostel is a welcome and affordable addition to downtown’s lodging options. The three rooms have about ten bunk beds each, and there is a small courtyard with a pool and a rooftop terrace. There is Wi-Fi, and visitors without a computer, may borrow the owners’ laptop. Owners are friendly and helpful. Kitchen facilities are limited to a hotplate and small fridge. Tel: 021 449 827, 0981 986 594, Eligio Ayala 129 between Yegros and Independencia Nacional, www.hostelblackcat.com, on Facebook, Gs. 70,000for A/C, Gs. 50,000 -60,000for fan. Wi-Fi, kitchen access, small pool
Hotel Palmas del Sol One of the better deals around, this clean and cheery hotel is located on the edge of the microcentro. The breakfast buffet is quite good. The pool and garden are a nice
break from the hustle and bustle of downtown Asuncion. Free pickup from the airport and transfer from the hotel to the airport costs Gs. 22,000 per person. Tel: 021 449 485, Avenida Espana 202 almost at the corner with Tacuary, www.hotelpalmasdelsol.com, Single Gs,
155.000, Double Gs. 210,000, Triple Gs. 265,000, Wi-Fi, computers, TV, A/C, and mini-fridge
Asuncion Palace Hotel Built in 1843, the Palace Hotel was one of Asuncion’s first colonial mansions. As such, the hotel has a lot of personality – rooms have high ceilings, tiled floors, and some have balconies looking out onto busy Calle Colon. Third floor rooms offer a view of the river, and they offer a good breakfast spread. This hotel is popular among Peace Corps volunteers. Keep your exploring to the downtown/eastern side of Colon, as the area between Colon and the river is kind of sketchy. Tel: 021 492 151, Corner of Colon and Estrella, Double: Gs, 210,000, Triple 250,000, Wi-Fi, computers, TV, A/C, and mini-fridge
Gran Hotel del Paraguay The Gran Hotel del Paraguay used to be the private home of Madame Lynch, mistress of President Mariscal Lopez. The stately home was witness to many of the extravagances of her life in Paraguay. Today, it is a hotel, which retains the feel and style of a grand colonial manor with nice gardens, tiled floors, and wrap around patios known as “corredor yere.” Perhaps the most beautiful feature is the two salons (featuring the hotel’s restaurant) decorated with beautiful flowered murals commissioned by Madame Lynch herself. The hotel is located about halfway between downtown and Villa Morra and within walking distance from both of the city’s main arteries Avenida Espana and Avenida Mariscal Lopez. Tel: 021 200 051/3, De la Residenta 902 and Padre
Pucheau,www.granhoteldelparaguay.com.py, Double Gs, 385,000, Triple Gs. 455,000. Wi-Fi, TV, A/C, mini-fridge, pool, and tennis courts
Asuncion Hostel Another new hostel with a friendly rocker vibe. Owners are very enthusiastic, always chatting with guests. Tel: 021 445 065, Mariscal Estigarribia 988 between EEUU and Tacuary, www.Asuncionhostel.com,www.facebook.com/AsuncionHostel, shared dorms Gs.
45,000 – 75,000 per person, Wi-Fi and kitchen access Jardin Botanico The city’s botanical gardens are a good option for those who are on a tight budget and prefer to camp. However, facilities are very basic and the park closes at 5pm. While cheap, this is not necessarily the most practical option. See Jardfn Botanico.
