The Building: A Heritage House
While the hostel itself is a modern hospitality business, its history is deeply tied to the heritage architecture of Mendoza and the post-earthquake urban design of the late 19th century. The hostel is housed in a traditional heritage house that dates back to the early 20th century. Like many buildings in this area, it reflects the architectural transition Mendoza underwent after the devastating earthquake of 1861.
Architecture & Preservation
The building features high ceilings, thick walls, and the classic "inner courtyard" (patio) layout typical of aristocratic Mendoza homes of that era. The current owners, a group of friends and travel enthusiasts, took over the property with the specific goal of "breathing new life" into the historic structure while preserving its original character.
The "Plaza" Connection
The hostel takes its name from its proximity to Plaza Independencia, which is just a two-minute walk away. Designed in 1863 by engineer Julio Balloffet, it was intended as the central "safe zone" of the city, surrounded by four smaller plazas (España, Chile, Italia, and San Martín) to provide open refuge in case of future tremors.
By staying at Hostel Plaza, travelers are essentially residing in what has been the social and political epicenter of Mendoza for over 160 years.
Evolution of Hospitality
The history of the hostel is part of a broader trend in Mendoza that began in the early 2000s. Following the Argentine economic crisis of 2002, Mendoza saw a massive surge in international tourism. This led to the conversion of many historic family homes into "Boutique Hostels" and Bed & Breakfasts.
Today, Hostel Plaza functions as a social hub. It has moved away from the "pension" (boarding house) style of the past to a community-focused model, offering communal dinners, wine tastings, and cultural exchanges that mirror the welcoming spirit of the Italian and Spanish immigrants who originally built the neighborhood.
Historical "Easter Eggs"
Because it is a heritage building, you can still see the original floor tiles and woodwork perfectly preserved in several of our common areas—small details left behind for the history buffs staying with us.