Selina Salta occupies a house on Balcarce in the Casco Historico, the oldest part of the city, and it gives the centre a younger, more social option than the traditional hotels. The property mixes private rooms with shared dorms, which makes it unusual: a couple can book a queen room with a private bathroom or a suite, a family can take a family room, and a solo traveller can take a bed in a four or six bed community dorm, including a female-only dorm. All of them share a garden, a bar, a restaurant and a coffee shop, and the front desk runs twenty-four hours with help for tours and tickets, which is valuable in a region where the best excursions need planning. Air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and business services are included in the facilities, and the premises are smoke-free.
Location and getting around
The position is the main attraction. Plaza Guemes is about a three-minute walk away and Plaza 9 de Julio, with the cathedral, the cabildo and the high-altitude archaeology museum around it, is about eight minutes on foot. Restaurants, empanada shops, craft stalls and several peñas are within a short stroll, so you can spend an evening in the old town and walk home.
Tour operators run pick-ups from central addresses, and the staff can usually book the day trips to the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Cafayate and the Salinas Grandes, as well as the Train to the Clouds, so you do not need to arrange everything from home.
What the stay is like
Expect an easygoing, communal atmosphere, with travellers swapping tips in the garden or at the bar before heading out. The mix of room types means the mood varies, so if quiet matters more than company, book a private room and ask for one away from the common areas. Breakfast is available for an additional charge, and there is a restaurant and coffee shop on site, so you can have a simple meal without a taxi.
There is no pool or on-site parking, so if you are hiring a car for the Calchaqui Valleys, ask about nearby parking before you arrive. Luggage storage is available, which helps on multi-day circuits when you want to leave your main bag in the city and take a small one. Pets are not allowed.
Who it suits and good to know: solo travellers, couples on a modest budget who value atmosphere, friends travelling together and families who like the idea of a family room in a central address. It is less suited to travellers who want a hushed, traditional hotel with a spa. Check-in begins in the afternoon and check-out is at eleven in the morning, with early check-in and late check-out available for a fee when space allows.
Guest feedback on this style of stay is generally warm, particularly about location and staff, but read recent comments about noise and room type before you choose. Prices vary with season and room category, and the dorm beds sit at the lowest end, so compare options and check the cancellation terms when you book.
Why stay here
- ✓Private rooms and shared dorms
- ✓Garden
- ✓Bar
- ✓Restaurant and coffee shop
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Tour and ticket assistance
Good questions
Does Selina Salta have private rooms?+
Yes. Private rooms with private bathrooms, a suite and a family room are offered alongside shared dorms, including a female-only dorm.
How far is it from Plaza 9 de Julio?+
About an eight-minute walk, and Plaza Guemes is around three minutes away, so the old town is on your doorstep.
Is breakfast included?+
Breakfast is available for an extra charge, so check your rate when you book. There is also a restaurant and coffee shop on site.
