Directly across from América del Sur hostel, Hostería Hainén (Puerto Deseado 118, tel. 02902/493874, US$68 s or d) is a handsome wooden structure with wainscoted midsized rooms in soothing colors. It lacks elaborate amenities but compensates with peace and quiet—except for the nearly incessant winds at its exposed location.

Under the same management as the adjacent Calafate Hostel, but with a separate reception, the Hostería del Hostel (25 de Mayo and Gobernador Moyano, tel. 02902/424950, www.calafatehostels.com, US$80 d) is a smart new building with immaculate midsized rooms, all with computers and Internet access. When business is slow, rates may fall to US$50 double—an exceptional value.

Hotel Michelangelo (Gobernador Moyano 1020, tel. 02902/491045, www.michelangelohotel.com.ar, US$64/83 s/d) includes breakfast, but its restaurant draws raves for lunch or dinner as well. Some rooms are small, but the management and service are professional.

The hillside Hostería Kelta (Portoriero 109, tel. 02902/491966, www.kelta.com.ar, US$68/82 s/d) is a handsome new hotel with views across the lake; the larger lake-view rooms are no more expensive than smaller interior rooms; on request, the staff will shift guests to better rooms as they open up.

Near the old airfield, Hotel Picos del Sur (Puerto San Julián 271, tel. 02902/493650, US$70/83 s/d) has apparently overcome some service problems to become a good choice. Nearby Hostería Posta Sur (Puerto San Julián 490, tel./fax 02902/492406, www.hosteriapostasur.com.ar, US$78/85 s/d) has made good early impressions, but the rooms are small for the price and some lack even closets.