Psychedelic Buenos Aires melds Latin passion with striking European grandeur. The sultry Argentinian capital sits on the estuary of the Rio de la Plata, looking out to the South Atlantic Ocean. There’s never been a better time to visit the smoldering city, what with a dynamic food scene and steamy tango bars. In fact, even the architecture is a feast for the eyes, ranging from glass-and-steel structures to grand European palaces to the traditional low-rise barrios. And of course, if you want to do as the locals do, then down coffee all day and party hard all night. Undoubtedly, Buenos Aires is a city beginning to be discovered. When it comes to choosing the best hotels in Buenos Aires, you might just feel a little lost. Besides the many, many options laid out in front of you, all of them are high on function and higher on style and form.
So, whether it’s an ostentatious luxury you seek or refurbished structures that hark back to a gritty past, the city has them all. To that end, here are the 11 best hotels in Buenos Aires.
Where To Stay in Buenos Aires?
The neighborhoods of Buenos Aires are as wonderfully diverse as the city itself. In fact, the city has as many as 40 neighborhoods influenced by every country from Germany and Lebanon to Spain and Italy. We begin with Microcentro, the beating heart of the city. It’s home to the main arterial road Avenida 9 de Julio and the famous Plaza de Mayo. It also has the largest cluster of Buenos Aires’ sights, plus some gorgeous architecture and green spaces. Next up is the cultural, and energy powerhouse of Palermo. The life and soul of Buenos Aires, the cobblestoned Palermo brims with historic museums and galleries and lovely green spaces. The highlight is the many restaurants and bars that make up the bustling late-night nightlife of Palermo.
The affluent Recoleta is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city. What’s more, it’s extremely walkable and its exquisite, grand-old architecture makes it a pleasure to walk around. It’s famously home to the Recoleta cemetery, which is amongst 13 Of The World’s Most Beautiful Cemeteries. The budget barrio of San Telmo is also Buenos Aires’ oldest and most multicultural neighborhood. It’s full of well-preserved colonial buildings and has a singularly bohemian feel to it. If you’re in the city on a Sunday, don’t miss visiting the San Telmo Flea Market, one of the 12 Best Flea Markets In The World. The cool Villa Crespo is where you’ll feel the most like a local and is home to the city’s Jewish community. Finally, the cosmopolitan Belgrano mixes highrises and Anglo-Saxon-style structures. It’s also home to the miniature Chinatown of Buenos Aires.
L’Hôtel Palermo
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One of the most “design” budget options for staying in the city is the whimsical L’Hotel Palermo. It sits, as the name suggests, in the heart of Palermo, the city’s veritable all-round fun district. The best part is that the stately early-20th-century architecture holds within its folds the facilities and the decor beautifully.
The sprawling three-story hotel was formerly a “casa chorizo,” a long, thin sausage-house typical to Argentina. The lovely blue plunge pool makes for a very pretty picture against the foliage and the stately architecture. The small garden with chairs all around is another welcome treat. However, the best part is the shaded rear garden, which is the perfect place to lounge on a hot Buenos Aires summer afternoon. Besides a roof terrace restaurant, the hotel serves free water and coffee all day. For a budget hotel, the breakfast is superb – think scrambled eggs, ham, bread, cereals, and coffee. Don’t forget to try the medialunas, which are like sweet croissants. Moreover, the rooftop space is great to bring your own beer and enjoy the sunset.
While the rooms don’t have much of views, the second-floor ones get lashings of sunlight. The standard rooms are smaller, while the superior ones not only have space but also perks like patios and garden views. That said, all rooms have mod-cons with very stylish bathrooms.
Hotel Madero
10
The Hotel Madero is one of the most popular and best hotels in Buenos Aires. It sits at the southern end of the barrio of Puerto Madero, with spectacular views over Buenos Aires downtown and the city’s historic docklands. The neighborhood, which is Buenos Aires’ youngest, is a pleasure to explore and is decidedly fancier than other older ones in the city.
Madero is a world away from the overall designer decadence that pervades the structures of Puerto Madero. A steel-and-glass facade, pale hues, and lobbies with lashings of sunlight make a striking first impression. Bohemian lamps, plants, and flowers soften the look. The lobby has open-air patios, a bar, a pool table, artwork, and lovely leather armchairs, lending it a hip yet welcoming social feel. The ground-floor lounge serves a superb breakfast of freshly-made espressos, bacon, eggs, cheese, ham, medialunas, and a range of yogurts and fruits. The highlight is the rooftop spa with massage rooms, a heated pool, a retractable roof – and spectacular views.
Although rooms are divided into eight categories, they all have modern light fixtures, plush beds, and excellent comfy seating areas. Moreover, bathrooms are as spacious as can get. We’d recommend the corner rooms as they’re not only priced lower but even have long terraces and excellent views.
CasaSur Palermo
9
If you want to experience all of Buenos Aires at once, then you won’t find better digs that the CasaSur Palermo. Located in the gastronomic and cultural hub of Palermo, the contemporary bolthole has it all – well-designed rooms, an excellent location, and one of Buenos Aires’ best terraces. The neighborhood is one of the most Instagrammable ones and is also the bustling nightlife heart of the city. With the subway a mere five minutes away, all the Top 10 Things To Do In Buenos Aires are accessible easily.
The vast lobby makes an impression and a statement at the same time with marble reception, oversized light fixtures, and squishiest sofas you’ve ever seen. While it’s all done up in slick monochrome, the vibrant, color-popping accents lend the fun factor and vibe. The star of the show is the rooftop terrace, complete with daybeds, a barbeque, and a marvelous bar. The outdoor pool is perfect for a swim and a lounge, especially on hot, sultry days. If your body is aching from all the walking on the city’s cobbled streets, slip into the divine spa. What’s more, the hotel even has complimentary Saturday city tours and bikes available to rent, which is a great way to explore the neighborhood n your own. Finally, the chic Sexto restaurant and bar boasts a lavish breakfast buffet of fruit, sizzling bacon, pastries, and much, much more.
Both the rooms and suites are bright and spacious with funky geometric wallpaper and minimalistic furnishings. Bathrooms are equally spacious, gleaming due to the black mosaic tiles. If you want to splash out, the suites have whirlpool tubs in the bathrooms and drop-dead gorgeous balconies.
Milhouse Hostel Avenue Buenos Aires
8
Buenos Aires is particularly known for a raging nightlife, and there’s no place better to experience that at the Milhouse Hostel Avenue. One of the most famous hostels in town, Milhouse Hostel boasts a fantastic location within walking distance of Plaza de Mayo and San Telmo both. Housed in a 19th-century building, the hostel sports a striking facade. The 40-room hostel offers options for both dorms and private rooms, and all are brilliant. The beds are plush, the bathrooms are immaculate, and there’s lots of natural light.
The best part about the hostel is, undoubtedly, the social spaces. The first-floor lounge features a fantastic bar and pool table which is the perfect ice-breaker for mingling with fellow mates. The most unique part about the hostel is the raging nightclub, which is a favorite with both locals and visitors alike. What’s more, the place has a smattering of activities available for those staying here. These include everything from bar-hopping tours and sexy tango classes to city tours and even soccer games. The hostel even offers bikes for hire and barbeque facilities for fun-filled evenings. Dig into a hearty and delicious breakfast which is the perfect antidote for the previous night’s hangover. Furthermore, the fully equipped kitchen is a great place to whip up quick and cheap meals.
Vain Boutique Hotel
7
If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly boutique bolthole in the heart of Palermo, then you won’t find anything better than the Vain Boutique Hotel. Besides being within walking distance of the best that Palermo has to offer, it boasts stylish rooms and intimate service. Plus, the hotel absolutely lives up to its name – its walls are embellished with quotes about vanity.
The hotel has smartly remodeled two early-20th-century homes and sports an elegant Belle Epoque facade. Postcard-perfect street-front seats and a white-and-black-tiled lobby welcome you. People-watch through the floor-to-ceiling windows as you dig into a delicious breakfast of egg dishes, croissants, coffee, and more. Lounge in the large, top-floor space that has some comfy sofas, small library, and complimentary drinks. That leads to a beautiful plant-filled terrace, complete with a hot tub, loungers, and chairs, and tables. There’s even a bar that serves everything from spirits to favorite Argentinian apéritif Fernet Branca. Besides free fruit, water, coffee, and tea available all day, the place also serves South American drink of yerba mate. Rent the bicycles provided and explore the neighborhood on your own.
With just 15 rooms, staying here is as intimate as it gets. They retain the structure’s original features, right from French windows to high ceilings. What’s more, they’re peppered with original art and both contemporary upcycled and antique furniture. The suites have small terraces, while the standard rooms overlook the central courtyard with a stunning living wall.
Hotel del Casco
6
There’s no better place to experience a slice of the wonderful local life of Buenos Aires than staying at the Hotel del Casco. The neoclassical-mansion-turned-boutique hotel lies in the incredibly charming historic district of San Isidro. While it might be half-an-hour from city center areas like Palermo and Microcentro, it has oodles of old-world charm. Apart from a gorgeous neo-Gothic cathedral, it features weekend markets selling leather handicrafts, woolen ponchos, handmade jewelry, and what-not. Do check out the historic mansions of Villa Ocampo and Museo Pueyrredon, which are set amidst beautifully manicured grounds. All-in-all, it’s one of the best hotels in Buenos Aires to see how the city’s denizens live their lives.
Perhaps some of the most striking features of this 1892-built palatial former family are the watercolors of San Isidro peppered throughout and the glass-roofed courtyard. The place naturally extends into a postcard-esque patio with a fountain and tropical plants. Enjoy a cuppa or a glass of wine on the comfy courtyard sofas or the marble-wrought-iron patio tables. The best part? The property even has a massage room, a sauna in the basement, and a pretty swimming pool for cooling off. Rounding off a superb set of amenities is a breakfast of excellent coffee, made-to-order eggs, homemade cakes, fresh fruit salad, and more. Even though it doesn’t have a restaurant, the room service menu is excellent.
If you liked the public spaces, then you’ll love the rooms. All have vintage furniture, shimmering chandeliers, and lofty ceilings. Bold-accented walls clash with crisp white bed linens, while the bathrooms are immaculate with roll-top baths in some.
America del Sur Hostel Buenos Aires
5
Digital nomads and solo travelers rejoice – for there’s a classy hostel in Buenos Aires just for you. Welcome to the America del Sur Hostel Buenos Aires, an award-winning hostel in the city. This people-favorite hostel lies in San Telmo, just a short stroll from Plaza de Mayo, and more. The hostel offers both dorm rooms as well as private rooms. Besides all having individual lockers, the rooms are even wheelchair-accessible via the elevators.
Besides the rooms, the hostel has top-notch communal facilities. The terrace with the barbeque is the life and soul of the hostel. The TV room is a nice, cozy place to lounge around on hot afternoons, while the bar is the perfect place to let your hair down in the evening. The staff is one of the friendliest in the city and is ever ready with lots of travel tips for the city. Besides a slew of bikes ready for renting, the hostel also offers a host of free walking tours that explores the bets of what Buenos Aires offers.
The Glu
4
The Glu is, without doubt, one of the hippest hotels in Buenos Aires, sitting right in the heart of its hippest neighborhood, Palermo. The family-run boutique hotel is designed for lingering, getting out only to explore the buzzing nightlife of the city, which lies right outside the front door. The best part about this unbeatable bolthole? After a night of partying, you get breakfast right in bed. Or on your patio. There’s literally no option to eat anywhere else!
This converted townhouse is modern, stylish, and slick, and is all about the wonderful, personalized service. This place was made for conversations, whether it’s the concierge with the insider city knowledge or the charming arts-loving head and owner of the Glusman family. The lovely patio is the perfect place to sip on drinks while hearing stories and tidbits about the best places to explore in Buenos Aires. When you feel ready to delve into breakfast in the morning, give them a call. You’ll soon have a tray laden with goodies like eggs, croissants, cheese, ham, fruits, and cappuccinos right in bed. The highlight? You’re welcome with delightful chatter and a complimentary glass of wine, with your preference having already been confirmed via e-mail.
Since there are just 11 rooms, they happen to some the biggest in the entire neighborhood! They all have pretty patios or balconies, small bar areas, coffee-making facilities, snazzy bathrooms, and TVs.
Palo Santo Hotel
3
If you plan to live in buzzing Palermo, then the 26-bedroom townhouse that is the Palo Santo Hotel is perfect for you. Sitting smack dab in the heart of Palermo’s dazzling Hollywood neighborhood, the hip hotel is peppered with foliage and hip, bohemian designs. The city’s best parrillas and wine bars are within stone’s throw, while the other, boutique half of Palermo is a mere 10-minute walk.
The name of the hotel comes from Argentinian pinewood, which features throughout the place. The hotel is also peppered with vibrant paintings, Northwest Argentinian wool rugs, and nearly 900 plants! Palo Santo also happens to be one of the greenest hotels in the city, complete with purified air, LED lights, and bikes for hire. A compact fitness center aside, the hotel boasts a lovely patio garden that’s a great place to kick back with a cup of coffee. Breakfast is a grand affair with fresh juices, filter coffee, cereals, pancakes, and homemade empanadas. The standout is the plunge pool on the roof terrace which is like a balm after a day of exploring Buenos Aires. last but not least, the staff ensures that you have everything you need to explore the city, including maps, metro cards, and a city guide.
Rooms feel airy, bright, and spacious thanks to the fresh flowers and plant-filled patios. Besides coffee machines, every room has modern bathrooms, minimal yet comfy furnishings, and even a ‘personal cellar.’
NH Collection Buenos Aires Jousten
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Amidst the sea of downtown tower-block structures, the NH Collection Buenos Aires Jousten is a particularly handsome-looking property. Muted decor, polished yet intimate service, and a sophisticated ambiance makes it one of the best hotels in Buenos Aires. That, combined a superb breakfast and a central location makes it an excellent choice for a hotel in the city.
The 1920s-built hotel features Spanish baroque touches on its inner columns as well as the facade. An imposing entrance and interesting artwork in public spaces lend it the look of an upgraded place. The well-trained staff is more than happy to recommend everything from entertainment to dining choices. Apart from the basic gym, the hotel is especially known for its breakfast. It’s quite a spread comprising made-to-order eggs, coffee, toast, pastries, cheese, and cured meats, and more. Moreover, the restaurant also has extensive lunch and dinner menus, while the bar offers a good selection of Argentine wines.
There’s something special about the rooms here. The decor may be unexciting, but all have pod-style minibars and coffee machines. Moreover, bathrooms in all rooms are elegant and even have small bathtubs. If you want to splurge, the Junior suites even have private patios and great city views.
Home Hotel
1
Names can be deceiving, and the Home Hotel in Buenos Aires is a testament to that. Sitting right at the cusp of Palermo and Villa Crespo, this stylish yet relaxed bolthole makes you feel right at home. That is if your home meant a dazzling, retro-vibe place right in the heart of a party-place neighborhood. With excellent service and one of the best spots in Buenos Aires, the hotel is nothing short of a delight. The best part is that it also happens to be one of the Top 11 Gay-Friendly Hotels in Buenos Aires!
The first boutique hotel in the barrio, Home is slick and quirky at the same time. Mid-century interiors with a minimalist-Scandi vibe and vintage floral wallpapers lend it a unique, unique character. The sun-kissed lobby with massive windows is a very pretty place to simply lounge around. Enjoy a swim or lounge by one of the prettiest swimming pools you’ve ever seen in your life, ensconced by a fern-draped garden. The property even has a small but extensive spa, which is quite a perk. Bibliophiles will particularly love the property – it’s stuffed with hordes of books everywhere. The breakfast here is something you’ve never eaten before, right from the eggs, fresh berries, and a hell of a Bloody Mary. Whoever said you couldn’t drink at breakfast?
Rooms are divided into charming but smaller rooms, spacious suites, and even bigger apartments. The suites with whirlpool tubs and coffee machines are a great in-between.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Buenos Aires:
- Buenos Aires Wine Tasting: Sample wines from some of the country’s best wine regions without leaving Buenos Aires.
- Alameda Sur: This humble yet amazing parrilla is famous for the Argentinian version of hot dog, the choripan.
Recommended Activities In Buenos Aires:
- Buenos Aires Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: This 4-hour walking-cum-coach tour takes you to see Buenos Aires’ best sights.
- Buenos Aires Tour by Rio de la Plata: What’s better than exploring Buenos Aires? Exploring it from the water! This three-hour navigation tour along the Rio de la Plata provides gorgeous views of the city.
