The best budget hotels in Buenos Aires, from cool rooftop pools to trendy wine bars
There’s always a good deal to be struck in Buenos Aires, whether you’re talking steaks or malbec or, even, a room for the night. In the last two decades, lots of one to three-star properties opened and some of them, frankly, are an improvement on the big, stuffy old-school business hotels in the centre. Some of the nicest are carved out of homely, oldish houses in residential neighbourhoods while others are bespoke buildings that are as laid-back and youthful in spirt as hostels but also provide private bathrooms, nice beds, and a few extras. Here's our pick of the best budget hotels in Buenos Aires.
An affordable option in Palermo ‘Soho’, one of the city’s established dining, shopping and all-round fun districts – yet it’s fairly quiet once you’re inside the property. This three-story former home is a casa chorizo – which translates as ‘sausage-house’ and refers to the long, thin houses Argentina devised to suit its grid-pattern. The small garden and plunge pool is a great place to come to when Buenos Aires gets too hot on summer afternoons. The roof terrace is also quite airy and good for an early-evening beer. The rooms are a bit poky with little in the way of views, though rooms on the second floor get plenty of sunlight.
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Six-star service is the surprising star of this quirky six-room guesthouse in the heart of Palermo Soho. Set on a tiny, pretty square, it’s a fabulous location for those looking to shop the trendy boutiques of the neighbourhood and check out the bars and restaurants. It will delight wine lovers with tastings from a well-stocked cellar, and the friendly service in enchanting surroundings doesn’t miss a trick. Rooms are all charming with wooden floors, porcelain-tiled bathrooms and a little terrace with a wrought-iron balcony overlooking the courtyard. It’s cute and cosy with lashings of the famous Argentine ‘buena onda’ (good vibes).
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This budget-friendly boutique bolthole offers simple but stylish rooms and personal service, plus a pretty, hidden terrace. It’s in the heart of lively Palermo Soho, within walking distance of cafés, restaurants, bars and shops, as well as charming and historic parks and good transport links. It’s a smart remodelling of two Belle Epoque houses; the compact central courtyard boasts a living wall. The large, top-floor lounge comes with complimentary drinks, a small library and leads onto a pretty plant-filled terrace, complete with tables and chairs, loungers and a hot tub. Rooms have been individually decorated to take advantage of the buildings’ original features.
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This is a funky boutique hotel owned and designed by Adolfo Suaya – an Argentine entrepreneur who has spent much of his life in the US – on the edge of Palermo’s lively gastronomic district. Recycled parquet, distressed paintwork and amateurish artworks denote an ever so slightly shabby-chic style. Rooms are snug, but white wood-panelling and simple bespoke furnishings help create an impression of space. Those at the rear have a bathtub and are overall a little roomier. Mooi restaurant serves local comfort food (milanesas, pastas, pastries) and more fashionable fusion dishes using quinoa and pulses.
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A cool-looking and smooth-running contemporary hotel at the southern end of Puerto Madero, with great views over the historic docklands and downtown. The area is good for (high-end) dining, especially if you fancy sushi, Peruvian or Asian food, and is less traffic-heavy and more walking-friendly than other districts. The spa, which enjoys sweeping views, has a heated pool with retractable roof, massage rooms and a gym. Corner rooms are recommended as they are at the lower end of the price range but boast great views and a long balcony overlooking the docks.
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A deftly designed, thoroughly contemporary hotel tucked into a corner behind a historic façade on buzzing Plaza Dorrego. The internal patio is a lovely place for a coffee and a welcome private retreat from the hubbub of sightseeing around San Telmo. The hotel hosts jazz gigs on weekends. The rooms have comfy beds topped with soft 250-thread count linens. Anselmo Lounge, the main restaurant, is romantic and stylish – with heavy drapes, dark wood and club-style furnishings – and has a creative menu. It has a lovely wine bar and an impressive list, available to diner or drinkers.
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This hotel is in the heart of Palermo Hollywood (the city's gastronomic zenith), circled by arguably the leading restaurants in town, plus bars and galleries. The whole place feels slick, sexy but fun, thanks to a marble lobby with colour popping accents, funky lighting and suck-you-in sofas. The terrace is undoubtedly the star of the show, with resplendent views across the city, complete with a barbecue, fabulous bar and day beds. There is an outdoor pool, and the spa is divine with an extensive treatment menu. Rooms are big and bright with minimalist furnishings, while trendy Sexto restaurant and bar is a hot choice for the cool crew of the city.
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Gran Brizo offers top-quality dining, a rooftop spa and bar and spacious suites with very competitive prices. Few addresses are better if you want to be in the thick of things: this high-rise looks out over Avenida 9 de Julio, the dead-central avenue that Argentines like to boast is the widest in the world. Originally built as a kind of rich man’s folly – an Italian millionaire erected the hotel so his daughter could work there – the Gran Brizo has cashed in on existing classy fixtures and added a few more. Staff are well-trained and polite, services are delivered promptly and with a smile. Aim for rooms on the seventh to 12th floors if you want a good view.
All prices cited are from booking.com, subject to change in high season and during popular holidays and events.
