I enjoyed the Palacio Duhao (a Park Hyatt).
The fine arts museum, cemetery and botanic gardens were nice. All in the Recoleta…
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Most of the big and nicer hotels are in Recoleta. There are probably some in Microcentro although I wouldn’t recommend staying there. It’s not bad, just not as nice as Recoleta. Recoleta is old money and somewhat of an older crowd, at least in comparison to trendier areas. Not the best for dining but there are options. Recoleta arguably has a more European look than the rest of the city. It’s safe but also close to the notorious Villa 31 near the train station and petty theft motochorros (thieves on motorcycles) target the area around the nice hotels. Don’t let that dissuade you, just be aware.
There might be some nice hotels in Puerto Madero but I loathe that area of glass and steel modern architecture. I guess it would kind of be like staying in La Defence if you went to Paris. Meh. But I am told celebs live in some of those sterile glass boxes if that’s of interest.
Palermo (Hollywood or Soho) would be my choice. It doesn’t really have bigger hotel chains but there are some nice boutique hotels. It’s very central to pretty much everything you’ll want to see. Lots of restaurants and overall pretty walkable. Downside is it is pretty touristy and trendy in places. Some areas with loud bars, etc. But all of that mess is pretty easy to avoid. Plaza Serrano and surrounding area the main area to avoid for all of that kind of stuff. Safe, but it’s another area where motochorros prey on tourists.
Slightly low key, more local feel are two areas near both Palermo and Recoleta called Barrio Norte and Palermo Chico. Not sure if either has hotels but you may find a little boutique place.
Belgrano is a wonderful neighborhood and there are probably some smaller hotels there. Used to be kind of its own city before it all became one big metropolis so it retains a little bit of its own village feel kind of like Montmartre in Paris but bigger. Just be aware that it’s not as central as Palermo or Recoleta but it’s an easy Uber or Subway (10-15 minutes) to either of those areas. Some great architecture, especially in the Belgrano R area.
Thanks for the indepth comments!! Will definitely review with my wife.
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We stayed in Palermo Hollywood in March and loved it. Easy uber everywhere we wanted to go, and great to walk around. No motocycle villains during our stay. @TGibson gives great recs and knows a ton. I habe been meaning to post on what we did and enjoyed but haven’t gotten to it yet. You only have 2 days, so consider the things you.are trying to do and stay close. I am really glad we went, distance and all.
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Speaking of two days, one thing I neglected to mention which might be worth considering is that neighborhoods like Palermo, Recoleta, and even Belgrano, are plenty big enough that you could spend two days in each and still not see everything. They’re also close enough to one another that it’s easy and quick to bounce between all three in a single day.
As a former resident of Recoleta/Retiro, I’d encourage a stay in that area. Loi Suites Recoleta is in a great location and would be great for a 2 night stay. You can head over to the MALBA, have tea at Alvear Palace, check out the cemetery, and have a great meal at Fervor (classy, more local parilla), all within a walk. An Uber to Palermo is easy. Some other notable restaurants: La Carniceria, Roux, and Gardiner. Enjoy!
Jack, what hotel did you stay in. Still trying to decide what neighborhood to stay in.
We stayed in an airbnb, and I would stay in that one again, absolutely. I will PM you the info in case you are interested.
Given our short day we are opting for a hotel as opposed to airbnb. For now booked at Loi Suites Recoleta based on the recommendation from Gus. Sort of wish we had a bit more time in Buenos Aires but also want to make sure we get to Ushuaia without any problems for our cruise.
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The chef from Mengano has opened a new place called Bordó. Like Mengano, it’s supposed to have a solid wine list. Argentines often do kooky, experimental things that rarely impress me but I would trust this chef. At the moment he’s doing plates primarily based off a single ingredient.
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