Hotels

You love Buenos Aires and so does everyone else. The massive influx of tourists to Buenos Aires, with international tourism increasing as much as 20% each year, means that hotels in Buenos Aires often fill up in high season -- so book ahead. The bargains that Buenos Aires's hotels became famous for are much harder to find now. Exponentially increasing numbers of tourists have made available hotel rooms a scarce commodity, and hotels are trending their rates up in accordance. In fact, many hotel prices are at or just under their pre-peso crisis prices. Still, bargains can be had, especially with four-stars off the beaten path, and locally owned rather than international hotel chains. And of course, every traveler knows never to accept the first price offered. Always ask if there is a better rate, or if your AAA card, student ID, or other discounts might also apply.

Hotels in Buenos Aires fall into a range of categories, from the most humble hostels to the newest and most luxurious five-star properties. As tourism continues to flourish throughout the city, new hotels are opening quite rapidly while older ones are being renovated or bought out by international companies hoping to cash in on the volume of people coming to Buenos Aires. Hotels here often fill up in high season, so you should book ahead, even if it is only for your first night or two. Then, if you're not happy with your choice, you can always poke around and try to change your accommodations once you're on the ground.

Immediately after the 2001 peso crisis, many hotel rooms throughout Argentina suddenly were priced at a third of their original cost, which was one factor that attracted so many tourists. However, with the tourist increase, hotels are now raising their rates accordingly, and, at times, astonishingly. Additionally, most business hotels (such as the five-stars) never decreased their original rates, since their clientele was comprised mainly of businesspeople on expense accounts.

Hotel websites (provided in each hotel's listing) often offer special rates or packages, so it's worth tooling around online before booking. And, no matter what the rack rate is, you should always ask what a hotel's best rate is, as many proprietors are willing to come down in price, especially when they fear a room may be left empty.

Most five- and four-star hotels in Buenos Aires offer in-room safes, 24-hour room service, cable TV, direct-dial phones with voice mail, in-room modem access or Wi-Fi, and many other benefits. The competition between the hotels on this level can be intense, and they often renovate and add amenities to add value. Many -- especially the five-stars -- also have superb health clubs, pools, and spas, which might be an important factor depending on your interests. Even if you are usually on a budget, I recommend splurging for maybe 1 or 2 nights of your trip if you find a five-star property you really like.

To save money, you will need to compromise, as not all three- or two-star hotels have the above-mentioned amenities (though air-conditioning and even lobby-based Wi-Fi access has become virtually standard in all hotels in Buenos Aires, no matter the category). When dealing with some of the less expensive hotels, your best option is usually to ask to see the available room, or a few of them. This will ensure the room will be up to your standards and can help you choose the best room available. Many recently renovated hotels often have internal variations, with huge rooms and small rooms sometimes offered at exactly the same price.

Local hotels, especially if they are family-run, offer a certain charm that is rarely met by four- and five-star properties. Be aware, however, that while many people in Buenos Aires's travel industry speak English, fewer will at the less expensive or family-run hotels. Also, while a room might not have a particular amenity such as a hair dryer, iron, or coffeemaker, these types of items might still be available upon request at the concierge. The same applies for safes, which might not be in the room but at the front desk. Always ask for a receipt when trying to secure valuable items at the front desk, or at least find out the name of the person who locked them, and if keys for access are only available during certain hours of the day or 24 hours.

Finally, hostels are shared bunk-bed-filled rooms, usually booked by the young, budget-minded, and adventurous. However, some also have private rooms with attached bathrooms for one person as well as for groups, so ask before you decide a hostel isn't for you. All the hostels listed in this chapter provide sheets and towels and offer 24-hour access, with no shutout periods.

As for choosing a location, it's a matter of deciding what is best for you and what you want out of your Buenos Aires vacation. In this chapter, I have tried to give you a range of hotels based on both location and price. I have also given a brief description of each neighborhood where I've listed hotels.

Prices listed here are for rack rates in high season and include the 21% tax levied on hotel rooms. Discounts are almost always available for weekends at business-oriented hotels, low season for all hotels, and may even be available in high season. Web packages and specials can also be found on various hotel sites. Most hotels charge about US$4 a night for valet parking or are close to self-parking facilities they can recommend. You should avoid parking long-term on the street. Few hotels have separate tour desks, but all concierges and front desks can arrange tours, offer advice, and rent cars, bicycles, and other things you might need on your trip.

I give exact prices for hotels and place them within general price categories by neighborhood. Very Expensive refers to hotels costing US$300 (£159) or more nightly. Keep in mind that some hotels in this category do not offer free breakfasts, which can increase your costs even more. Expensive hotels run in the general range of US$175 to US$299 (£93-£159) per night. Moderate hotels will run from about US$50 to US$174 (£27-£92) per night. The vast majority of the hotels listed in this section are in this range. Note that the range of this price category has gone to a higher value than the last edition due to the tremendous increase in prices in Buenos Aires in the last year. Inexpensive hotels are US$49 (£26) per night and less, and include hostels, which can run as little as US$8 (£4.20) per person for a bed space. Quality and offerings vary most considerably in this price category. All prices listed are rack rates in high season for doubles, but the actual price can be higher or lower depending on a variety of circumstances.

Apartment Services in Buenos Aires

Hotels are not for everyone, and maybe you want a place where you can come and go as you please. Or you might want more space to throw parties while in town. Maybe you're independent minded and want a better idea what it feels like to live in Buenos Aires like a local. Apartments allow you the opportunity do all of that. Most apartment services offer apartments with Internet access, in great locations throughout Buenos Aires, though the majority are located in the residential high-rises of Barrio Norte and Recoleta. Most apartment rental companies also offer maid service. Contact each company directly for exact terms, prices, payments, and services.