Where to Stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina: 7 Best places and hotels

Are you unsure about where to stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina? We’ve selected the top neighborhoods in Buenos Aires with tips on the best hotels to ensure you enjoy your trip in comfort.

This list doesn’t rank the neighborhoods as the best or worst places to stay, but rather focuses on finding the one that best suits your itinerary and travel style. Additionally, some neighborhoods have higher costs while others are more affordable. Consequently, your travel budget will also shape your decision.

To help you choose the best place to stay in Buenos Aires, we’ve listed the main characteristics of each neighborhood, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of staying in each area.

Best places to stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Where to stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Buenos Aires is a large destination with several areas to stay. When traveling to the city, you’ll find seven main neighborhoods and regions to consider: Palermo, Recoleta, Downtown, San Telmo, Puerto Madero, Belgrano, and Retiro.

Each of these areas features popular attractions to include in your itinerary. Therefore, when deciding where to stay in Buenos Aires, you should consider your travel plan and how many days you intend to spend at the destination. This way, you can stay closer to the tourist spots in your itinerary and minimize travel time between your neighborhood and the attractions you plan to visit.

The central areas to staying are downtown, Retiro, and San Telmo. These neighborhoods offer older accommodations, so you should pay close attention when booking your hotel. That being said, Puerto Madero is Buenos Aires’ most contemporary neighborhood, with opulent hotels and must-see sights.

Thanks to its excellent infrastructure, we consider Palermo the best place to stay in Buenos Aires. Recoleta also offers amazing infrastructure with awesome hotels, restaurants, bars, cafés, and a variety of attractions.

Belgrano is a quiet neighborhood with fantastic hotels, but it is farther from the downtown and has fewer attractions compared to the other regions mentioned.

Having lived in Buenos Aires and stayed in all the neighborhoods we recommend, we’ve listed the advantages and disadvantages of each area, along with tips for the best hotels and spots within them. This way, you can choose where to stay in Buenos Aires according to your budget and travel profile.

1. Palermo: the best place to stay in Buenos Aires

How about staying in Palermo? This trendy and pleasant neighborhood boasts vast parks, gardens, and some of the best bars, restaurants, and cafés in Buenos Aires.

Palermo is home to several tourist attractions, including the Japanese Garden, Botanical Garden, El Rosedal, Bosques de Palermo, Galileo Galilei Planetarium, the Art Latin-American Museum, and the Evita Museum.

The best thing about staying in Palermo, however, is that it is a pleasant, peaceful neighborhood that is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires’ city center. Additionally, the area offers excellent public transportation options.

For those who enjoy nightlife, Palermo is the hotspot, offering fantastic restaurants, clubs, and bars. Palermo, which is home to a large number of the Argentine capital’s pubs and clubs, comes alive at night in contrast to the downtown.

Palermo is an upscale neighborhood, so you will not usually find cheap lodging here. Nevertheless, the investment is worthwhile because it is home to some of Buenos Aires’ greatest hotels.

Remember that Palermo is a big neighborhood with many different areas, which we describe below, when selecting a hotel.

Palermo Chico is a more residential, elegant, and traditional area with limited options for hotels, restaurants, and bars. While we don’t find this region particularly appealing for lodging, it does offer amazing vacation rental apartments.

Palermo, Hollywood, and Soho are lively and bustling areas, and they are our top recommendations for staying in this neighborhood.

Palermo Soho offers a bohemian and artistic vibe. Here, you’ll find incredible cafés and restaurants, galleries, museums, and bookstores, as well as unique shops and shopping centers. This area, a favorite among tourists, features excellent hotels with incredible infrastructure. The nightlife in this region is vibrant.

Palermo Hollywood boasts a fantastic selection of hotels, restaurants, bars, and cafés. While slightly more residential than Soho, it still stands out for its lively atmosphere both during the day and at night.

The downside of stay in Palermo is that it’s a large neighborhood. Therefore, you need to carefully choose the right area where the infrastructure is most concentrated.

Hotels we recommend in Palermo, Buenos Aires:

• Mine Hotel: Located in Palermo Soho, this hotel features elegant decor. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the neighborhood’s nightlife and vibrancy, as it’s very close to bars and restaurants. The hotel offers a pool, garden, and breakfast buffet.
• Miravida Soho Hotel & Wine Bar: This hotel, which is located in a mansion from the 1930s, is also in Palermo Soho. It features a garden, terrace, bar, gallery, and breakfast service.
• Dazzler by Wyndham Polo: Located in Palermo Hollywood, this hotel is near the Hippodrome and offers spacious, well-lit facilities. With elegant decor, the hotel includes a pool, bar, hot tub, private parking, and breakfast service.
• We The People Palermo Hollywood: This establishment is a fantastic option for lodging in Buenos Aires since it provides studios with all the conveniences you could require. It also has a pool, terrace, and shared kitchen.
• Shoshana Hotel Boutique: Another option in Palermo Hollywood, this hotel provides spacious, fully equipped apartments, as well as a terrace, breakfast, and a gym.

See more hotels in Palermo.

2. Puerto Madero: a modern and exclusive neighborhood with luxurious hotels

In Puerto Madero, you’ll find Buenos Aires’ commercial hub. The neighborhood is the opposite of the city center, offering a modern setting with elegant and luxurious buildings housing hotels, restaurants, and exclusive shops. For this reason, we consider it one of the best places to stay in Buenos Aires.

The neighborhood is located in a former port area that underwent revitalization, transforming it into a modern district and one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Buenos Aires.

In this neighborhood, you’ll also find one of Buenos Aires’ most famous tourist attractions and the postcard of Puerto Madero: Puente de la Mujer (Woman Bridge), along with some of the city’s most sophisticated restaurants and bars.

For nature and park enthusiasts, the area is home to the Reserva Costanera Sur. At the entrance to the reserve (Costanera Sur), there is a Saturday market featuring souvenirs and food products. Additionally, food trucks operate daily, offering typical local dishes.

Despite the lack of a subway, the neighborhood is easily accessible to other areas, and it is even possible to walk to downtown Buenos Aires.

This neighborhood is an excellent choice for accommodations in Buenos Aires, especially if you’re looking for a modern and lively environment with upscale, sophisticated hotels. The only drawback is that hotels in the area are typically more costly because of their exclusivity and luxury.

Hotels we recommend in Puerto Madero:

• Hilton Buenos Aires: This hotel offers comfort and sophistication, along with incredible views of the city and Puente de la Mujer. With spacious rooms, the hotel also features a spa, gym, rooftop pool, glass lobby, bar, restaurant, and parking.
• Hotel Madero Buenos Aires: Known for its comfort, luxury, and sophistication, this hotel offers spacious rooms with balconies and elegant decor. It includes a bar, wine cellar, restaurant, room service, and a spa with panoramic city views.
• Faena Hotel Buenos Aires: A luxurious hotel with spacious accommodations and stunning views. Amenities include a library, gym, bar, restaurant, room service, and a spa. The hotel is also home to one of Buenos Aires’ best tango shows, Rojo Tango.

See more hotels in Puerto Madero.

3. Recoleta: a safe and elegant area to stay

If you’re looking to escape the commercial hustle and bustle of the city center, Recoleta is another excellent choice for accommodations in Buenos Aires. This upscale neighborhood is known for being peaceful, clean, and pleasant, and it stands out for its amazing restaurants and bars.

Recoleta features beautiful squares such as Plaza Intendente Alvear, Plaza Francia, and Plaza Mitre. You’ll also find important tourist attractions, including Floralis Genérica, the National Museum of Fine Arts, Recoleta Cemetery, Recoleta Fair, Recoleta Cultural Center, Basilica Nuestra Señora del Pilar, and the Faculty of Law.

We’ve stayed in Recoleta and enjoyed it a lot, as the neighborhood is very peaceful and safe. Its location also allows you to explore many tourist attractions on foot. However, this will depend on the specific area you choose to stay in.

Recoleta also offers a lively nightlife, with bars and clubs where you can enjoy Buenos Aires’ evenings. Additionally, the neighborhood has excellent public transportation options for getting to other parts of the city.

The main downside of staying in Recoleta is that most high-quality hotels come with higher prices, as they offer superior facilities and services. However, there are fantastic options for vacation rentals in the area. Also, Recoleta is a large neighborhood, so it’s important to carefully select the area where you plan to stay.

Hotels we recommend in Recoleta:

• Alvear Palace Hotel: This luxurious 5-star hotel is excellently located, just a 7-minute walk from Recoleta Cemetery. It features French-style decorated accommodations and numerous amenities, including a spa, sauna, and body treatments. The hotel also houses the Alvear Roof Bar, one of the best rooftop bars in Buenos Aires.
• Mio Buenos Aires: Located just minutes from the neighborhood’s main attractions, this hotel features elegant decor with oak furniture and offers amenities such as a spa, gym, and sauna.
• Hotel Intersur Recoleta: A classic hotel offering spacious and comfortable accommodations. It features beautiful decor, a gym, restaurant, bar, and breakfast service. It’s one of the best places to stay in Buenos Aires.
• Palladio Hotel Buenos Aires – MGallery: With excellent facilities, this hotel offers an outdoor pool, gym, terrace, spa, restaurant, hot tub, bar, and breakfast.

See more hotels in Recoleta.

4. San Telmo: bohemian and historic neighborhood of Buenos Aires

San Telmo is one of the most traditional neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, as well as one of the most charming and visited in the city. It features century-old buildings, picturesque cobblestone streets, and some of the destination’s most remarkable attractions, such as the Mafalda Statue and the San Telmo Market.

San Telmo is an amazing place to stay because it borders Monserrat and Puerto Madero. This is especially true if you want to visit La Boca, Puerto Madero, and the city center. Despite its proximity to these bustling areas, San Telmo maintains a calm vibe and is home to some of Buenos Aires’ most traditional restaurants and events, such as the San Telmo Fair.

The neighborhood is also home to some of the most traditional and reasonably priced restaurants, making it a great spot for those who want to enjoy fantastic food without spending too much. San Telmo also has several gripping bars where you can experience Buenos Aires’ nightlife.

In San Telmo, you can find excellent accommodations at excellent prices. So, if you’re traveling on a budget or have a passion for history and old neighborhoods, you can book your stay in San Telmo with confidence.

The downside of staying in this neighborhood is that many accommodations are quite old and may need renovations. However, this is a common issue across most neighborhoods in Buenos Aires currently. For this reason, it’s essential to read recent reviews before booking any accommodation.

Hotels we recommend in San Telmo:

• Anselmo Buenos Aires: Part of the Hilton hotel chain, this property is ideally located at Plaza Dorrego. It features understated decor, comfortable spaces, a gym, breakfast service, bar, restaurant, and room service.
• L’Adresse Hôtel Boutique: Perfect for those looking for a more budget-friendly stay that still offers comfort and convenience. The hotel boasts cozy spaces and charming decor, along with breakfast, a bar, and room service. A fantastic option for lodging in Buenos Aires.

See more hotels in San Telmo.

5. Downtown: commercial and historic area with numerous attractions

Although the downtown covers more than one neighborhood and is quite extensive, we consider the areas near Casa Rosada, Florida Street, Avenida 9 de Julio, and General San Martín Square to be the best places to stay in Buenos Aires.

This area is home to several major tourist attractions, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, Café Tortoni, Cabildo, Colón Theater, Obelisco, and Plaza de Mayo (May Square). Check out our suggested 3-day Buenos Aires itinerary for unmissable tips.

In the downtown, you’ll find a wide range of hotels and hostels. Accommodations in this area vary greatly in price, with both budget-friendly, simpler options and more luxurious, high-end choices available.

The advantage of staying in this region is that you can explore many attractions on foot. Additionally, the downtown is home to Florida Street and Galerías Pacífico, excellent spots for shopping.

The proximity to tourist attractions and other neighborhoods, as well as the attractive prices, are the main reasons to choose accommodations in downtown. You’ll be close to everything, making it much easier to get around thanks to the abundance of public transportation options, taxis, and Uber.

In our travels to Buenos Aires, we’ve stayed in the city center several times, and it was undoubtedly a great choice. For shorter trips, we always preferred to stay in this area, particularly near Avenida 9 de Julio and Florida Street.

The downside of staying in this region is that it becomes less lively at night compared to other neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Additionally, depending on the hotel, street noise can be quite bothersome, as this is a busy commercial area.

Given Argentina’s current situation, many hotels in the downtown require renovations. Furthermore, protests are common in this area, which can sometimes make it unsuitable for tourism or even lodging.

Hotels we recommend in the downtown of Buenos Aires:

• Hotel Grand Brizo Buenos Aires: Located on Avenida 9 de Julio, this hotel features elegant decor, spacious areas, and offers a breakfast buffet and excellent service. Some rooms have views of the avenue and the Obelisco, and it is home to the Cielo Sky Bar, an incredible rooftop spot.
• Ibis Styles Florida: Situated on Avenida Corrientes, this hotel boasts a clean design, breakfast (not always included in the rate), spacious and comfortable rooms, and great service. Its standout feature is the room’s soundproofing.
• Buenos Aires Marriott: Located on Avenida 9 de Julio, next to the Obelisco, this hotel offers luxurious facilities, including a spa, two restaurants, a bar, breakfast buffet, and a gym.
• Esplendor by Wyndham Buenos Aires Tango: Another excellent hotel for your stay in Buenos Aires, featuring classic decor, an outdoor pool, hot tub, parking, and breakfast service.
• Huinid Obelisco Hotel: A 4-star hotel with a gym, bar, restaurant, and breakfast service. It is only a short distance from the Obelisco and other local attractions.

See more hotels in Downtown.

6. Belgrano: a quiet neighborhood ideal for families

Belgrano was the neighborhood we stayed in during our most recent trip to Buenos Aires. It is a residential and peaceful area, ideal for those planning a family trip. After Palermo, Belgrano is situated outside the city center.

In Belgrano, you can visit some of Buenos Aires’ attractions, such as Barrio Chino and the River Plate Stadium. If your plan is to attend a game at the stadium, Belgrano is undoubtedly the best accommodation option, as you can walk there.

The neighborhood also has good access to public transportation, including buses, the subway, and even the train that runs from Retiro (next to the downtown) to Tigre, a fascinating town worth visiting.

Although there are not many hotels in this area, you can still find decent lodging options, such as first-rate vacation rental apartments. When staying in Belgrano, choose accommodations near Avenida del Libertador and Barrio Chino.

Hotels we recommend in Belgrano:

• Top Rentals Belgrano: Located on Avenida del Libertador, this hotel features excellent facilities, including an outdoor pool, gym, garden, parking, and a terrace. It is just an 11-minute walk from the River Plate Stadium.
• Urbanica The Libertador Hotel: Also situated on Avenida del Libertador, this modern hotel is a fantastic choice for accommodations in Buenos Aires. It offers an outdoor pool, terrace, and breakfast service.
• Top Rentals Montañeses: This lodging option provides well-equipped rooms, studios, and apartments. It also includes breakfast and features a restaurant.
• Departamento de Lujo Belgrano 7A: A fully equipped apartment accommodating up to four guests. It includes a bed, a sofa bed, a kitchen, and a living room.

See more hotels in Belgrano.

7. Retiro: a practical and easily accessible area

Retiro is also one of the best places to stay in Buenos Aires, but when choosing this area, you should carefully select your location to avoid staying in a less desirable or somewhat unsafe spot.

The part of Retiro we recommend for accommodations stretches from the downtown to Avenida del Libertador. Beyond the avenue, we do not suggest staying.

One of the main advantages of staying in this area is its proximity to the downtown and Puerto Madero, along with easy access to other parts of Buenos Aires. Public transportation options (buses, trains, and subways) are readily available in Retiro. This neighborhood is also home to the train station that goes to Tigre and the central bus terminal.

Retiro features notable attractions such as San Martín Square and the Torre Monumental, among others.

The downside of staying here is the limited availability of hotels, but there are excellent accommodations, particularly vacation rental apartments. Be sure to choose a location in the recommended area for a safe and pleasant stay.

Hotels we recommend in Retiro:

• Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires: Located near San Martín Square, this luxurious hotel operates in an impressive building with European-style architecture and unquestionable beauty. It features a restaurant, bar, and a delicious breakfast with a variety of options.
• Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel & Convention Center: Situated across from the Torre Monumental, this luxury hotel offers accommodations with views of the Río de la Plata. It also includes a spa, two pools, two restaurants, parking, a bar, and breakfast service.

See more hotels in Retiro.

Now that you’ve reviewed all our tips on where to stay in Buenos Aires, choose your preferred area and make the most of the city’s attractions!

Do you plan to visit other destinations in Argentina? Also check out where to stay in Mendoza.