Making arrangements for accommodations can be one of the hardest tasks you will encounter whilst planning your trip to Buenos Aires. With this quick reference guide, you will be well on your way to settling your itinerary!
In short, you have 3 options for accommodations in Buenos Aires: hotels, hostels and temporary apartments:
Hotels: If you’re staying less than a week, and you’d prefer the luxury and quiet repose of a hotel over the raucous community of a hostel, a hotel is your best bet. However, if your stay will be closer to a week than a couple of days then we would recommend a temporary rental apartment.
You have the typical big city options in Buenos Aires for hotels ranging from 5 star like the Alvear Palace hotel to smaller boutique hotels like Glu. The perk of booking a decent hotel is that you can make a reliable online reservation through the hotel’s website or through your friendly travel agent. The only potential drawback is the price, which will run you any where between $125-$400 (US) per night.
Hostels: Clearly the best option for the short-term visitor on a budget. Hostels will run you between $15-$50 (US) per night and supply an endless stream of new traveler friends. The downside is the lack of privacy and potential noise. Some of the best hostels that we have heard about are: Millhouse, Limehouse, Florida Suites, Giramondo, and Tango Backpackers.
Temporary Apartments: Planning to stay in Buenos Aires for a week or longer? If so, you will find your best bargain by renting a fully furnished temporary apartment. Temporary apartments really are great and they will afford you all the creature comforts of home while you are away! One of the main drawbacks are no concierge and no flow of traveler friends.
Prices on temporary apartments differ according to location, size and luxury, but for a modest yet cozy one-bedroom apartment you should expect to pay roughly $350 (US) per week (October 2010). If you want to rent on the monthly basis, a good monthly rate for similar accommodations should cost you around $1,000 (US) per month. Also be prepared. You will need to pay both a deposit equal to your rental price to confirm the reservation AND the entire week’s or month’s rent in cash. But do not worry! Deposits for short-term stay apartments are returned to you, in cash, before your departure (so long as you didn’t trash the place!).
Although these accommodations are by far the best deal and offer the most comfort, finding a legitimate company to make your reservation for a temporary apartment can be tricky. We recommend these Buenos Aires rental apartments. This links to a trustworthy company we work with on a regular basis where you can look around casually for the right place. Browse at your leisure and check out photos, maps, accommodations listings and even reviews from previous tenants. Once you’ve found the right apartment, you can book right there. It’s easy! Requesting or inquiring about a reservation costs you nothing.
If you don’t go with us, however, be sure to ask for references from the rental company before finalizing your reservation or do thorough research in some fashion. There are many tourist apartment rental companies in Buenos Aires, and don’t be fooled by recommendations from travel forums online. Often times these recommendations are made by people living in Buenos Aires who are getting paid a small pittance to make these recommendations, regardless of the reliability of the enterprise in question. We have done our best to provide you with the best apartment recommendations, and want you to have the best time in Buenos Aires as possible!
1 Comment for Buenos Aires Basics: Accomodations
Another option for tango dancers in Buenos Aires is a so-called "tango house," of which there are many. It's a good choice for first-timers who come alone, as there are group tango activities and always someone to go places with.
Another option for apartment seekers is a direct rental from the owner, as opposed to an agency. Prices are lower without the middle-man. You just have to ask around to find one that's right for you. Location is super important.