The Best Hotels in Retiro, Buenos Aires

A stone’s throw from sights such as Plaza San Martín, and within walking distance of Plaza de Mayo and busy Calle Florida, Hotel Pulitzer is a stylish stay in Retiro. It’s frequented by thirtysomethings and solo business travelers. Dive into the al fresco swimming pool and fitness center, or try the 13th-floor Sky Bar for a classic cocktail and cityscape sunset.

Located on a piece of prime real estate on buzzy Avenida 9 de Julio, Pestana is in the thick of the downtown action of Buenos Aires. It’s four blocks from the Obelisco, and a host of other must-see sights, such as Teatro Colón opera house, are a short walk away. After a day ticking off the big hitters, relax by the heated swimming pool or plunge into the Turkish bath at the spa.

Located along fancy Posadas street on the cusp of the Recoleta neighborhood, the Sofitel is perfectly placed opposite the historic Patio Bullrich shopping mall – which dates back to 1867, when it was an auction house for everything from cattle to thoroughbreds. It’s also close to museums such as the Malba for Hispanic-American art, and the National Railway Museum. Work up an appetite in the fitness center, then drop by the Brick Kitchen for a steak and salad lunch.

In a fantastic location overlooking Avenida 9 de Julio, close to Recoleta, this hotel comes in two parts: the contemporary main building and a romantic belle époque mansion that was built for a bride. Enjoy a signature body scrub at the spa before dipping into the spacious outdoor swimming pool. At award-winning Elena restaurant, order dry-aged steak then move onto Pony Line bar for hot-to-trot cocktails.

Wine lovers will adore the beautifully restored Algodon Mansion, which has a companion vineyard estate in Mendoza and, naturally, stocks its own vintages. It offers all the amenities of a luxury resort, such as a spa, rooftop terrace and pool. The suite to book is the Algodon Royale, complete with wine cellar as a centerpiece.

A short walk from the coach and train terminals, close to Plaza San Martín, Emperador is a well-connected hotel in Retiro. Book a massage at the spa before taking a dip in the swimming pool. The blissful urban garden is packed with greenery – don’t miss a glass of malbec on the patio.

A short walk from busy Calle Florida and the CBD, the artistic esthetic of the Alvear Art Hotel is a soothing antidote to the downtown buzz. Its spa in particular is notable, with the covered swimming pool boasting the best views in (and of) Buenos Aires. Sink into a cozy armchair at Artesano bar and sip cocktails created by top barman Tato Giovannoni to round off your stay in style.

With Teatro Colón and the Obelisco within its sights, CasaCalma boasts a great Retiro location. An environmentally friendly beacon with a vertical garden facade, it takes an active approach to sustainability and encourages you to borrow a courtesy bike to see more of Buenos Aires. After a day of sightseeing, kick back with an in-room massage – or hit up the honesty bar.

Although it’s a block from busy Avenidas 9 de Julio and Libertador, and within walking distance of posh Recoleta, Serena is a tranquil haven for escaping all the bustle. Enjoy a natural, organic treatment at the Amazon Secrets spa, where there’s also a swimming pool. Airy rooms include an all-important pillow menu to ensure the best night’s sleep.