The Best Hotels in Retiro, Buenos Aires

The Torre Monumental is one of many sights worth a peek in the Argentinian capital
The Torre Monumental is one of many sights worth a peek in the Argentinian capital | © Diego Grandi / Alamy
Sorrel Moseley-Williams

Writer

One of the most underrated neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, Retiro is all about Parisian-style architecture, green spaces such as Plaza San Martín, sights such as Torre Monumental and lively nightlife such as the award-winning bar Florería Atlántico. These are the best luxury hotels in the area – bookable on Culture Trip.

Admire the Gallic good looks and chic cafes of this elegant neighborhood to understand why the capital of Argentina is known as the Paris of South America. The hotels are full of surprises, too, with many including spas and swimming pools, even in this downtown district. Indeed, a stay in Retiro puts you strides away from many underground stations and within walking distance from the barrios of Puerto Madero, Recoleta and even San Telmo. By day, it’s jam-packed with office workers, but once everyone’s left after happy hour, it takes on a more authentic side.

1. Hotel Pulitzer

Chain Hotel, Boutique Hotel

Hotel Pulitzer_b0590bb0
Courtesy of Hotel Pulitzer / Expedia

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.

2. Pestana Buenos Aires Hotel

Hotel

Pestana Buenos Aires Hotel_ba18be91
Courtesy of Pestana Buenos Aires Hotel / Expedia

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.

4. Four Seasons

Resort, Chain Hotel, Luxury

Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires_ad32425a
Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires / Expedia

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.

5. Algodon Mansion

Resort

Algodon Mansion_45797a4b
Courtesy of Algodon Mansion / Expedia

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.

6. Emperador

Hotel

Emperador Hotel Buenos Aires_347c3cfe
Courtesy of Emperador / Expedia

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.

7. Alvear Art Hotel

Hotel

Alvear Art Hotel_cea28aee
Courtesy of Alvear Art Hotel / Expedia

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.

8. CasaCalma

Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel, Hotel

CasaCalma Hotel_a3c23122
Courtesy of CasaCalma / Expedia
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.

9. Serena Hotel

Hotel

Serena Hotel Buenos Aires_b32f59fe
Courtesy of Serena Hotel / Expedia

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.

This is an updated version of an article originally by Ross Walker.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article