Cimbrone

I'm starting to think about a trip to B.A. and am wondering whether San Telmo or Recoleta is the better neighborhood to stay in. I love authentic charming neighborhoods with elegant cafes and shops. But I like funky versions of those as well. Also, I like the looks of the Hotel Babel in San Telmo and the Melia la Recoleta Plaza Hotel. Is anyone familiar with them?

Also, is it normal that direct flights from Miami would be so much more expensive than the ones making one or two stops? I would have thought Miami to B.A. is a common route. Thanks for any info you can give me.

Cimbrone

I should have added Palermo to my list of possible neighborhoods.

owlwoman

I'm not familiar with either of those hotels, but I would go with Palermo.

We stayed at the Bobo, lots of fun, interesting neighborhood, like Soho in NY.

Recoleta is also nice, more like the Madison Ave. of BA, lots of high end designer shops, very elegant.

San Telmo is like the East Village, up and coming, lots of Antique stores.

It's very easy to get around BA, so no matter what neighborhood you choose, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

SusanInToronto

I liked Palermo a lot. Recoleta was nice, but I felt more comfortable in Palermo. We only went to San Telmo for the Sunday market, and that was fun, but I was glad we stayed in Palermo. We had rented an apartment there - close to restaurants, great shopping and so on.

Taxis were really inexpensive. We also took the subte a few times, although it was several blocks to get to it from where we were staying.

condu

I agree with SusanInToronto. We stayed in Palermo Botanico area. We rented an apartment that I soon called "home." We were out at all hours of the night and felt safe. Palermo has lots of wonderful restaurants, shops, both funky and elegant, art galleries, parks, etc. Also, easy access to the subte (subway) and colectivos (buses)and there are always lots taxis trolling for clients.

San Telmo is great for the Sunday Market. But, it is not recommended to walk there at night. I had thought I would like to stay there. But, once, I saw it I was very relieved that I didn't book an apartment, there.

HappyTrvlr

We spent five wonderful days at Melia Recoleta Plaa and recommend it highly. The room was large, nicely appointed, modern bath, and very quiet. The staff were incredible. We had a bad start in Buenos Aires in another hotel( everything in the room kept breaking,falling apart, no help from front desk) and Recoleta Plaza saved our stay with their warm welcome and extra attention. The breakfast was plentiful and varied. We made friends with another guest,a U.S. author, who was doing research for an upcoming novel set in the city. They even arranged to have our extra purchases sent back to the US for us. It is only steps from El Sanjuanino and Fervor, and around the corner from Sottovoce.

MarnieWDC

Cimbrone:

We stayed in the Melia Recoletta 3 years ago and for "I love authentic charming neighborhoods with elegant cafes and shops" it is fabulous. And,it is just between the great empanada place, El Sanjuanino and Fervor, an excellent seafood restaurant (with beef selections). It is in the most elegant neighborhood and just minutes from the Cemetary. Melia plays gentle Tango music in the public spaces, the staff are truly wonderful and the breakfast is very fine.

Palermo Botanico is a fabulous neighborhood too, and where we will be looking for an apartment next year. It is a bit younger, less elegantr, but no less lovely, charmng or interesting. And cafes and boutiques galore.

What great choices you have. ~Marnie

avrooster

I agree with the above comments and feel San Telmo is not for a first time visitor, as you seem to be, Cimbrone.

Ask all the questions you want, then make up your mind and you'll have a great time in our country.

kodi

I agree with all of the above too.
I just spent one week in Palermo and one week in Recoleta.
I loved them both. Palermo was funky and fun, and I enjoyed wandering the tree lined streets and browsing in all the funky shops. I also loved the beautiful parks in the area.

Then I moved to Recoleta, and it was more upscale, and I enjoyed it. I was a few blocks from the cemetary, and I enjoyed being able to walk there, and also to Santa Fe shopping area. There are also many beautiful parks in this area too.

I don't know if I could recommend one area over the other. I loved them both.

Either one would be great, but I would not stay in San Telmo. Just visit during the day.

Cimbrone

Thank you for all of the responses! I will take your advice and stay at the Melia Recoletta. Now to just convince dear partner about this trip!

Eddwarm

My recommendation is Recoleta. I've stayed in this neighborhood on two occasions, and when i was there in 2007, my young certified guide stated that it is much easier to get anywhere in BsAs from Recoleta since it's supposedly more centralized. Although Palermo has its charms, it's a way out. I say this based on personal experience in going there via taxi as well as I honor the comments of a porteno (native male of BsAs). But in the end-- "the choice is yours." -

Graziella5b

Regarding the flights they are not more expensive if direct try Lan argentina, direct flight
which is good. You get AA miles as well.