Based on reviews in various guide books and websites, we are thinking about staying at the Amerian Park hotel in Buenos Aires. Anyone ever stayed there? What was your experience?

I can't tell you much about the hotel, but I can tell you it's located in the heart of the business district. Which means during the day, lively, noisy, tons of people around, and very safe. At night, deserted, there are a few restaurants around that cater to people working late and/or for hotel guests staying at some of the hotels in the area, and that's about it. Personally, not my favorite neighborhood to recommend for people to stay here unless they need to be in that area for business reasons.

What area would you recommend? I was going by what I read in guide books which seemed to indicate that being in the center of town near the subway stops would be good for getting around. But I am open to other thoughts.

I'm partial to Recoleta/Barrio Norte for first time visitors, it's also quite convenient to transportation, plus you're in easy walking distance of many of the things you might want to do. I wouldn't worry about the subway stops - the subways may start more or less downtown, but they do branch out across the city, there are also buses everywhere, and taxis as well (and cheap).

Thanks, I'll look into that before we finalize our plans.

We stayed at the Amerian on our first visit to BA in 2003. It is a clean, business style hotel. We chose the Amerian due to reviews in guide books. After being in BA I wish I had stayed in Recoleta which was my other choice, but chose the Amerian because of comments about it being close to transportation. We have been back many times and ended up purchasing an apartment in Recoleta. I agree with saltshaker and would recommend Recoleta/Barrio Norte. It is easy to get around BA no matter the location.

I would recommend Palermo or Recoleta.
There is something going on from early morning til late at n ight, shops and cafes and people around..much nicer location than being in the business district.