BA apartment choice
 

Im having great difficulty choosing an apartment for the month of February. They all look good but its very difficult to tell about the locations having not been there. Im leaning toward the second one here but there arent any reviews on it. Any suggestions



http://www.bytargentina.com/re/propv...p;ano_sal=2009

http://www.bytargentina.com/re/propv...p;ano_sal=2009

In my opinion - for a first time visitor if location and convenience is important to you, I would say none of the above.

The second one looks nice and the pool in February would be a bonus. However, it says it is in Palermo Viejo but it isn't really. My handy dandy map puts it in Chacarita. Its not really close to the beaten tourist path - which for some could be a good thing. It depends on you and what you want to see or do and what you want to be close to. Do you speak Spanish? How do you want to get around the city? etc....

The first one is in San Telmo. its an interesting area to visit. Many who stay there really like it. However some parts of San Telmo are still a bit sketchy.

Although it is not "gospel" for first timers especially it is usually recommended they stick to Recoleta or Palermo or Barrio Norte or even the area around Plaza San Martin. The thing about Buenos Aires however is that there are so many neighbourhoods. If you settle into one and explore and find the local places, the restaurants and cafes, the parks, the shops etc. you'll probably end up loving "your" barrio for what it has to offer.

There is alot about Buenos Aires apartments on Trip Advisor. Maybe you should also post your question there.

good luck
raquel

Thank you so much. I appreciate your advice

We have been staying in BA for 3 weeks now in Palermo and having visyited many of the other Barrios we are glad we made that choice. On e o the main reasons being our prximity to the Subte line which makes it easy to reach other parts of the city. We are located at Scalabrini Ortix and Berruti which is a 2 min walk to Subte line D 5 mins to a 3/4 supermarkets and 20-30min walk to Recolleta. We too used BYT and were delighted with the booking process although were have had afew problems with phones not working and the promised swimming pool not being available (check everything very carefully!).

Here is a link to a map if you input the address of the apartment it will show you exactly where it is on the map. Its also great for locating restaurants. Have fun its a great city

I agree with raquel.. Keep looking :)

You do not wish to be in those locations. There are many informative postings in fodors. Get a map and pin point your choices. Security is also an issue, not having to be on a taxi all the time also helps.

Im sorry but having never been there and just going by descriptions on here it is VERY difficult to tell whats bad and whats good.

I have come up with this one which fits into the criteria which youve outlined. I would appreciate input thank you so much!!
http://www.bytargentina.com/re/propv...p;ano_sal=2009

This may be the same apartment you are staying in Crellstone. Now that I look at the address it is the same as you mention.

irecommend

No that is not ours (but it is very close), although I have to say that this one does look nicer and is cheaper.

Ours is http://www.bytargentina.com/re/propv...&view=1836

The one problem with ours is that the promised swimming pool has not been available during our time here due to repairs. My advice is to check EVERYTHING BEFORE making a booking.

We had the same problem as you in making a decision there are so many choices. In the end location and proximity to the Subte were the most important considerations and in that respect this place is near perfect.

One final and important considertion with this last property, is that it appears to have aircon IN THE LIVING AREA ONLY. It is getting really hot here now and will be even hotter in Feb. I would go for somewhere with aircon in the bedrooms as well as the living area.

Hi
crellstone gives you good advice.
In order to narrow the choices down, know what you want to pay first, which neighborhood you want to be in then look online at the apts.
If I can sort of guide you.. having done this as a visitor and when buying to live here...

Recoleta and Palermo are good for visitors. Transportation is easy, residential with plenty of stores, parks, cafes .. you can easily stay for weeks and never leave the neighborhood, they are self-sufficient.
San Telmo is charming and full of atmosphere but requires more of you, taxis to other areas of town are necessary, some areas are not so good, different at night.

What you want:
A/C ..
Quiet- if the apt is on a main street ( Santa Fe, Las Heras, Callao etc) get an apt that is contrafrente ( in the back) or if it is on a pretty quiet street, frente is good.
You want clean, modern and a decent kitchen and bath.
Take note of the sofa, is it a futon or a real sofa?
Is the kitchen stocked or is there just a pot and a cup?
Doorman? Porter?
Balcony or Terrace is icing on the cake, views are good but sometimes, as in a hotel, it isn't about the view so much as the rooms, you will mostly just be sleeping there.

It seems to me that everyone leaves and goes to the Country or the Beach in summer, pools in town don't seem to be so popular. I know some apt bldgs have them but everyone I know, never uses a pool in town.. and it is so boiling hot here some days, that even a pool would not suffice, only a dimly lit overly air-conditioned room will be enough. :-)

I hope this helps..
byT has a huge array of apts and I think you must really study them.. sometimes ( as in my sons case ) what he got was not quite what was advertised.

Also- look at other apt rental sites.. they often have the same apts listed but sometimes something new will pop up.

http://www.buenosaireshabitat.com/

www.apartmentsba.com

I hope this helps :-)
Chau, Scarlett

Recoleta is a good place, anywhere there. You should take a look at this website, its very good too www.buenosairesstay.com
Palermo is also good, make sure that the apartments are actually located where they say they are!
Good luck

Heed Scarlett's advice - she is as wise as she is beautiful.
I rented from the same agency an apartment about two blocks away on Scalabrini Ortiz and French and liked it a lot. You are close to the Subte and the neighborhood is pleasant. I would clarify though, about the AC - the description says AC in living room, and you want it in the bedroom as well. It may be that the unit is installed in the LR and also cools the bedroom, but I would verify that.

Oh Seamus, (blushing) Thank you... now come here for a big kiss ... lol.

If the aparment is small enough, the living room a/c might cool the bedroom too. The tiny apt that we rented here, had the a/c in the living room.. it was a split, we were there in winter, the heat warmed the whole apartment, bedroom too.
So check on meters/sq ft ... and definitely ask ..

Scarlett - little would make me happier than to haul my substantial bottom to BsAs to collect that smooch - especially since we are in the midst of a blue norther that is freezing us.

Well we have booked this one

http://www.bytargentina.com/re/propv...p;ano_sal=2009

It was a little more money, but my daughter will be with us for the last week so wanted the extra bedroom.

Oh and just a note, I found one I really liked on buenosaireshabitat but I emailed them 3 times and called and left messages many times in the last week and had recieved no response. I dont know if they are on vacation or out of business but we were disappointed.

You will be close to downtown as well as Recoleta....nice choice and location in my opinion.

Enjoy Buenos Aires

phew!
Ive been sweating it since making the choice.
Thanks!