We will visit Buenos Aires for the first time and plan to stay 7 nights. We are trying to decide between the Sofitel and the Five Cool Nights. Ignoring the price difference can we get some information about the two hotels, the neighborhoods they are in and how staying there would affect our experience in BA.

The Sofitel is in Retiro, a mixed residential and commercial area on the periphery of downtown. It is quiet and within easy walking distance of Plaza San Martin and Florida Street. The hotel itself is upscale and traditional. Le Sud is an excellent restaurant within the hotel. Unlike parts of downtown, there is not an undue amount of noise during the day....

Five Cool Rooms is a study in contrast..it is as modern as the Sofitel is traditional....industrial look minimalism might be a good way of describing the decor. Quality of furnishings is not on par with the Sofitel. Smallish rooms. Friendly staff. The neighborhood is Palermo Viejo...an area that was "discovered" a few years ago. Young clothing designers, artists and restauranteers have moved into the area in droves, making this a trendy part of town, albeit still a work in progress (some blocks are renovated, some are not)....Median age of residents in Palermo Viejo..probably 20somethings or 30s...older and more staid for the area around the Sofitel. If you opt for the Palermo Viejo area, you might want to look at the Bobo which I believe offers a better value.

100 % w/ DD advice, if there is no place at the Bobo (Only 7 rooms), Malabia House is a good second option in Palermo Viejo.

Although the neighbouhood is not as good as Palermo Viejo this place deserves attention as it is really beautifull.
Don´t miss a visit while in BA just to know this "Casa Chorizo".
Once a week there are intimate Tango shows, and Tango dancing lessons.
Contact Patricia , the owner.
Casa Monserrat B & B
www.casa-monserrat.com

Salta 1074

Barbacharters

A huge help to me is: www.tripadvisor.com. You can read reviews from people that have experienced hotels and resorts. I had a bad experience with a Sunscape and will always, first consult this web site.

Reviews sometimes are helpful . Quality is always difficult to maintain , what is good today might be so so or even bad tomorrow.

On the other hand personal "taste" usually difers from one person to another.

Is there a website for the Five hotel?

Googled it (a term a former pen friend taught me) and found it right away:
fivebuenosaires.com

Hotel Madero. Dr. Dawggy did you have to ask for a special discount for the 80 rate? I was quoted a rate of $150 (plus IVA)