Arc Recoleta

ARC Recoleta bills itself as a boutique hotel but, except for its small number of rooms, the property feels more like a standard business hotel. The building doesn’t make much of an impression from the street, with the same tall, nondescript facade as its neighbors. The modern decor in the long lobby is a bit plain aside from some eye-catching pops of purple, an accent color that shows up throughout the rooms and common areas.

Guests are mainly couples who appreciate the hotel’s big, clean rooms, handy on-site features, and good location. The setting is ideal for those looking for a safe, quiet base that's within walking distance of restaurants and shops but removed from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

Set on a pretty, tree-lined street, the ARC is located in the mostly residential neighborhood of Recoleta, full of well-heeled locals. Although it’s about a 20-minute drive to the city center, the entire area around the hotel offers plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars. Guests who prefer to be in the heart of the action, however, may find the location a bit too quiet. There are a handful of sights, however, that can be reached on foot. The Cementerio de la Recoleta, where some of Argentina’s most notable political figures (including Eva Peron) are buried, is a 10-minute walk. The National Library of Argentina and Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes are both less than a 15-minute walk away, too. Other sights will require a lift by taxi or on public transportation, and the hotel is a six-minute walk from Las Heras subway stop. Teatro Colón and Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes are both under 20 minutes away by public transit. It’s about a 45-minute drive to Ezeiza International Airport. 

While they aren't exactly fashion-forward, guest rooms at ARC Recoleta are nicely decorated with light wood furniture, deep purple fabrics, and a few pieces of colorful abstract artwork. Free Wi-Fi is standard, while wall-mounted flat-screen TVs are accented with lime green frames. Long white tables with padded chairs are set against one wall, serving as multi-purpose surfaces and work desks. Small bathrooms are appealingly finished in matte black tiles, and trays beside the sinks are stocked with hotel-branded soap and shampoo. All bathrooms have bidets and either shower stalls or shower/tub combos. 

Many rooms have clever sliding wooden doors that conceal a closet with personal safes on one side and compact wet bars with sinks, kettles, and tea and coffee on the other. Beer, water, and juice can also be found in the rooms' minibars. Some Superior Rooms have terraces with wrought-iron furniture, while Deluxe Triple Rooms add sofa beds (a helpful addition for families). The Arc Suite features a separate living area and kitchenette with a microwave, coffee machine, and two-burner stovetop. 

While none of ARC Recoleta’s features are especially impressive, they’re practical extras that add to the hotel’s overall appeal. Topping the list would be the hotel's outdoor swimming pool, which is surrounded by a nice wooden sundeck. (Note that the pool is only open in warmer month.) A glass partition along one side offers scenic views over the city, although the other sides are boxed in by unappealing concrete walls. There’s a second alfresco seating area located off the lobby, too.

While there's no full restaurant on the premises, guests can expect a full buffet breakfast, which is included in the room rate. The breakfast area has a lounge-like feel, featuring purple accent walls, dark wood furniture, and black banquettes. The breakfast selection is standard buffet fair such as cold cuts, cereal, scrambled eggs, fresh fruits, and pastries. 

Other features include a fitness center and a spa, both nice extras at this pearl level. The fitness center is sizable with cardio and weight-lifting machines. The pleasant spa includes treatment rooms for massages, as well as a serene hot tub room topped with a skylight, plus a sauna and steam room. 

Business travelers can make use of the hotel's meeting room, which can accommodate up to 80 people, though it's somewhat spartan with tiled floors and no windows. A workstation located in the restaurant has a single computer for guest use as well. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout. Airport shuttles are available for a surcharge and concierge services are offered 24/7.