Hotel Boutique Raco de Buenos Aires

This historic 19th-century building -- an elegant, brown facade with white trim and wrought-iron balconies -- was given T.L.C. in the form of paint and decorative accents, although one can’t say the love was spread evenly. The marble and tile entry is bright and welcoming, with a cute little lounge opposite the check-in desk. Furnishings are an eclectic mix of mismatched pieces, like a calfskin rug, ornate crystal chandelier, and a tufted couch and armchairs. While it works in some places, like the lounge and courtyard, where potted greenery and checkerboard tile jazz up simple wicker furniture, it falls short in the breakfast room, where the odd collection of armchairs and sofas look like they were chosen in haste to fill the space. Guest rooms are a bit more cohesive in nature, which makes it seem like there were dueling decorators. Hotel Boutique Raco is quaint overall, but seems to be confused about its identity. Guests are a mix of couples and families for the most part, along with some solo and business travelers. 

Hotel Boutique Raco sits in a working-class residential area and is a six-minute walk to the Castro Barros metro stop. The surrounding Almagro neighborhood dates back to the 18th century and some of the architectural influences remain, including the cobblestone streets. Basílica María Auxiliadora y San Carlos, a beautiful Romanesque temple that was built in the early 1900s, is a three-minute walk from the hotel. Unfortunately, many other buildings in the area show neglect and deterioration. While the neighborhood isn’t terrible, it’s not very pretty either. The big sights, like Teatro Colon and La Recoleta Cemetery, are somewhat removed from this location; guests should expect trips of about 15 to 20 minutes by car, or 30 minutes to an hour by metro. Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport is a 25-minute drive. 

Though the 10 rooms on the property vary in size and decor, they are uniform in comfort and cleanliness. Decor is generally artsy and colorful; some rooms have playfully patterned panels behind the beds, and all have bold, abstract artwork on the walls, while furnishings are kept simple, wooden floors are polished, and walls are clean white or pastel painted. Family travelers prefer the first-floor rooms, while those seeking a more luxurious setting opt for the top-floor suites. All rooms feature updated baths with natural stone and glass showers (tubs are scarce), and bidets. There are flat-screen TVs, but safes and coffee/tea facilities are absent. Some rooms have small balconies, with seating, overlooking the street.

Hotel Boutique Raco is pretty basic in nature, but free Wi-Fi is a nice perk, and the affordable breakfast (free with some rates) is served daily. Guests can eat in the garden area or arrange for room service. Both options beat the breakfast room, which is in the basement with small windows that don’t allow much natural light into the space. There’s plenty of seating but some of the plush chairs look worn and uncomfortable. Guests can also frequent a small bar in the basement, serving coffee and alcohol. To round out the Buenos Aires experience, the hotel also offers Tango lessons.