Calle Pena 2049, Buenos Aires, Argentina | (951) 228-0643
Peaceful location in Recoleta, near Eva Peron's burial place
Small spa, hydromassage pool, and fitness center on-site
Large rooms with bland decor, minibars, and flat-screen TVs
Modern bathrooms with large backlit mirrors
Wi-Fi and breakfast are included in the room rate
Two computer stations for free Internet use
Meeting room available to business guests
Some may find the decor outdated
Built in 2009, the Howard Johnson Hotel Boutique
Recoleta is a relatively small property with 28 rooms and one suite. The
location is a peaceful and safe one for tourists, and there’s plenty to see
around the Recoleta Cemetery area with its abundance of bars, restaurants, and
shops. The hotel’s facilities are good, considering its size -- there’s a small
spa and fitness center, plus free Wi-Fi and breakfast. Guests here generally
appreciate the quiet location and large rooms that the hotel offers,
although the lackluster chain-style decor may not be to everyone’s taste. Those who prefer
a more contemporary look should check out the Two Hotel Buenos Aires in Monserrat as an
alternative.
Scene
Small, peaceful property with dated decor that lacks personality
The hotel is not particularly eye-catching from the street: a glassy, eight-story rectangle sandwiched between balconied residential buildings. However, the street itself has some charm, with leafy trees and a pretty 1920s-era building a few doors down. Glass doors lead into the hotel's narrow lobby, where the diamond-patterned tile floor, dim lighting, and '80s-style wooden reception desk do little to establish any sense of personality or style. Adjacent to the desk is a small seating area with a garishly patterned rug and a pair of comfy black sofas; there are some nice touches, like flock-patterned settees and bright orange lilies in glass vases. Hallways feel quite dated, however, with brown carpeting and curved maroon walls. At the back of the building are the spa and cafe, which
has modern, cream leather chairs and dark wood tables. It's not a large
property, so all the facilities are on a small scale, but there’s adequate
space for the tourists who come here to check out what Recoleta has to offer.
Location
In Recoleta, with plenty to see nearby
The hotel is located in the heart of the Recoleta district, on a pretty
and quiet street. The biggest attraction in the area is the Cementerio de la
Recoleta, where Eva Peron and other luminaries are buried. The cemetery is within a 10-minute walk of the hotel, and
there are numerous restaurants, shops, and cafes in the area, too. It’s also a safe neighborhood, so tourists generally feel comfortable walking around at
night. Those visiting at the weekend can also take in the famous flea market in
Recoleta Park, adjacent to the cemetery and just a 10-minute walk away. Ezeiza International Airport is about 40 minutes' drive.
Rooms
Spacious and quiet, decorated in a dated chain style
The 28 rooms and one suite in the hotel are all spacious and decorated in a somewhat bland style. The color scheme is shades of cream and
brown, and there are mid-tone wooden furnishings, including desks and bedside cabinets. Bathrooms are more modern, with chic basin sinks and contemporary fixings, along with shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and large backlit mirrors. All the rooms are quiet and have air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi,
flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, coffeemakers, safes, and minibars. The Executive Suite is extra large, with separate lounge and dining areas, two bathrooms, and a balcony; one bathroom has a huge corner whirlpool bath in addition to the walk-in
shower.
Features
Spa and fitness center, double hydromassage pool, plus free Wi-Fi and breakfast
The hotel has the bonus of a small spa, which has a sauna and massage treatment rooms, as well as a double hydromassage pool in a a sunny atrium. There’s also a small fitness center with a treadmill and exercise bike. Guests can use all the spa/fitness facilities free of
charge. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and breakfast is included in the
room rate, too. While not a huge selection, the continental buffet is pretty standard for this area, offering cold slices of ham, cheese,
various pastries, and toast, along with coffee and tea, and eggs made to
order. Room
service is available during limited hours and the hotel also offers a small
choice of light meals and snacks throughout the day, such as pizza and toasted
sandwiches. There are two computer stations where guests can use the Internet
free of charge, and there’s a meeting room available for business travelers.