Moreno Hotel Buenos Aires

In 1920, Argentinian book publisher Editorial Kapelusz commissioned Hungarian architect Johannes Kronfuss to create its new headquarters. The building that opened eight years later had arched windows framed with brick and intricate Art Deco details forged and etched into iron and stone. Refurbished in 2006, many of those original details remain such as decorative tilework, a cage-lift elevator, ornate light sconces, and dark-wood doorways. The lobby's interior combines a dramatic mixture of mid-century modern, Art Deco, and contemporary furniture, creating a retro-hip finish. The on-site bar, Aldo's Vinoteca, is a sleek watering hole with white tables and shelves offering row after row of Argentinian wine. Downstairs, the BeBop music club accents dark wood with cherry hues for a red-light district, illicit aura. 

The Moreno's surrounding San Telmo neighborhood is rich in colonial architecture, some of it the home of historic churches and museums. The landmark Plaza de Mayo is a seven-minute walk away. The San Telmo antique market, which occurs every Sunday, is a straight 12-minute walk down the street from the hotel. It's a five-minute walk to the city's metro. La Recoleta cemetery is 30 minutes away and Several contemporary art galleries have been established in buildings that were once warehouses here. One concern: The appearance of a night guard at the hotel doorway has made a few guests wonder about the safety of the neighborhood. Also note, the Moreno can be easy to miss; there's little signage at the front of the hotel, other than the placard announcing Aldo's Vinoteca. And locating the entrance can be tiresome after the 30-minute drive from the airport. 

The Moreno Hotel offers four different sizes of rooms: Large Rooms, Extra Large Rooms, Lofts, and Big Lofts, which range in size from 420 square feet to 721 square feet. The high ceilings, though, make every accommodation seem a little more spacious. The furniture in the rooms is more modern than what's in the common areas, with sleek lines and sharp corners in brown and black. But white walls and a lack of ornamentation make the rooms feel a little impersonal, especially when compared to public spaces. Angular chaise lounges and club chairs can be found in some of the larger rooms and lofts, adding a bit more character. Nice modern additions include minibars, safes, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms are similarly streamlined with dark-wood vanities, vessel sinks, hairdryers, toiletries, and bidets. Spacious, glass-walled walk-in showers complete the look, but there are no bathtubs.

The restaurant bar, Aldo's Vinoteca, has an extensive wine list with over 500 Argentinian varietals. Guests can also dine on dishes such as Ossobuco with Quince Chutney and Beetroot Carpaccio. The free continental breakfast may be unimpressive, yet the skyline view from the rooftop terrace where it's served is superb. The BeBop music club means live entertainment is just a walk downstairs. For fitness fanatics and business travelers, the lack of a gym and business center may be dealbreakers. But Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and there's a workstation in the lobby with a PC for guests' use.