Recoleta (Plaza Francia)

Esplendor by Wyndham Buenos Aires Plaza Francia

★★★★★

Esplendor Plaza Francia offers one of the most desirable addresses in Buenos Aires at a sensible price. It stands on Calle Eduardo Schiaffino, a short, quiet street in the upper part of Recoleta, between the leafy Plaza Francia and Avenida del Libertador, the grand avenue that runs along the parks toward Palermo. This is the city's most elegant neighbourhood, with Parisian-style apartment buildings, embassies and luxury boutiques, and the hotel puts its greatest sights on your doorstep: Recoleta Cemetery and the Basílica del Pilar a few minutes away, the free Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes just across the park, the weekend craft fair of Plaza Francia below the cemetery walls, and the Floralis Genérica a pleasant walk along the avenue. The hotel belongs to Esplendor, the Wyndham group's collection of design-led hotels in Argentina, and it has a contemporary interior with works by contemporary Argentine artists on display, giving it the feel of a small gallery. Rooms are decorated in soft neutral tones and are comfortable and well equipped, with flat-screen televisions, minibars, coffee makers, desks and safes; suites give extra space and city views. A free buffet breakfast is included, and the hotel has an on-site restaurant, a business centre and spa services including massage, along with accessible facilities. Airport and local shuttles can be arranged for a fee. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. It is a calm, well-run base for travellers who want to explore Recoleta and the Palermo parks on foot.

Who it suits: couples, art lovers and first-time visitors who want a quiet, safe and beautiful neighbourhood with the main Recoleta sights on foot, and Wyndham Rewards members. It is not a resort, and it has no pool, but for travellers who spend the day out it offers excellent value for the address. Palermo Soho and Hollywood are a short taxi ride away for dinner, and the historic centre and San Telmo are around fifteen to twenty-five minutes by taxi.

Living in it: start early with Recoleta Cemetery before the groups arrive, then walk across the park to the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and on to the Floralis Genérica. On weekends, browse the Plaza Francia craft fair and have coffee under the giant trees of the plazas. In the evening, the terraces and restaurants around the cemetery and Avenida Alvear are close by. Ask for a suite if you want city views, and book a massage after a long day of walking.

Value: rates are mid-range, often well below the price of the grand hotels nearby, and the free buffet breakfast adds to the value. Foreign guests paying with a foreign card are generally exempt from VAT on accommodation, so confirm how your rate is quoted.