Palermo
It’s a bit of an odd layout, with reception on the 3rd floor – but this is where everyone hangs out anyway. It’s one big room, with a whole bank of windows making it bright and welcoming – and the metal deck makes a very welcome addition.
Palermo
For an intimate stay, seek out this small, friendly spot. There are only four rooms (three with shared bathrooms) and all are simple yet comfortable, with quality beds and linens.
Once & Around
This charming old building still has a subdued elegance that’s apparent in the grand halls, the classic elevator and the original light fixtures.
Retiro
Long-running hostel in an awesome location. Hardly intimate, though, and a bit rough around the edges despite it being an HI hostel. Segregated dorms (four to 10 beds), seven private rooms, tiny kitchen and sunny rooftop terrace.
Palermo
The Zentrum is more like a small boutique hotel – there are only three private rooms, plus one that has bunks for six people. There’s no kitchen, but the wood deck upstairs is awesome, and the location right on Plaza Palermo Viejo can’t be beat.
The slightly artsy Kilca is in the Montserrat neighborhood, which is cool – fewer tourists and more local activity.
Catering especially to tango dancers is this fine guesthouse with 10 simple but tastefully furnished rooms. All have private bathrooms, but four have them located outside the actual rooms.
San Telmo
Tango City is one of many Hostel Inns in Argentina and is an excellent, 100-bed hostel in the heart of historic San Telmo.
The Center
Still one of the best in town, this attractive hostel is actually located in a pleasant older building. There’s a large-screen TV in the cozy common space, which is a kitchen-dining and lobby area, perfect for easy socializing.
Once & Around
For a taste of how backpacker lodgings in BA used to be, check into this oldie but goodie.
The Center
This apartment-like HI hostel features large dorms (four to eight beds) and pleasant private rooms; every three rooms share a bathroom and a kitchenette.
San Telmo
Long-running old cheapie hotel with no luxuries – except for cable TV. Has basic but decent budget rooms, some even musty, and downstairs ones share outside bathrooms. Upstairs rooms are brighter; all face tiled hallways lined with plants.
The Center
Head on up the old marble staircase into the gloomy, tiled hallway. Your senses will tingle at the faded glory of this classic old building, once owned by the Anchorenas, a very wealthy and aristocratic Argentine family.
Palermo
This pleasant hostel is conveniently located right near a Subte stop and plenty of bus lines. Inside you’ll find small but well-priced private rooms, all with shared bath, along with a few large dorms.
Congreso & Tribunales
Despite its name this hotel is not grand, but it is good – and an absolute deal.
The Center
Just 34 plain but efficient rooms greet you at this friendly place. There’s a pleasant breakfast area and the location is great, right near Plaza de Mayo.
Retiro
Possibly Retiro’s most affordable hotel is the Central Córdoba. Halls are outdated, but rooms are neat and feature desk areas and tiled floors, even while they don’t leave much space to move around.
Congreso & Tribunales
The rooms at this hotel are basic but clean – if you can stand a bit of traffic noise, try to secure one with a balcony. More spacious (and more expensive) rooms are available, and there’s a good, modern bar-restaurant where breakfast is served.
Palermo
The three-bed dorm and three private rooms share bathrooms at this large house; one small apartment is available. No kitchen use.
Tango afficionado and expat Rachel Stevenson runs three guesthouses in Buenos Aires’ colorful and very local Once neighborhood, just west of Congreso. All have just one or two rooms or apartments available and are homey and comfortable.
San Telmo
With just five rooms (two with their own bathroom), this very intimate place is owned by a gracious gay couple and their friendly golden retriever.
San Telmo
Four rooms, two of them tiny, are available at this small but pleasant San Telmo guesthouse; all share bathrooms and a kitchen. Address given upon reservation
Once & Around
The location of this gay-oriented B&B isn’t terribly wonderful – it’s on busy Av Córdoba. But you’ll only be a skip away from Palermo Hollywood’s fine restaurants.
The Center
One of BA’s best budget deals, the old Alcázar now has simple remodeled rooms (get one with an outside window) that are mostly small, but clean and good value.
Palermo
Wonderful, slightly upscale hostel on the edge of Palermo Hollywood and just 1½ blocks from a Subte stop. Common spaces have a great feel and modern amenities (think flat-screen TV), with nice patio and roof terrace areas for asados.
Congreso & Tribunales
The rooms at this attractive hotel are spacious, comfortable and modern, and many have balconies looking out over busy Av Callao.
The Center
It might be old and past its prime, but it’s centrally located and you get fairly large, decent rooms, some with sofas and – at no extra charge – stained rugs.
Retiro
Run by the helpful Paz, who lives on-site, is this intimate apartment with four large rooms facing the central living area. It’s a good place to meet other travelers and very well located, smack in the center of the downtown neighborhoods.