Hotel Babel

Chilled-out budget hotel in boho San Telmo, with enthusiastic staff and funky art displays featuring young Porteño talent

It’s already dark when we arrive in Buenos Aires’ bohemian barrio of San Telmo, with its cobblestone streets, colonial graffiti-covered mansions, nostalgic tango salons and romantic cafés. As we pull up outside Hotel Babel, dimmed light, subtle chatter and exquisite Latin Jazz tunes flood through the open windows onto the narrow pavement, and a smiling Mauro welcomes us warmly at the door. Inside, the reception is already in night mode, doubling as a mellow bar. Mauro smoothly swaps our check-in forms for glasses of delicious Diaz Syrah, and we kick back to take in the vibe.

Once home to free-thinkers and intellectuals, this 170-year-old conventillo (tenement) has been lovingly restored by the 4 hip owners. Original features (a courtyard with balconies and stained-glass doors) are combined with sleek, contemporary elements (glass walls and an industrial iron staircase) to create a warm yet masculine feel. Utterly laid-back and effortlessly cool, with 9 minimalist bedrooms at bargain prices, this little gem attracts a young, and young-at-heart, flashpacker crowd, clearly thrilled about their find.

Highs

• Sociable atmosphere, so great for single travellers
• A perfect location for exploring San Telmo; it’s only a quick stroll to the Sunday antiques market, cafés, bars and tango salons
• A real bargain in BA, where most hotels have become rather expensive (and, unusually, tax is included in the rates!)
• Very knowledgeable and exceptionally kind staff, passionate about their historic neighbourhood
• The trendy lounge area serves complimentary pre-dinner drinks - a great way to kick off a night in BA

Lows

• Standard rooms are miniscule, but well-designed and totally fine for short stays
• There are no bathtubs to soak your tired tango feet - all rooms have showers only
• The 2 rooms overlooking the street can be a bit noisy at weekends; light sleepers should ask for a courtyard room
• It's always busy, so book early