Rooms

No two rooms are the same, but all have a light, crisp feel, with soft white sheets and towels, freshly cut flowers and colourful accents (a retro orange lamp here, a bold modern painting there). In line with its 1920s home, Vain has well-judged retro touches throughout - an antique armchair updated with a turquoise print, say, or a mirrored coffee table with a hint of Art Deco. And, although none of the rooms are large due to the historic nature of the building, the space has been cleverly utilised.

There are 4 room categories: Suites are the plushest, descending to Standard which are the cheapest. Suites have some outdoor space; bear in mind that most other rooms have windows that give onto an internal patio. For those wanting lazy starts and nights in, it could be worth paying the extra for more privacy and lounging space.

Bathrooms are white and modern (if sometimes a touch small), with neat circular sinks and cool, test-tube-shaped house toiletries, each with a pop art-inspired Vain motif. Bath addicts should request one of the Senior Rooms, which have the extraordinary bonus of a glass-enclosed whirlpool bath, meaning you can gaze up through the trees into the blue BA sky while taking a soak (fear not, they aren't overlooked).

All rooms have polished concrete floors, cable TVs, cordless phones, heating, A/C, free WiFi access, hairdryers, bathrobes, electric safes and well-stocked minibars.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Minibar
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

There's a small but good-looking bar area by reception with a handful of white tables, decorated with bright yellow flowers. While you’ll be wanting to check out the infinite dining options in the neighbourhood, prices for a sandwich here are accessible and it's the perfect place to relax in-house with a glass of Malbec later in the day.

Breakfast is a highlight; portions are big, service is quick and the quality is high. Start the day with a huge glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and a platter of fruit and you might just have room for the house banoffee pie by afternoon tea. (Naturally, it's slathered with dulce de leche, the ambrosial caramel-like sauce that's nothing short of a national obsession in Argentina.)

You're also perfectly placed for exploring the innumerable restaurants in Palermo, which has the city’s most fashionable and adventurous dining scene. Most of the top restaurants can be found over the railway tracks in Palermo Hollywood (hotspots include Standard, Miranda, Olsen and, for Japanese-Peruvian fusion food, Osaka). Though it's only a short walk away, it's advisable to take a cab to cross the tracks at night. For superb steaks and homely Argentine surrounds within striking distance of the hotel, make a reservation at Don Julio (Gurruchaga 2100, on the corner of Guatemala; tel: 4831 9564).

Features include:

• Bar
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service

Activities

• Shopping is a big deal in this neighbourhood - and you’ll want to put aside a day to nose around the irresistibly dressed boutiques and studios
  
  
• Buenos Aires doesn’t have many green spaces but at Vain you will be close to the city’s largest and prettiest parks. The Botanical Garden, designed by French-Argentine architect Carlos Thays, is ideal for strolling or reading on the grass, and the Rosedal (Rose Garden) is a romantic spot, with a boating lake and a flowery scent on the breeze. Both are free
  
  
• Visit the MALBA gallery (Avenida Figueroa Alcorta 3415) to see its fantastic collection of contemporary Latin American art, including works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera
  
  
• Hop on the Subte (metro) to the Plaza de Mayo and see the cathedral and the famous Casa Rosada presidential palace, then wander up to the dazzling Teatro Colón, which hosts world-class opera and ballet
  
  
• The hotel can organise tango classes, Spanish classes, personal trainers, personal guides, city tours, polo and football tours, and just about anything else you put to them
  
  
• You can go cycling, fishing and kayaking in Tigre, a pretty resort town on a delta just outside the city. It's reachable by train and makes a lovely day trip

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cycling
• Fishing
• Historical sites
• Kayaking
• Language courses
• Museums / galleries
• Nightlife
• Private guided tours
• Shopping / markets
• Theatre

Kids

Children of all ages are welcome, and there is a lift to all floors. Baby cots and/or extra beds can be added to all rooms (except Standards) with advance notice, and babysitters can be booked via reception.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Vain Boutique Hotel is located in Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires.

By Air:
Buenos Aires has 2 airports - Ezeiza (32km away) for international flights, and Jorge Newbery (3km away, and also known as Aeroparque) for domestic flights. For a list of airlines serving these airports click on the links below.

From the Airport
The hotel can organise transfers to and from both airports; enquire when booking. A radio taxi from Jorge Newbery will cost from around US$9 and take about 20 minutes. Ezeiza is 40 minutes away and a taxi would cost from around US$40. Alternatively, you can take the airport bus service to the city centre then get a taxi.

By Bus:
If you're travelling within Argentina, you can book a long-distance bus to Buenos Aires' Retiro bus station (not as uncomfortable as it sounds as long as you book the cama and cama completa services, which recline to 160 and 180 degrees respectively), then take a taxi.

By Car:
Most visitors to BA don't want to hire a car, but if you do, see our car rental recommendations. The hotel can arrange parking but will need at least 3 days' notice.

Getting Around:
Take a radio taxi (never one on the street), or hop on the Subte (metro) - the nearest station is Plaza Italia on the D line.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.

More on getting to Argentina and getting around