Krista Hotel

Elegant comfort and calm in a meticulously restored Palermo townhouse

In the bewildering proliferation of ‘boutique’ hotels flooding Palermo, Krista is the real thing. Quiet and elegant, its charms are evident from the restrained cream façade. No fuss or flashy sign, just a beautiful restoration of the former home of President Perón’s doctor. Step inside and you’re in a large, light-flooded sitting area, where dramatic contrasts of dark oak panelling, gleaming white walls and restored black and white marble floors are softened by pretty textiles and exquisite stained glass, inviting you to relax in a calm sanctuary.

Owner and interior designer Cristina has a perfectionist’s eye for detail, and matches a flair for colour and textiles with respect for the house’s architectural history. A traditional 1900s casa chorizo, quiet rooms extend back from the street, interspersed with pretty courtyards giving light and air. The effect is privacy and space, in 10 individually decorated bedrooms which are minimalist, airy and calm. It’s hard to believe that the fine restaurants and buzzing bars of Palermo are only a block away.

Highs

• You'll find tranquility in the midst of Buenos Aires' most exciting area
• This is grown-up understated cool: there's none of that feeling of being on display which you get in Palermo’s excessively trendy hotels
• Rooms have very comfortable beds and lovely linen
• It's extremely good value for money: all rooms have satellite TV, DVD players, iPod docks and WiFi
• Restaurants and bars abound, but Palermo Hollywood is calmer and more authentic than neighbouring barrios
• The uplifting breakfast room has morning light, elegant tableware and a superb breakfast with fresh fruit and pastries

Lows

• There's no restaurant or bar, so you can’t quite fall from your last cocktail straight into bed, but there are excellent bars/eateries nearby
• It's very comfortable, but not quite luxurious, and the bathrooms are plain rather than sumptuous
• Feedback suggests rooms can get stuffy as the temperature is controlled centrally, but we didn't find this on our most recent visit
• The main doors are always locked so you need to buzz for entry and wait for staff to let you in