Hotel Reconquista Garden

Located on a narrow street of uninspiring multi-storied buildings, the concrete-and-glass facade of the Hotel Reconquista Garden fits in with those of its neighbors. The shiny tile-floored reception area is bright, but understated, with a few contemporary sculptures on display, bright orange sofas, and clusters of tables and chairs. The hallways are neat and clean, and seem to have been updated recently with a fresh lick of paint and new carpeting. This hotel is more geared toward business travelers because of its proximity to the business district, but it does get leisure travelers looking for a cheaper option in central Buenos Aires.

Right in the city center, Hotel Reconquista Garden is in a convenient location for both tourists and business travelers: It’s an eight-minute walk to the city’s financial district, and Lavalle metro station is two minutes away on foot. July 9 Avenue, the city’s best-known avenue and site of the iconic Obelisk, a city landmark, is a five-minute walk away. Galerias Pacifico shopping mall is a five-minute walk away. Lavalle Street, the pedestrian shopping street, is a three-minute walk from here, while the fashionable Florida Street is a seven-minute walk away. After dark, the street the hotel is located on empties out and is badly lit, making it a bit gloomy. It’s a 25-minute drive to Jorge Newberry International Airport from the hotel, while Ministro Pistarini International Airport is reachable in 40 minutes. 

Guest rooms at Hotel Reconquista Garden feature attractive mahogany furniture and elegant lamps, and are roomy and bright, thanks to the large windows. The color scheme is neutral and earthy, with beige bedcovers and curtains, but the beige carpets are stained and in urgent need of replacing. Some rooms have an unpleasant odor of cigarette smoke -- even though rooms are non-smoking -- and a moldy smell. The bathrooms have been updated more recently and now include attractive beige marble tile and have shower/tub combos with a whirlpool function. Many rooms have balconies with views of the street life below. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, minibars, toiletries, and hairdryers in the bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi can be a bit patchy.

Breakfast is included in the room rate and is served each morning in a pleasant room that overlooks a plant-filled courtyard. A bar is located in the reception area, as well as a small business center with two computers for guests’ use. The small plunge pool is open every day except Sunday, but does not look very inviting because of the stained tiles surrounding the pool. The hotel also has a massage room with changing rooms, a steam shower, and sauna. A meeting room is available for groups of up to 90, which includes audiovisual equipment and an Internet connection. Spotty Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.