Pop Hotel

If Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein went on a boutique hotel branding spree, the result would probably look something like this property. Pop Hotel certainly wears its style on its sleeve, and tends to draw an array of tourists seeking budget-friendly yet hip surrounds. The modern concrete building is unassuming from the outside, while a bright red entryway plastered with graphic novel flourishes leads the way into a bright, narrow lobby. Low-slung modular couches and a trio of bright blue and gray circular coffee tables add a retro edge to the area, but it’s the Pop Art wall packed with iconic Warholian imagery that dominates the space behind the front desk. The hotel has a TV room, library, and Popcorn Lounge, though none of these windowless, red-and-gray spaces feel geared to relaxing or hanging out with fellow guests, who mostly include couples, solo tourists, and families. 

Villa Crespo is one of Buenos Aires’ emerging neighborhoods, and its proximity to perennially hip Palermo—Buenos Aires’ Brooklyn—makes it an ideal and convenient value. The neighborhood is known for outlet shopping, which can be found just three minutes from the hotel on foot, Calle Thames to Calle Malabia. Villa Crespo retains a working-class atmosphere, though there are plenty of laid-back cafes and nightlife options, including the bar Ocho7Ocho (a six-minute walk from the hotel) and Sarkis, a popular and cheap Middle Eastern restaurant that’s just 10 minutes away on foot. The vegan cafes and boutiques along Palermo’s main drag, Calle Honduras, are a 15-minute walk from the hotel while the Malabia Metro station is a five-minute walk away, and connects to downtown sights like San Telmo and La Casa Rosada in just 45 and 30 minutes, respectively. Ezeiza International Airport is a 40-minute cab ride from the hotel, while Jorge Newbery International Airport is 25 minutes away by car.

Reflecting the hotel’s eye-catching aesthetic, guest rooms have Pop Art charm, with bursts of red against striking black-and-white patterned walls and black modular furniture, all working to create a minimalist, retro vibe. The initial impression is spare and cute, with gray walls and gray tiled floors, though some of the furniture — like desks that double as small tables — looks like glorified card tables. Rooms are spacious, though, and start at 24 square meters (or 258 square feet) and all rooms have individually controlled air-conditioning, electronic safes, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles for coffee or tea, mini-fridges, and iPod dock alarm clocks. There isn’t much in the way of wall art, though frames around the TVs and the aforementioned accent walls lend the rooms some depth. Beds are extremely comfortable, with duvets and stylish red headboards, though noise from neighboring rooms and the street can be an issue here during the night. Also, bed skirts around the box springs (or proper bed frames) would have been a nice touch. Bathrooms have an old-world flair, with white tiles and dark grout, raised sinks, small granite vanities, and generic toiletries, though we did notice some mold and mildew in the small, walk-in showers.

The value here precludes some missing amenities, like an on-site restaurant or fitness center, and though the hotel delivers croissants to its guest rooms in the morning, there is no proper breakfast on offer (in fact, breakfast in Buenos Aires is rarely more than a pastry and coffee). The 24-hour front desk can provide concierge services for guests, including recommendations on tours and shopping suggestions. The Library Lounge has a small selection of books and newspapers for guests, though it’s not the most bookish or cozy place to curl up with a novel. A TV room is available for guests who don’t want to watch TV alone in their rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but can be spotty, and there is a small business center on-site as well. The hotel offers free cribs for guests with small children and babysitting services can also be arranged. The hotel can also provide airport transfers with prior notice and dry cleaning and laundry services are both available.