Scala Hotel Buenos Aires by Cambremon

Erected in 2010, the
building’s Neoclassical facade, curved brick driveway, and rows of balconies
make a grand statement on the tree-lined street, an impression that continues
upon entering the expansive lobby. White marble floors are lined with solid wood tables
flanked by satin and velvet armchairs in navy and red stripes and floral patterns, while a bright, yet intimate,
bar at the back of the lobby feels lifted straight from the early 20th
century. Art Nouveau flourishes add some sophisticated visual drama to the
lobby, a motif that continues up the wide staircase to the mezzanine, and is
enhanced by bursts of bright wall art and antiques collected throughout. The
hotel has a lovely garden terrace with a small children’s area -- and a smoking area -- that is a great
option for families or guests looking for a little fresh
air. Most of the hotel’s guests are couples and families, though the location
and features can be ideal for business travelers, as well.

Porteños -- residents
of Buenos Aires -- like to claim that the giant road abutting this hotel, Avenida
Nueve de Julio, is the widest road in the world. Whether or not that is true,
it means that staying here can be convenient for traveling throughout the city,
and the historic San Telmo neighborhood is just around the corner. The district
is a blend of crumbling Colonial buildings, antique markets, trendy boutiques,
cafes, and traditional _parillas _(no-frills
steak houses), though the area immediately around the hotel can be dodgy at
night. A 15-minute walk east will lead to the neighborhood’s famous Sunday market
along Calle Defensa that offers street orchestras and vintage wares, and
which culminates in public tango performances at Plaza Dorrego. La Casa Rosada,
the presidential palace, is a 20-minute walk from the hotel, though the
Independencia Metro station is just one block south of the hotel and the same
trip can be done in 10 minutes. The trendy Palermo neighborhood is 35 minutes
away by metro, or 25 minutes by cab, while the city’s two airports, Ezeiza and
Jorge Newbery, are both about 30 minutes away by taxi depending on traffic.

Guest rooms have a
classic, early 20th century vibe and minimalist decor that can feel
almost austere in Classic Rooms. Warm oak furniture with simple, antique lines
matches wood laminate floors. White mirrors and antique sconces along the white
walls give the rooms an inviting air. Breezy linen curtains hide French doors
that open onto small terraces in most street-facing rooms, and beds are good,
though duvets would have been a more luxurious choice of bedding than the white
comforters currently used. Each room has an electronic safe, minibar, 32-inch flat-screen TV, a small table and chair set, and
individually controlled heat and air-conditioning. Bathrooms are spacious and
clean, with light gray tiled floors and walls, shower/tub combos, and
large, marble-topped vanities with wooden bases. Most of the bathroom fixtures have
a vintage look and bathrooms include towels and a full range of toiletries, though
we did notice some water stains on the showerheads. Superior Rooms have more
personality, with black-and-white throw pillows and matching paisley bed
runners, while Suites have separate sitting areas and mostly white furniture
with black-and-white accents. Even though this hotel sits on one of the city’s
busiest streets, the soundproofing is excellent and noise is not an issue.

A decent breakfast buffet
with hot and cold options is served everyday at this hotel, but it is only
included with some bookings. The restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner,
with traditional Argentine dishes like pastas, and room service is
available 24 hours a day. Cocktails, wine, beer, and coffees are available
throughout the day at the elegant, yet comfortable, lobby bar. As of spring 2015, the hotel is in
the process of upgrading its facilities, including the addition of a pool and
sauna, but when we visited neither were finished and the hotel’s fitness center
was being housed in a temporary space on a lower floor. The 24-hour front desk
can provide concierge services, including car rentals and airport transfers
(though guests should beware of fees for this service), and babysitting
services can be arranged. Additionally, a small play area on the hotel’s
terrace is a great place for families; children under age two stay for free in cribs, and one child under age eight may stay free in each room using an existing bed. There
are four meeting and event spaces on-site with space for up to 150 guests, and
though Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, it can be spotty in some guest
rooms.