1828 Smart Hotel

1828 Smart Hotel, Buenos Aires: A Michelin Key Selected Boutique Experience

The 1828 Smart Hotel in Buenos Aires, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise for its exceptional service, prime location in Palermo Soho, and stylish boutique atmosphere. Guests frequently describe it as an "oasis in the hub bub of city" offering a luxurious and comfortable stay.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for 1828 Smart Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests rating their stay as "wonderful" or "fantastic." The hotel maintains a very good overall rating, reflecting high guest satisfaction with its services and facilities. Its selection for the Michelin Key underscores its excellence in design, quality of service, individual character, value, and connection to the local culture.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of the 1828 Smart Hotel:

• Exceptional Service & Staff: The staff are frequently described as "amazing," "attentive," "helpful," and going "above and beyond" to ensure a pleasant stay.
• Prime Location: Its setting in the fashionable Palermo Soho neighborhood is a major draw, providing easy access to numerous restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions.
• Delicious Breakfast: The breakfast is consistently highlighted as "delicious," "phenomenal," and "excellent," with a wide range of options, including made-to-order eggs.
• Boutique Design & Atmosphere: The hotel features a Deco-influenced contemporary style, combining modern elegance with Argentine warmth, creating a charming and sophisticated environment.
• Amenities: Guests appreciate the heated outdoor pool, sun terrace, and spa facilities. Complimentary snacks and tea service in the afternoon, along with a Nespresso machine in every room, add to the appeal.

3. Room Quality

The 14 rooms at 1828 Smart Hotel are described as luxurious and comfortable, designed with delicate decor. They come equipped with modern amenities such as mini-bars, soundproofed windows, smart TVs (some are 55-inch LED with premium cable and Netflix), adjustable lights, electronic curtains, and Nespresso machines with complimentary pods. Beds are often Serta with 800-thread-count linens, and pillow menus are available. Bathrooms feature Italian marble, anti-steam mirrors, bidets, and free toiletries.

However, some guests have noted that the pictures can be deceiving, as some rooms, particularly standard ones, might feel "slightly small" or "cramped" in person compared to how they appear online. There have also been comments about sinks being stained and showers looking "quite old and not in good condition" in some instances. Suites, particularly those on the 4th floor, are often highly recommended for a more spacious and luxurious experience, sometimes including outdoor Jacuzzis.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at 1828 Smart Hotel is generally very well-regarded, particularly the breakfast. A complimentary buffet breakfast is offered daily until 12 PM, with guests praising its variety and quality. Beyond breakfast, the hotel offers a snack bar for the afternoon, a 24-hour bar with a light menu, and an on-site wine bar. Guests can also enjoy complimentary snacks and tea service every afternoon.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff are consistently lauded as one of the hotel's strongest assets. Guests frequently highlight the staff's friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive nature. Specific mentions include staff going "above and beyond" to assist with luggage issues, providing excellent recommendations for dining and sightseeing, and accommodating early arrivals. The front desk staff and individuals like Mariana (presumably involved with breakfast service) have received particular commendation.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location in Palermo Soho is a significant advantage. It's situated in a vibrant neighborhood, offering easy walking distance to many of Buenos Aires' best restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. Nearby attractions include Plazoleta Julio Cortazar (6 minutes' walk), Plaza Armenia, and convenient access to the SUBTE (subway) station. While some tourist attractions might require an Uber or a slightly longer walk, the immediate surroundings provide a rich cultural and culinary experience.

7. Value & Pricing

The 1828 Smart Hotel is considered a luxury boutique hotel. Prices for a standard room can start from approximately $171, with deluxe rooms around $184, and double rooms around $237. However, prices are subject to change and can fluctuate significantly, with November often being the most expensive month and December offering potentially lower rates. While many guests feel the quality and service justify the cost, some have expressed concerns about the "value for the price," particularly if they encounter issues like the pool not being heated as advertised. A city tax of USD 1.50 per person, per night, and a 21% VAT for Argentine citizens are additional costs to consider, though foreign travelers paying with a foreign credit/debit card may be exempt from the VAT.

8. Common Complaints

While guest satisfaction is generally high, a few recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Room Size: Some guests felt that the rooms, especially the basic ones, appeared more spacious in pictures than they were in reality, describing them as "slightly small" or "cramped."
• Bathroom Condition: A few reviews mentioned that sinks could be stained and showers looked "quite old and not in good condition," suggesting some wear and tear in certain bathrooms.
• Pool Heating: There was at least one instance where the pool was advertised as heated but was not, though guests still made use of it. The pool is also seasonal, typically open from November to March.
• Food Quality (Room Service): While breakfast is highly praised, some guests felt that the food, particularly room service, did not always meet expectations.
• Slow Lift: One review mentioned the lift being "very slow."
• Mosquitoes: Some guests advised bringing strong repellent due to the presence of mosquitoes in the area.

Sources

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10. buenosaires-tophotels.com
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