Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta 5 estrelas

This was my third visit to Buenos Aires but my first in the Sofitel. The first time I visited Argentina, the Sofitel occupied older premises on Arroyo. The current building is relatively new, in an enviable position in Retiro, just opposite the Patio Bullrich shopping centre. The hotel's location is ideal, with fabulous restaurants like La Stampa, Sottovoce, and Jose Luis nearby, and the wonderful Rossi and Caruso shop is just across the road. The hotel's five-star classification is appropriate in some respects. The lobby was small but impressive, and the gentleman that checked me in was courteous and pleasant. I stayed at the Mandarin Oriental Santiago Chile for six nights immediately before visiting the Sofitel Buenos. Although they are both five-star hotels, Sofitel is undoubtedly in a different category of hotels and cannot match the Mandarin Oriental. The rooms are perfectly comfortable but more akin to a four-star rating, and there is nothing remarkable about the living space, not in terms of furnishings or size. I was on the seventh floor with a great view overlooking Patio Bullrich and Villa 31. I would award the bathroom a five-star rating if it were not for one issue; the toilet is directly juxtaposed to the shower enclosure, so when sitting on the toilet, your left leg cannot move; it is trapped. This was somewhat awkward; other than this, the bathroom was beautiful, with a large bathtub and great bathroom products. There are two showers, a rainfall shower in an enclosure and a handheld shower in the bathtub. I rarely used the shower enclosure as the rainfall shower flow needed to be stronger. Surprisingly all tv channels were Argentine; it must be the only five-star hotel without foreign media. Various staff provided conflicting information. The gentleman at check-in told me that the gym was available 24 hours, but I needed to ask someone to open the door after 7 pm, as did the gym assistant. One evening I telephoned the receptionist and asked him to open the gym. He told me it closes at 7 pm. I do not appreciate being provided with conflicting information. The receptionist wanted to charge me for some soft drinks and a beer at check-out. I made it clear that this was a mistake. When I checked in, I expressly requested that all contents be removed. On my second to last day, cans of Coke and beer were added without my approval; they wanted to charge me for this. I clarified that I did not consume them and that they were added against my wishes. I do not expect to contend with this nonsense when I rush to catch an early flight. I would stay again but only for the right price.

A good modern hotel. Comfortable and clean. Decent breakfast. Lots of good restaurants nearby serving steaks the size of a minor planet. ten minute walk down to check out the Evita Peron mausoleum but when we asked for a tour in English then we told in perfect English that they don't speak it! (I never mentioned the bloody Falklands)

Room 903 - room facing the front of the hotel. Great location near Recoleta Cemetery, Bed & pillows comfortable. Complimentary water in room. Breakfast good choices with an egg station. Can order cappuccino, etc. Front desk staff very friendly and helpful. The only negative is the lighting in the room and bathroom. Kind of dark.

Excellent hotel. Ideally situated for many sights, and overall a lovely 3 nights. Room was overlooking the garden area from 16th floor, so nice and quiet. Bed was comfortable, room was good size, clean and with good shower facilities. We had a tea drink left in the room each night and the staff from reception desk to bar and cleaning were all helpful. I would book here again no problem, it was a great hotel to end our South America tour in.

Nice business type hotel in good area of the city. Walking distance to the famous cemetery where Evita is buried. Large rooms, great breakfast. Friendly and helpful staff. Many restaurant choices.