Krista Hotel
Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Reviewed by
Jenna Woollon
In the bewildering proliferation of ‘boutique’ hotels flooding Palermo, Krista is the real thing. During its first incarnation – in the Palermo Hollywood residence of Perón’s doctor – we loved staying here, and so did our guests. It has since moved lock, stock and barrel to a minimalist nest in the nearby neighbourhood of Palermo Soho. No fuss or flashy sign, just slip through the entrance and find a sleek respite from the buzz of Buenos Aires in beautifully calming, modernist interiors. Inside is a hall flooded with light, bright white walls adorned with wooden strips, and black and white granite floors illuminated by exquisite windows. On our recent visit, Krista was a welcome invitation to relax in a quiet sanctuary.
Owner and interior designer Cristina has a perfectionist’s eye for detail, and matches a flair for colour and textiles with respect for the building's urban surrounds. The effect is privacy and space, in 37 calmly decorated bedrooms which are minimalist, airy and light. It’s hard to believe that you're right in the beating heart of Palermo's fine restaurants, chic shops and buzzing bars.
Owner and interior designer Cristina has a perfectionist’s eye for detail, and matches a flair for colour and textiles with respect for the building's urban surrounds. The effect is privacy and space, in 37 calmly decorated bedrooms which are minimalist, airy and light. It’s hard to believe that you're right in the beating heart of Palermo's fine restaurants, chic shops and buzzing bars.
Highs
- You'll find tranquility and calm in the midst of Buenos Aires' most exciting area – Palermo Soho is in the midst of the action for shopping and eating
- This is grown-up, understated cool yet it doesn't feel pretentious, nor is the atmopshere stiff
- Rooms have very comfortable beds and lovely linen
- Extremely good value for money
- Staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, plus speak excellent English
Lows
- This is a new building, so we were half expecting some snagging issues when we visited, but our stay went flawlessly
- The main doors are locked between 10pm and 7am, so night owls need to buzz for entry and wait for staff to let you in
- The closest underground (Subte) station is a 25-minute walk, but taxis are readily available
Best time to go
Buenos Aires is at its best in spring and autumn (October to November; April to May). It can be impossibly hot and humid in summer (January and February) and winter is usually mild. January, February, July and Easter are holiday periods for Argentina’s schools, when hotels and flights will be booked well in advance.
Our top tips
You’ll want to spend at least two days here exploring the main sights. A week would allow you time to see the city’s cultural delights, shop at leisure in Palermo, take in a tango show and a couple of lessons, and sample many of the excellent restaurants. Allow a day for a trip to an estancia if you have time.