Legado Mitico
Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Reviewed by
Christabelle Dilks
This 1920s townhouse in central Palermo has a restrained façade, but from the moment the smiling staff open the door, you’ll feel welcome. An intimate lobby opens into a spacious bar and lounge, beautifully designed to combine classic and modern in equal measure, and all very Argentine. Leather Chesterfields and Mies van der Rohe chairs are given a gaucho twist; chic cushions in indigenous textiles sit on minimalist sofas; there are antiques and fine paintings; and cowhides and Persian rugs on the polished wooden floors. Kick off your shoes, listen to tango, gaze out at the verdant patio, or check your emails (there's free WiFi). This elegant retreat feels like a smart private club, and nothing is too much trouble for the professional staff.
Each of the 11 bedrooms evokes, in the subtlest possible way, a distinguished figure from Argentina's tumultuous past. References to Evita, Gardel or Che in carefully chosen antiques and artefacts bring individuality to a very sophisticated place to stay.
Each of the 11 bedrooms evokes, in the subtlest possible way, a distinguished figure from Argentina's tumultuous past. References to Evita, Gardel or Che in carefully chosen antiques and artefacts bring individuality to a very sophisticated place to stay.
Highs
- Great location in buzzy, atmospheric Palermo Viejo - BA's SoHo - with boutiques, bars and eateries in the same street
- Excellent attention from the friendly and professional staff: they’ll remember your name, and help you get the most from your stay
- Beautiful themed rooms based around historical Argentine figures: a welcome change from bland, neutral hotel rooms
- Lots of public space - unusual for Palermo - so you can really spread out in the warm townhouse atmosphere
- Good value for BA: more space for your dollar than most small hotels
Lows
- You're a 20-minute taxi ride from the centre of town, and the nearest underground stop is 8 blocks away, but you have Palermo Viejo on your doorstep
- This is a boutique hotel, so it lacks the spa and gym of bigger establishments - but it has everything else
- No restaurant, but there are superb restaurants and bars all around and you can even order dinner in
Best time to go
Buenos Aires is most delightful in spring and autumn (October / November and April / May), but can be impossibly hot and humid in the peak months of summer (January and February). Winter is usually pretty mild. If you're coming in January, February or July, or over Easter, bear in mind that these are the peak holiday periods for Argentina’s schools, and hotels and flights across the country will be heavily booked: make your plans well ahead of time.
Our top tips
Browse the bohemian Sunday crafts fair in Plaza Serrano (Calle Serrano at Honduras; labelled Plazoleto Jorge Cortázar on many maps), in Palermo Soho.