Mine Hotel
Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Reviewed by
Maia Tarrant
Leaving behind the sinfully-tempting vintage boutiques and cobblestones of über-hip Palermo Soho, I am excitedly schlepping my shopping bags through the glass door, when the yummiest of smells hits me. Cocoa Butter. Eyes now narrowly closed, I am enthralled by the delicious, rich, warm scent, which I’ll find out later lingers around the entire hotel.
Calm, colourful and bright with warm eco-elements of wood, stone and hemp, this 20-room hotel includes delicious breakfasts, an inviting lounge area, and a garden courtyard with a swimming pool and large daybeds. When we visited, a soundtrack of nostalgic 80s songs added to the mellow atmosphere, though a few sips of the velvety Rutini Malbec might have played a part. Up in the room, what better remedy for shopping- and tango-tortured limbs than a soak in my very own Jacuzzi? This is a true feel-good hotel, where comfort reigns - but it had me at the cocoa scent...
Calm, colourful and bright with warm eco-elements of wood, stone and hemp, this 20-room hotel includes delicious breakfasts, an inviting lounge area, and a garden courtyard with a swimming pool and large daybeds. When we visited, a soundtrack of nostalgic 80s songs added to the mellow atmosphere, though a few sips of the velvety Rutini Malbec might have played a part. Up in the room, what better remedy for shopping- and tango-tortured limbs than a soak in my very own Jacuzzi? This is a true feel-good hotel, where comfort reigns - but it had me at the cocoa scent...
Highs
- Slap-bang in the midst of Palermo Soho's boutiques and bars, its location is perfect to give your wardrobe a solid makeover, and you a great night out
- Jacuzzi baths in the Superior and Palermo Rooms
- DVD players in all rooms and an extensive DVD library, in case you fancy a cosy night in
- The most varied and delicious breakfast I had in Buenos Aires - it changes daily
- Buzzy and welcoming; perfect for single travellers
Lows
- The bathrooms are compact, bordering on tiny
- The deli-style café is closed for the foreseeable future, so you'll have to dine out for lunch and dinner (no hardship in BA)
- While stylish and cooling in summer, the concrete floors are decidedly chilly in winter - luckily, fluffy warm slippers are provided
Best time to go
October to April, if the spring/summer is what you're after, though January is almost unbearably hot and humid (Porteños who can afford it desert the city and head to cool Punta del Este in Uruguay). Winter (May to September) is usually pretty mild.
Our top tips
3 nights seem about right to cover the Palermo neighbourhood and all its shopping glory and to fill your suitcase to the brim. To explore all of BA’s historic, cultural, gastronomic and hedonistic highlights, allow for a week.