Buenos Aires Luxury: Unforgettable Stay at Hotel Intersur Recoleta
Buenos Aires Luxury: Hotel Intersur Recoleta - Did it Really Live Up to the Hype? (A Rambling Review)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans (and maybe some dulce de leche, because, Buenos Aires). I just got back from a trip to the vibrant, chaotic, utterly charming city of Buenos Aires, and I had the pleasure (and sometimes, the torture) of staying at the Hotel Intersur Recoleta. Now, the brochures, the online reviews, they all painted this picture of shimmering luxury, a haven of sophisticated calm. Did it deliver? Well, let's just say it's complicated. And let me tell you, my head is still a little out of it…
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Keywords: Buenos Aires, Hotel Intersur Recoleta, Recoleta, Luxury Hotel, Argentina, Accessibility, Spa, Restaurant, Pool, Reviews, Travel, South America, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi, Buenos Aires Hotels, Best Hotels Buenos Aires, Review. Meta Description: A brutally honest, hilarious, and in-depth review of the Hotel Intersur Recoleta in Buenos Aires. Discover the good, the bad, and the gloriously messy details of this "luxury" experience!
Accessibility - The Good, the Okay, and the Utterly Baffling
First things first: Accessibility. This is a big one for me, mainly because I travel with my rather opinionated Aunt Mildred, who, let's just say, appreciates a smooth ride. According to their promotional material, the Intersur Recoleta…well, should be accessible, right? They boast "Facilities for disabled guests" and the presence of an elevator. That's a good start.
Here's where things got…interesting. While the elevator did exist (praise the tourism gods!), navigating the hallways felt a bit like a maze designed by someone who’d never actually used a wheelchair. Tight corners. Unpredictable changes in floor level. It was a bit of a challenge even for Mildred's electric wheelchair, and she’s a pro. We made it work, but the accessibility felt more like an attempt at compliance rather than a genuinely welcoming design. So, yeah, needs improvement. The front desk staff were definitely helpful but seemed a bit surprised by the request for an accessible room. That's always a bit of a red flag.
On-site accessible restaurants/lounges: I am not sure about this one, but the main restaurant did not seem easily accessible.
Wheelchair accessible: Yes, kind of. See above.
The Wi-Fi Saga - Free, But Not Always Friendly
Internet Access & "Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!". Oh, the promises! The glorious, tantalizing promises of limitless internet access. And, bless their hearts, they did offer Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! They even had Internet [LAN] if you're old-school.
Here's where the romance fizzled. The Wi-Fi. Let's just say it was… temperamental. One minute, it was blazing fast, letting me download a whole season of "The Crown" in a blink. The next? Crickets. I’d be staring at the little rotating circle of doom, dreaming of a faster connection, needing to work and screaming from the top off my lungs. It worked better in the lobby and again, sometimes in the rooms. Maybe they were saving bandwidth for something more important, like streaming tango lessons. (Which, honestly, I wouldn't have minded!)
Internet services: Yes, the hotel offers internet services, but it's not a guarantee.
Wi-Fi in public areas: Better connection than room Wi-Fi.
Things to Do: Relaxation, Argentine Style
Okay, let's talk about the good stuff. The stuff that almost made me forget about the dodgy Wi-Fi.
Ways to relax: Okay, here's where the Intersur Recoleta really shone.
Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. The spa was divine. Utterly, utterly divine. I booked a massage, and it was pure heaven. The masseuse (bless her hands) worked out knots I didn't even know I had. The Pool with view? Chef's kiss. Especially after a long day of exploring the city, a swim with the city lights twinkling in the distance was nothing short of magical. The sauna and steamroom? Perfect for thawing out after a chilly evening of, you know, experiencing culture.
Cleanliness and Safety: Germs and Peace of Mind (Mostly)
In this post-pandemic world, cleanliness is paramount. Hotel Intersur Recoleta gets a solid… B on this front.
Anti-viral cleaning products, Hygiene certification, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment Everything felt pretty clean. I saw staff constantly wiping things down, and hand sanitizer stations were plentiful. They are still offering the option to opt-out of room sanitization, which is good to know and is a good thing.
Doctor/nurse on call: Good to know.
First aid kit: Nice touch.
Hot water linen and laundry washing: Okay.
Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Hiccup)
Food in Buenos Aires? Are you kidding me? This is where my foodie heart truly sang!
A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
The breakfast buffet was…well… a buffet. It had the usual suspects: eggs, pastries, some mysterious (but delicious) Argentinian cooked meats. The coffee? Excellent! The croissants? Perfectly flaky. They had a wide range of options, including Asian breakfast and Asian cuisine in restaurant. The bar was a lovely spot for a pre-dinner cocktail. The poolside bar had a great vibe. Room service was available and reliable. The restaurants themselves were quite good, especially the one that served international food with some delicious Argentinian dishes. The coffee shop was good for a quick pick-me-up.
Here's where it faltered slightly: the service could be a little… inconsistent. Sometimes, getting a refill on your coffee felt like an Olympic sport. Also, the food choices are somewhat limited for vegetarians.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The concierge tried to be helpful, but sometimes their recommendations felt a bit… generic. Daily housekeeping was on point – my room was always sparkling clean when I got back. The elevator worked (praise again!). Food delivery was easy to order. And it was nice to have the option to withdraw cash . The Wi-Fi for special events was offered, but I am not sure how it works.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly? (Probably!)
I didn’t bring any small humans along, but it seemed like the Intersur Recoleta was trying to be family-friendly.
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. They Babysitting service, so you can have some "me-time" and enjoy the spa. Kids would probably have a good time, but you know what kids are like. They would probably enjoy the swimming pool, however.
Access, Features, and Room Details: My Fortress of Solitude
**CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety
Escape to Paradise: Tuburan Cove's Untouched Beauty in Buruanga, Philippines
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This is NOT your sanitized, Pinterest-perfect travel itinerary. This is the bloody, beautiful train wreck of my Buenos Aires adventure, centered around the utterly… okay, decent Hotel Intersur Recoleta. Let’s get this over with; I have a date with a steak and a whole bottle of Malbec.
BUENOS AIRES: THE CONCRETE JUNGLE (WITH MORE THAN A FEW PARROTS)
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Luggage
- Morning (aka: The Great Luggage Chase): Arrived at Ezeiza Airport. Holy moly, this airport is HUGE. Navigating it felt like I was trying to solve a particularly cruel escape room. Of course, my luggage (a love-hate relationship that defines my life) decided to go on holiday without me for, like, an hour. The airport staff – bless their cotton socks – were actually pretty chill. Eventually, my bags and I were reunited. Victory!
- Afternoon: Hotel Intersur Recoleta Check-In & the Initial Assessment: Finally, the Hotel Intersur Recoleta. It looks… perfectly serviceable. The lobby is a bit…corporate. I’m not wowed, but hey, it’s a roof over my head. The room is… fine. Cleanish. The air conditioning is gloriously cold, which is a win in this humid heat. More importantly, the Wi-Fi works. Score!
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Trying Not to Look Like a Lost Tourist Bird: Wandered out into Recoleta. Immediately got overwhelmed by the grandeur. The architecture is stunning, but it's also…a LOT. Ended up at a café just to catch my breath and observe the local population. The Argentinians are stylish. Seriously, even in the heat, everyone looked effortlessly cool. I, on the other hand, probably looked like I’d just wrestled a badger. Ordered an empanada. Delicious, but the existential dread of being a solo traveler in a new city started to set in. Need a friend. Or at least a decent guidebook.
- Rambling Thought: Why is it so hard to find a decent guide book!? I swear, every one is either full of fluff and pretty pictures or written by a travel snob who only cares about obscure art galleries.
Day 2: Tango, Terror (of Heights), and Too Much Coffee
- Morning: The Tango Tourist Shuffle: Booked a beginner tango lesson. (Don’t judge. I’m a terrible dancer, but the pictures are amazing). The lesson was… well, it was an experience. My partner, a very patient Argentinian man, probably regretted partnering me within the first five minutes. We fumbled, we stepped on each other's feet, and I nearly took out a chandelier. But! The music was incredible, and there were moments (very fleeting) when I felt a glimmer of something resembling grace. Afterwards, I was wired from the sheer effort and the overstimulation of the music.
- Afternoon: Recoleta Cemetery - Seriously, Though, It's Beautiful: Decided to check out the Recoleta Cemetery. Everyone says it's a must-see, and the sheer scale of it is mind-boggling. Huge mausoleums, ornate carvings, and… it’s beautiful, in a profoundly creepy way. My attempt to find Eva Perón's tomb went something like, "Okay, according to the map… wait, which of these giant marble monuments is it? Ugh." Found it eventually. The crowd was thick. Lots of people taking photos. I just stood there, overwhelmed, thinking about, well, everything.
- Late Afternoon: The Coffee Conundrum and the Balcony of Doom: Found a charming little café and ordered a cortado. One, two, three – I had like four cups of coffee! This was a mistake. I was bouncing off the walls. To burn off the caffeination I decided to take a walk around the hotel, and I discovered the hotel has a balcony. Thinking I'd enjoy a nice view I walked out there. The view was alright, but I also have a slight fear of heights, so I pretty quickly retreated back inside.
- Evening: The Steak & Malbec Mission (and the Emotional Breakdown): Time for the MAIN EVENT: steak. Research led me to a recommended parrilla (Grilled meat restaurant) in Palermo. The steak was… well, it was a religious experience. Juicy, perfectly cooked, and melting in my mouth. The Malbec was smooth and rich. I might have shed a tear of pure happiness. The restaurant crowded with people, laughter, and the aroma of grilled meat. I was finally not alone. Afterwards, the food coma started.
Day 3: San Telmo & The Ghosts of History
- Morning: San Telmo Exploration and the Antique Bazaar: Took a taxi to San Telmo. The cobblestone streets, the colorful buildings, the antique shops…it's absolutely charming. Wandered around the Sunday market, which spilled out over the Plaza Dorrego. Found some interesting trinkets. Found a really weird doll. Not sure why I bought it.
- Afternoon: Casa Rosada & the Peronist Pilgrimage: Made my way to Casa Rosada. The pink building is ridiculously photogenic. Took a guided tour. The history is fascinating and the political turmoil. The tour guide was a bit dry, but the sheer drama of the place kept me engaged. Suddenly, there was a burst of political passion and shouting and I was just standing there.
- Late Afternoon: The Search for the Perfect Alfajor (and the Crumbling Sanity): The quest for the perfect alfajor started. Tried so many. Some were dry, some were too sweet, some were just…meh. The search became an obsession. I realized, halfway through a third alfajor, that I was starting to lose it. Maybe travel is not my forte.
- Rambling Thought: I really needed to take a bath, but the hotel's bathtub was not exactly the most inviting.
Day 4: Day Trip Delusion and Saying Goodbye
- Morning: The Day Trip That Never Was: (or, the train that wasn’t) I was thinking of taking a day trip to Tigre. But by the time I had coffee and woke up, I really didn't want to travel. The thought seemed terrible. Maybe next time.
- Afternoon: The Final Appraisal of the Hotel: Back at the Hotel Intersur Recoleta. Overall…it wasn’t terrible. It was clean, the staff were pleasant, and the location was decent. It wasn't amazing and it wasn't memorable. But, if I was staying here again, I would do it again.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Packing, Regrets, and the Promise of Laundry: Packed my bag. Once again, the luggage was a nemesis. Spent an hour re-arranging my clothes trying to figure out how I was going to fit everything in. Thought about all the things I hadn't done, the places I hadn't seen, the empanadas I hadn't devoured. Said goodbye to Buenos Aires with a heavy heart and a suitcase full of questionable purchases. Now, the endless laundry awaits.
Final thought: Buenos Aires is a city that hits you hard, and you don't always know why.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Villa in Tuscany Awaits!
Is the Hotel Intersur Recoleta *really* "luxury"? Or is it just… fancy-ish?
Okay, so "luxury" in Buenos Aires – and specifically at the Intersur Recoleta – is a bit of a sliding scale. It's not like, stay-in-a-palace-and-eat-gold-leaf-every-day luxury. More like, very comfortable, with some seriously charming touches. Think of it as... elevated European elegance with a healthy dose of South American flair.
The lobby is *gorgeous*. Chandeliers that could probably bankrupt a small country, marble floors so gleaming you could practically skate on them (I almost did – don't judge). My first thought? "Wow, I shouldn't have worn my jeans." But then you notice the slightly… worn edges on the antique furniture. A tiny chip in the paint on the gilded frame here, a little wobble on a table leg there. It’s real-world luxury, not a perfectly pristine, sterile bubble. It’s got character. And that, my friends, is where the charm lies.
The Recoleta location – is it actually as amazing as everyone says?
Absolutely. Recoleta is genuinely magnificent. It's like the Paris of Buenos Aires, crossed with a dash of old-school glamour. The hotel is a stone's throw from the Recoleta Cemetery (yes, *that* one, with Evita’s tomb, which, in my opinion is way less creepy than everyone says), the amazing Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, and tons of fantastic restaurants. Seriously, walk in any direction, and you're guaranteed to stumble upon something delicious. I swear, I gained five pounds just *walking* past the pastry shops.
One morning, I went for a stroll and accidentally wandered into a farmer's market. Fresh empanadas, artisanal cheeses, and enough chorizo to feed a small army. *Pure bliss.* Okay, maybe I bought a few things that I devoured in my room. Don't tell anyone... but the hotel's proximity to all that glory is a *major* selling point.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they worth the price tag?
Rooms are… good. Spacious, well-appointed, and generally clean. The beds were SO comfortable; I genuinely slept like a baby (once I got over the jet lag, which, let's be honest, is a battle in itself). The bathrooms are decent, I’d describe them as “functional luxury” – think nice toiletries and a powerful shower.
My personal experience? Well, the first room I was assigned had a slightly… *challenging* view. A brick wall. And the air conditioning sounded like a disgruntled bumblebee. I requested a room change, and the staff, bless their hearts, were incredibly accommodating. Second room, MUCH better. Overlooking a charming little courtyard. Problem solved. It proves... don't be afraid to speak up, but bring your patience. And remember your translator app. Just in case!
The breakfast. Tell me everything. Is it a glorious feast?
The breakfast situation… is a bit of a mixed bag. The setting is lovely – a bright, airy room with big windows. The bread selection? Excellent. Seriously, those flaky croissants nearly brought a tear to my eye. The coffee was strong and plentiful, which is a major win in my book (I am an espresso devotee).
However… the hot food options were a little uneven. The scrambled eggs, let's just say, weren't winning any awards. And sometimes, the service could be a bit slow. The staff worked hard, but there was a definite… 'Argentine time' vibe. Embrace it, you're on vacation! One day, I may or may not have helped myself to a second and third croissant while waiting for the waiter to refill my coffee. Don't judge me. Pastries are important!
Any tips for getting the most out of your stay?
Absolutely! Firstly, *negotiate*. I mean, be polite, but don't be afraid to ask nicely for a slightly better rate, especially if you're staying for more than a few nights. Secondly, *embrace the chaos*. Things don't always run like clockwork, but that's part of the charm. Thirdly, *learn a few basic Spanish phrases*. Even a simple "Hola" and "gracias" will go a long way.
Also, tip generously. Argentinians are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and a little extra generosity goes a long way. And finally… *treat yourself*. Order a fancy drink at the bar, explore the neighborhood, and don't be afraid to get lost – that's where the real adventures are. This hotel, and Buenos Aires in general, is about layers. It’s about uncovering the imperfections and embracing the charm. It’s a city that seeps into your soul. Go forth and enjoy!
The staff - Are they helpful? Attentive? Or just "meh"?
Okay, this is where it gets interesting. The staff are, on the whole, lovely people. Really. But… and there's always a "but," isn't there? They are a mixed bag of efficiency. Some are *amazing* – genuinely helpful, incredibly warm and make you feel like you're the only person in the hotel. The concierge was brilliant, organized tours, and went above and beyond. Others, well, I sometimes felt like I was interrupting their day.
A funny incident: I needed help with the safe, which was being… well, uncooperative. I called down, and two different staff members came up, each with a different theory on how to fix it. After about 20 minutes of frantic button-pushing and furrowed brows, they finally got it open. It was a comedy. I would have preferred to have a bottle of wine. It was an adventure, and frankly, part of the appeal of travel. Ultimately, the staff's willingness to help is what matters. Even if it's a bit of a process!
Is there a pool? Because I need my pool time.
Nope. No pool. Consider it a minor tragedy, especially during the Buenos Aires summer heat. I, personally, *really* missed a pool. After trekking around the city all day, a dip would have been pure heaven.
But hey, you're in Recoleta, which means you’re close to some beautiful parks and even a few fancy hotels that may or may not let you sneak in for a swim. Just kidding… *cough* probably. Although, after walking around in 90 degree weather with 100% humidity for five hours, I may have considered it. Just putting that out there.
Would you stay there again?
