Uncover Buenos Aires' Hidden Gem: Hotel Tres Sargentos!
Uncovering Buenos Aires' Hidden Gem: Hotel Tres Sargentos - A Rambling, Real Review
Alright, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the beans on the Hotel Tres Sargentos in Buenos Aires. Forget those sterile, perfect travel blogs – this is the real deal, warts and all. I'm talking about a messy, honest, and hopefully, hilarious account of my stay. Honestly, trying to cram all those categories into one review makes my head spin, but here we go!
(Metadata Snippet: Buenos Aires Hotel Review, Tres Sargentos, Accessibility, Spa, Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Hidden Gem, Argentina, Luxury, Boutique Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Cleanliness, Safety)
First off, let's just say, the anticipation leading up to this trip had me practically bouncing off the walls. I'd heard whispers, read a few (frankly, a bit too polished) articles, and seen the Insta-worthy photos. Tres Sargentos was touted as a hidden gem, a refuge from the bustling city. And, you know what? They weren't completely wrong.
Arrival & Accessibility - Did I Need to Squeeze Through a Tiny Door?
Okay, immediate confession: accessibility is super important to me. I travel with a friend who uses a wheelchair, and finding a place that’s genuinely accommodating can be a nightmare. The website promised a "hotel for all" – and I'm happy to report, they actually delivered. The entry was smooth, the elevator was generously sized, and the hallways were wide enough to pass a parade of tango dancers. The facilities for disabled guests were well thought out. A huge win right off the bat. Seriously, I've been to hotels that claimed accessibility and I practically needed a contortionist to navigate the hallways. Not here. They even had… now thinking about it… I think a ramp at the entrance to the restaurant? I'll double check that. But overall, a thumbs up on the accessibility front. This is huge for us.
Checking in & "Contactless"? More Like "Slightly Awkward Hug"
The check-in process was… well, an experience. They advertise "contactless check-in/out" – which I envisioned as some sleek, futuristic iPad interaction. Reality? A charming, slightly flustered receptionist who was trying to adhere to the protocols, but also desperately wanted to be friendly… and maybe offer a hug? It was a sweet mix of technology and warm Argentine hospitality. I give them an 'A' for effort. The private check-in area with the comfortable couches was really nice.
The Room – A Sanctuary (Mostly)
We booked a room, obviously with free Wi-Fi in all rooms! I checked my emails IMMEDIATELY. And the internet [LAN] in my room was also a plus. And what about the available in all rooms situation? I will give you the details:
- Additional toilet: No, unfortunately!
- Air conditioning: Yes, thankfully! Buenos Aires can get hot and humid.
- Alarm clock: Yes! Always need to wake up on time.
- Bathrobes: Yes, soft and fluffy.
- Bathroom phone: No!
- Bathtub: We had a separate shower and bathtub.
- Blackout curtains: Lifesaver for those late-night tango sessions… or naps.
- Carpeting: Yes.
- Closet: Perfect.
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential.
- Complimentary tea: Yes.
- Daily housekeeping: Check.
- Desk: Yes.
- Extra long bed: Fantastic!
- Free bottled water: Yes! Hydration is key.
- Hair dryer: Yup.
- High floor: We were high up, which was great for the view.
- In-room safe box: Yes!
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Not for us, but good to know.
- Internet access – LAN: Yes.
- Internet access – wireless: Yes, obviously!
- Ironing facilities: Yes.
- Laptop workspace: Yes.
- Linens: Soft and luxurious.
- Mini bar: Well stocked.
- Mirror: Big, and reflective.
- Non-smoking: Absolutely.
- On-demand movies: Yes, but I was too busy exploring.
- Private bathroom: En suite, of course.
- Reading light: Perfect for late-night reading
- Refrigerator: Essential for keeping the Prosecco chilled.
- Safety/security feature: Smoke detectors etc.
- Satellite/cable channels: Yes, but again, not watching much TV.
- Scale: Oh, the horror that brings!
- Seating area: Comfy.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Double win!
- Shower: Good water pressure.
- Slippers: Yes.
- Smoke detector: Yep.
- Socket near the bed: Always a plus.
- Sofa: Yes.
- Soundproofing: Pretty effective.
- Telephone: Yes.
- Toiletries: Good quality.
- Towels: Fluffy and plentiful.
- Umbrella: For those unexpected Buenos Aires showers.
- Visual alarm: Thankfully, I didn't need it.
- Wake-up service: Yes.
- Wi-Fi [free]: All of it!
- Window that opens: Yes! Fresh air is always a plus.
My only tiny gripe? The air conditioning was a whisper too loud at night. But hey, I can't fault perfection, and I'd rather be cool than roasting.
The Food - OMG, The Food! A Rhapsody of Flavour!
Okay, here's where Tres Sargentos truly shines, or at least they did for me. I'm talking about the food. I'm a total foodie, and I'm pretty easy to please. The breakfast buffet? Magnificent. There was a fantastic selection of things, from fresh pastries (those croissants!) to more hearty options like eggs cooked to your preference (I went for scrambled, always).
The buffet was my moment. Every morning. Imagine a mountain of everything – fresh fruit that explodes with flavour, enough croissants to feed an army of pastry-hungry tourists, and the perfectly brewed coffee that’s essential for starting your day. And let's not forget, there was also free breakfast, Asian breakfast, and Western breakfast. I was never left in want.
The restaurant, as well, was a culinary dream. I opted for the a la carte in restaurant because I like to choose my own adventure. The steak was cooked perfectly medium-rare, and the side dishes… oh, the side dishes! I had a salad. I also had some desserts in the restaurant!
- Alternative meal arrangement: It's worth asking if you have allergies or dietary needs.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: It was available but I prefer the Western approach.
- Bar: A good selection of cocktails, naturally.
- Bottle of water: Always provided in the room.
- Buffet in restaurant: Absolutely.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Excellent.
- Happy hour: Yes.
- International cuisine in restaurant: It was a mix.
- Poolside bar: Lovely.
- Restaurants: Several options.
- Room service [24-hour]: Amazing.
- Salad in restaurant: A delicious side.
- Snack bar: Yes.
- Soup in restaurant: I did not order any.
- Vegetarian restaurant: You can find vegetarian options on the menu.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Definitely.
Spa/Wellness - My Happy Place… and a Mild Disaster
Alright, I had to try the spa. Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Pool with view, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage… the whole shebang.
The steamroom was heaven, I must say. The pool with the view was gorgeous, especially during sunset. I did a body scrub and massage; I was a bit worried since I'd never done either. The massage was divine and melted away all my stress. I booked in for a body wrap… and this is where things started to get a little off. The therapist was lovely and well-intentioned. But, I think there might have been a slight mix-up. I ended up smelling overwhelmingly like… well, I’m still not sure. Some sort of earthy concoction that lingered for hours. I even had to shower twice! Despite the lingering scent, I still count it as a win.
- Fitness center: I took a peek, looked clean and modern.
- Gym/fitness: Above average.
- Swimming pool: Nice, refreshing,
Buenos Aires, Baby! (Or, My Love/Hate Affair with Hotel Tres Sargentos & Everything In Between)
Alright, so, Buenos Aires. "The Paris of South America." A cliché, I know. But hey, if you're reading this, you're probably planning a trip, right? And like me, you probably picked the ridiculously charming, yet slightly… well, "rustic" (let's be polite) Hotel Tres Sargentos. Good choice. We'll get to that later.
Day 1: Arrival & Tango Trauma
- 14:00 – Gimme a Break, BA! (Or Trying to Survive Immigration): Landed at Ezeiza. The flight was a red-eye, so I resembled a zombie. Immigration? UGH. The official barely glanced at my passport. Talk about a letdown after practicing my broken Spanish for weeks. "Hola! Soy…uh…un turista…y no hablo muy bien…" Silence. Stamp. Next! Felt a bit deflated. Expected more drama, I guess.
- 15:00 – Taxi Tango (or the Driver from Hell): Found a taxi. "Hotel Tres Sargentos," I slurred, collapsing into the back, praying for sleep. The driver, however, was a speed demon. Weaved through traffic like he was auditioning for Mad Max. My stomach lurched with every near-miss. Seriously, I think I aged five years in those twenty minutes. Arrived at the hotel gasping for air and questioning my life choices.
- 16:00 – Tres Sargentos: The Charm Offensive (and the Creaky Bed): Okay, so the hotel is…quaint. Let's leave it at that. The lobby is all dark wood and old photographs. My room? Tiny. The bed? Creaky. But there's something undeniably charming about it. Maybe it was the sheer exhaustion talking. The guy at the front desk, though, he was amazing. Super friendly, gave me a map and a rundown of the area. Bonus points for the complimentary alfajores (holy deliciousness!).
- 19:00 - Getting Lost (and Hungry): Wandered aimlessly around the Microcentro neighborhood, marveling at the architecture. Got hopelessly lost within about five minutes. Finally, stumbled upon a parrilla. El Ateneo Grand Splendid, the bookstore! That got me the chills, but I was so drained I couldn't focus on anything but food. Ate a massive steak – maybe a little too much, but hey, I was fueling some serious jet lag.
- 21:00 - Tango Tango Tango (or the Tango Disaster): Went to a milonga. I'd envisioned myself gliding elegantly across the dance floor, a fiery porteña in my arms. The reality? I tripped over my own feet, nearly took out a whole table of elderly Argentinians, and spent most of the time looking like a confused giraffe. Humiliation level: Expert. But the music was amazing, and the atmosphere was electric. I will not be defeated by the tango! I swear!
Day 2: Culture Shock & Street Food Bliss
- 09:00 – Breakfast of Champions (or the Coffee Craze): Grabbed a quick breakfast at the hotel. The coffee? Strong. Like, really strong. Fuel for the day. And the medialunas? Divine. I ate three. Don't judge me.
- 10:00 – Plaza de Mayo & Casa Rosada: The Government Giggle: Hit up Plaza de Mayo. The Casa Rosada was… pink. Very pink. I took some pictures, felt very tourist-y. Wondered what kind of meetings went down in that pink building. Probably some interesting ones!
- 12:00 – La Boca: Colors, Chaos, and Questionable Souvenirs: Took a bus to La Boca. Holy moly, the colors are vibrant! The street performers were fantastic. But the constant bombardment of souvenir vendors got a little old, a little fast. I bought a tango-dancing cat figurine. I regret nothing.
- 14:00 – Street Food Nirvana: Found a choripán stand. Oh, the pure, unadulterated joy of grilled chorizo on a crusty roll! Drizzled with chimichurri. Mind. Blown. Probably the best thing I ate all trip (so far!).
- 16:00 - The Recoleta Cemetery: The Dead are More Stylish Than Me: Visited the Recoleta Cemetery. Seriously, the mausoleums are like tiny palaces! Eva Perón's tomb was surprisingly small. I had a strange mix of sadness and awe looking at the tombstones. Felt like I was more captivated by beauty than death.
- 19:00 - Rooftop Bar: The Only View That Matters. Found a rooftop bar with decent cocktails and even better views. Finally shook that tango disaster out of my memory.
Day 3: San Telmo Souvenirs and Bookshops
- 09:00 - The Hotel's Water Heater Is On Strike! - So, the water heater broke. A minor inconvenience, until you want to shower. I went to the front desk. Not that big of a deal. They found me a different room to shower in, at least.
- 10:00 – San Telmo Market Madness & Antique Treasures: San Telmo on Sunday! The market was overflowing with antiques, handicrafts, and that slightly overwhelming aroma of old books. I got a beautifully worn leather satchel and a vintage map.
- 12:00 – El Ateneo Grand Splendid: The Bookworm's Heaven: I finally got to El Ateneo Grand Splendid. The former theatre turned bookstore is absolutely breathtaking. I bought a few Spanish books. It put a new spin on that cliché.
- 14:00 – Empanada Extravaganza: More food! Found a tiny little place that made empanadas. They were heavenly. I'm starting to think Argentinians just have a thing for delicious food.
- 16:00 – Tango Training: Take 2 (or, maybe I'm just bad at this): Went to a beginner's tango class. Tried the steps again. Failed spectacularly. I was laughing, my partner was laughing, and maybe the instructor was trying to hide his despair. Still, I'm not giving up. This time!
- 19:00 - Trying a bit of a "fancy" dinner. Found a nice restaurant. It was a little more upscale than my usual dives, but it was a nice experience.
Day 4: Farewell and a Creaky Good-Bye
- 09:00 – Breakfast with a Dose of Realism: Another alfajor. Maybe too many. Packing up, feeling a sense of wistful nostalgia.
- 10:00 – Last-minute Souvenir Hunt & Random Adventures: Went for one last stroll. Bought a few more silly souvenirs… and finally some Argentine tea!
- 12:00 – Tres Sargentos Farewell: One last look at the hotel. I'm starting to grow fond of its quirks. The creaky bed? It's got character. The imperfect service? Somehow, it all added to the charm. I left the hotel with a smile, a suitcase full of memories, and a slight obsession with alfajores.
- 13:00 - Back to reality (or the airport): The taxi ride to the airport? Not quite as terrifying as the first one. Maybe I'm getting used to it.
- Departure: Back to my life. Already planning my return. Tango lessons are a must. And I'm booking Tres Sargentos again. Maybe I'm officially in love with the place.
Okay, so Hotel Tres Sargentos... Is it *really* as good as everyone says? (Because, let's be honest, everyone's lying on the internet these days.)
The rooms look tiny in the photos. Am I going to feel like I'm sleeping in a shoebox?
What's the breakfast situation like? I *need* my coffee, and I get *very* grumpy if I don't have it.
Is the location actually convenient? I don't want to spend half my trip in taxis.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? (Because, you know, some hotels just hire robotic automatons.)
What's the "vibe" of the hotel? Is it romantic? Family-friendly? Hipster haven?
Okay, spill. What are the downsides? You can't tell me it's *perfect*.
The Elevator... I've heard rumors. What's the deal?
