BENS Downtown Apartments

The apartment had the basics, and the shower and water pressure were excellent. Reception was adequate, and when we checked out at 10 a.m., they let us stay until 11. One of the two young men who greeted us was unfriendly with guests. I'm unsure whether I'd come back. Getting a proper night's sleep was the main problem. Bars nearby and a bus stop right outside brought shouting and traffic noise early in the morning. The sounds felt like they were coming from inside the apartment. I know Buenos Aires never sleeps, but at 5 a.m. people were yelling as if it were 2 p.m. I kept waking up, so if you're like me, bring headphones. The area is only a few blocks from one of the main avenues, but there's a constant flow of people. I often saw homeless people outside the building at night or early in the morning, and I didn't feel the area was very safe. The entrance wasn't reassuring either. The glass in the main door had been taken out for maintenance and replaced with plywood. You need a receptionist-generated code for both the building and the apartment. The apartment code worked, but the main door code needs replacing. The numbers often wouldn't register properly, making it hard to get in, especially at night when you need to get inside quickly. (Photo attached.) Also, the fridge in the room didn't cool at all, so drinks might as well have been left on the table.

If you want to get some rest, this isn't the place. Every apartment faces the street, and ours was on the second floor, across from two bus stops. The brakes kept screeching, while the nearby Corrientes Avenue, two blocks away, brought constant noise from people, shouting, and music. The windows didn't close properly, so it felt like being outside. The entrance door felt extremely insecure, with broken glass and a piece of wood propped in its place. We were given an entry code, but it didn't work.

The staff were excellent, always attentive and available when anything came up. Our room was really spacious and nice. It's about six blocks from the Obelisk, three from Congress, and two from Corrientes Street. I recommend it, though the bus stop across the street can get noisy, which keeps it from being a full five stars.

I travel to Buenos Aires every year, and I've found my regular place to stay. The room with a balcony was spacious, spotless, and either new or very well kept. The location was superb, too. Ivana and Sara gave me the best service I've had in years of traveling. Thanks so much for everything!