We stayed at the Art HOtel over the Christmas holiday. While we loved its central location, and didn't mind the size of the small rooms, we were very unimpressed with the staff. They were completely indifferent and unhelpful. Their only contribution to our stay was to suggest a tango show which was not only a rip off, but provided by far one of the worst meals we have ever had (the rest of time, we ate exceptionally well in BsAs; try Bar Uriarte, Sucre, Sudestada, La Brigada, Gran Bar Danzon). Unwilling to make reservations on our behalf, directing us to the Internet when we asked questions about things to do around town...I don't understand what their function was, other than to sour our stay. I wish we shared the great experience of some of the other reviwers here, but unfortunately, Art Hotel was a big disappointment.

I stayed at the Art Hotel on Dec 10/11 and will be returning for two more stays between Dec 26th and Jan 3rd. Perhaps I should wait until after the 3rd stay but I was so impressed with this hotel that I feel compelled to post my two cents worth. It is probably not for everyone but it sure suits me. The Art Hotel is small, elegant, and tasteful....the queen rooms are perfect for solo travellers who are made to feel very welcome. It is well located on a quiet residential street. I found the staff to be extremely helpful and patient, and very willing to please. I like to travel by underground during the day whenever possible and the hotel is located less than 10 minutes from the nearest Subte on the great to use Line D, and a mere block from Avenida Sante Fe with great shopping and street life.

If only it had a swimming pool for those steamy Buenos Aires summer days, it would be absolutely perfect.

The Art Hotel -- what a great experience! The warm ambience, the outstanding hospitality and helpfulness of the staff, and the artistic quality of the design make this a very special place. My partner reminds me to mention that breakfast is terrific -- and I agree. During two nights when there were no vacancies at the Art Hotel, we stayed at the Ayres de Recoleta. The Ayres was pleasant and the rooms were larger, but it felt a bit sterile to us and the street is noisy. We were so happy to return to the Art Hotel. I give it an unqualified recommendation.

I am a big fan of design hotels and have stayed in many of them around the world. Definitely, the Art Hotel is not one of my favorite: too small and impersonal for my taste. Also, the service is not as excellent as I thought (I am a native Spanish speaker and can distinguish between a very nice Argentinian and a not-so-nice one); personal there is polite but does not go the extra mile to help you (also, I have never seen the lady at the cafe' smile). There is one Internet station that, needless to say, gets crowded at "rush hours" (after breakfast, before dinner).
The area - Recoleta - is safe and very residential, but empty and dead in the evening. Next time I would rather stay in Palermo Soho, the hippest neigborhood in Buenos Aires, full of nice restaurants and great shops.
Overall, I enjoyed my stay, but would not return. If you decide to stay there, make sure to avoid ROOM 17, the smalles room I have ever stayed since I stopped backpacking - a two single bed room where you can barely move.
Last but not least, a room for "less than a hundred dollars" is not a steal in a country where prices are extremely low.