Hotel Review: Buenos Aires Marriott
One of the key advantages of the Marriott Bonvoy program is its vast global presence. While the portfolio includes several distinctive brands, the core Marriott hotels often feel dated, lacking the modern design, sustainable practices, and tech-forward features that today’s travelers expect. During my stays at both domestic and international locations—such as Marriott Dallas Las Colinas and the Copenhagen Marriott Hotel—I struggled to find a sense of excitement or vibrancy. On a recent trip to Buenos Aires, I booked a stay at the Buenos Aires Marriott, hoping this five-star property would offer a fresh perspective and reinvigorate my view of the brand. Here is my stay at the Buenos Aires Marriott:
The Buenos Aires Marriott is located at Carlos Pellegrini 551, C1009 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Location
The Buenos Aires Marriott is strategically located in the heart of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is situated in the Recoleta neighborhood, known for its history, architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The hotel is close to some of Buenos Aires' most famous attractions. For example, it's within walking distance to the Teatro Colón, one of the world's leading opera houses, and the Obelisco, a historic monument and iconic symbol of the city. The famous Recoleta Cemetery, known for its elaborate mausoleums and being the resting place of notable figures like Eva Perón, is also nearby. Its central location in Buenos Aires means the hotel is well-connected to other parts of the city. Public transportation, including buses and the subway (Subte), is easily accessible, making it convenient for tourists to explore beyond the immediate neighborhood.
Lobby & Check-In Review
After a 40-minute ride from Ezeiza International Airport, I arrived at the hotel to find the lobby decked out for the holidays, complete with a towering Christmas tree.
Visiting in December meant the hotel was beautifully decorated with festive holiday décor.
The lobby level featured the hotel’s main restaurant, accented with checkerboard flooring, along with several small shops.
The lower level offered breakfast in the morning and light bites in the afternoon.
Toward the back, I discovered a cozy pub and even a cigar shop, but it seemed like the stores close early on weekends.
On the lobby level, several shops—including a cigar shop and a pub—added character, though they closed early on weekends.
A small bar was tucked into a corner, and by evening, the lobby buzzed with guests enjoying cocktails and light bites.
The lobby bar felt sleek and modern, serving Argentine wines and well-crafted cocktails.
At check-in, I was informed that I had been upgraded to the Apartment Suite—one of the largest rooms at the Buenos Aires Marriott.
Check-in was smooth, though a printed map of the property would have been helpful, as navigating between the north and south towers could be confusing.
However, the front desk staff didn’t fully explain the benefits tied to my Titanium Elite status, such as lounge access, and I had to follow up separately to confirm those details. My limited Spanish led to a few miscommunications, but the staff remained patient, and the Marriott app’s messaging feature made it easier to resolve lingering questions. The hotel is divided into north and south towers, each with its own elevator bank.
Thanks to ample seating, it was easy to find a spot to relax during the day.
After learning my suite was in the north tower, I took the elevator up to the fourth floor to settle in.
Living Room & Balcony Review
The Apartment Suite measured just over 2,000 square feet, making it one of the largest hotel rooms I’ve ever stayed in. Upon entering, I was greeted by a spacious, modern kitchen complete with an island, breakfast bar, stovetop, dual sinks, and a full-sized refrigerator—ideal for families or long-term stays.
The Apartment Suite featured a fully equipped kitchen with modern finishes.
While I had no plans to cook during my visit, the kitchen included a microwave for reheating leftovers or frozen meals. The minibar was thoughtfully stocked with an espresso machine, bottled water, and a bowl of fresh fruit.
A generous fruit arrangement on the counter served as a warm welcome amenity.
Inside the fridge, I found additional sodas and water, and should I had needed more, the executive lounge was just a short walk away. At the breakfast bar, a welcome amenity awaited: a bottle of Argentinian Malbec and a box of colorful macarons.
Another thoughtful touch was a bottle of Argentine Malbec paired with a box of macarons.
The wine was smooth and flavorful—a perfect introduction to the local varietals I would come to enjoy throughout my trip. The living area featured a large dining table with plenty of seating for in-room meals.
Wooden flooring throughout the living room emphasized why it’s called the “Apartment Suite.”
A cozy, modern lounge space was anchored by a massive sectional sofa with two chaise lounges, eliminating any debate over the best seat.
The oversized sectional sofa was complete with two lounge chaises, making the space perfect for relaxing.
A large coffee table with a few art books and a wall-mounted TV rounded out the living room setup.
The living room was spacious, tastefully decorated, and included a wall-mounted TV for entertainment.
Additional minibar items like mini bottles of Jack Daniel’s and artisanal chocolate bars were also available for purchase.
Rama is a traditional Argentine chocolate with a light, flaky texture, and you should definitely try one if you are in Argentina.
Beyond the living area was a sunroom, where two lounge chairs and whimsical metal ant artworks added a touch of character. While the artwork sparked curiosity, I wished the hotel had included a plaque or description about the artist or the meaning behind the display.
The sunroom displayed ant-inspired metal artworks, though no artist or title information was provided.
A door beside the sculptures led to a private outdoor patio with a built-in grill—a thoughtful nod to Argentina’s renowned grilled meats.
The balcony came equipped with a parrilla, Argentina’s iconic open-fire grill, ideal for elevating grilled meats.
Although the patio was enclosed by trimmed bushes for privacy, it lacked outdoor seating, which felt like a missed opportunity. A small table or a couple of chairs would have made the space even more inviting. Despite that minor drawback, the suite truly felt like a luxury apartment. Its sheer size was more than my wife and I needed, but for families or guests planning a longer stay, the Apartment Suite would be an excellent choice.
Bedroom Review
At first, I had trouble finding the bedroom and ended up calling the front desk for help. I soon discovered that it was hidden behind an unassuming door in the sunroom—a surprising layout that revealed just how expansive the suite truly was. Like the living room, the bedroom area featured hardwood flooring and included a quiet study with a large desk.
The bedroom was accessible through the sunroom and included a dedicated work area.
It turned out to be a perfect spot for remote work, completely separated from the noise and activity of the main living space. Connected to the study was the primary bedroom, furnished with a king-sized bed, nightstands, and reading lights.
While I appreciated the quiet separation from the living room, the mattress was not particularly comfortable.
However, the mattress fell short of expectations. I tend to favor memory foam for its contouring comfort, but the bed here was unusually firm and springy, lacking the plush feel typical of high-end hotels. A second TV was mounted across from the bed, offering a separate entertainment option from the living room.
Another TV was mounted on the wall above a repurposed fireplace.
To my surprise, the bedroom extended into yet another room, this one with two full-sized beds set atop cozy herringbone-patterned wood flooring. The beds shared a central nightstand, and the room even had its own entrance, making it ideal for families or groups who want a bit of independence without disturbing others in the suite.
A second bedroom offered two single beds, a practical option for families or friends.
The overall spaciousness of the sleeping quarters added another layer of appeal to the apartment suite, especially for those traveling with kids or extended family. If there was one area for improvement, it would be the suite’s upkeep. As an older property, the Buenos Aires Marriott showed signs of wear. Some walls were clearly in need of repainting, and the doorknob in the guest bedroom wasn’t functional, which compromised privacy. Still, aside from these cosmetic flaws, the bedroom layout was impressive and highlighted just how well-suited this suite is for families or longer stays.
Bathroom Review
The Apartment Suite featured two full bathrooms, beginning with a smaller one located off the living room. It included a walk-in shower with a rainfall showerhead and a single-sink vanity.
Bathrooms were plentiful, with the first full bath near the living room featuring a walk-in shower.
Toiletries were provided by Le Marque’s So Vegan line, which leaned heavily into fruity scents. Unfortunately, the products felt a bit harsh, stripping too much moisture from my hair and skin.
Toiletries were from Le Marque’s So Vegan line, which was overly fruity in scent for my taste.
Although compact, the bathroom also included a traditional bidet, and I appreciated having a second full bath separate from the master—especially convenient for guests. The master bathroom was accessible from both the study and the primary bedroom and stretched across a long layout that connected a powder room, walk-in shower, bathtub, and water closet in a linear flow.
While extra bathrooms were convenient, many finishes showed age and clashed with the suite’s modern aesthetic.
The water closet mirrored the setup of the other bathroom, with another single-sink vanity and traditional bidet. While the space was functional, it lacked any decorative touches and felt somewhat sterile. Still, I welcomed the presence of a second vanity outside the water closet, which added convenience when sharing the space with a partner.
It was unfortunate to see some non-functional or broken decorative touches.
Signs of wear were noticeable, especially around the vanities, which appeared frayed and in need of refurbishing. The same So Vegan toiletries were available, keeping things consistent, though their quality remained underwhelming. The walk-in shower itself was impressively large, featuring dual rainfall showerheads and a sliding glass door that effectively kept water contained.
The master bathroom impressed with a massive walk-in shower featuring double rainfall showerheads.
However, the water pressure left much to be desired, resulting in a less satisfying experience. Thankfully, the spacious jetted tub helped redeem the space. Easily large enough for two adults, it came with dual seats and customizable jet settings, offering a relaxing soak after a long day of sightseeing.
A spacious, remote-controlled jacuzzi offered powerful jets and easily fit two adults.
Overall, the suite’s bathrooms reflected the generous scale of the apartment, but each came with its own strengths and weaknesses: the living room bathroom offered functional basics but lacked quality in its products, while the master bathroom’s size and luxury features were offset by minimal design and maintenance issues.
Pool & Gym Review—Nivel 23 Club & Spa
Both the gym and pool were located on the top floor of the north tower, operating under the name Nivel 23 Club & Spa. The gym was open 24/7, while the indoor swimming pool welcomed guests daily from 7 AM to 9 PM. Guests could also book spa treatments through the receptionist, adding an extra layer of relaxation to the wellness experience. The indoor infinity pool was spacious, with black-and-white checkered tiles that added charm and character.
The indoor pool at Nivel 23 Club & Spa stood out with its black-and-white checkered tiles, echoing the hotel restaurant’s design.
Lodge-style ceiling beams and skylights created a cozy yet airy ambiance while floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the space with natural light during the day. Although there were no designated lap lanes, the pool was long enough for casual lap swimming. The water was gently heated, and a small half-moon-shaped outdoor extension allowed guests to swim beneath a divider and enjoy some fresh air.
Guests could swim out to the outdoor deck to enjoy sweeping views of Buenos Aires.
While the outdoor balcony lacked seating despite its generous space, the city views—especially at night—were stunning.
From the balcony, the Obelisco de Buenos Aires was visible, which commemorated the city’s quadricentennial.
Poolside, there were plenty of lounge beds, small tables, and chairs for guests to relax. A compact bar in the corner offered snacks and beverages, enhancing the laid-back atmosphere.
A corner bar nearby served snacks and drinks from afternoon until evening.
For those needing to change or freshen up, locker rooms were available on the floor below.
Just downstairs, a locker room offered changing areas and complimentary saunas.
The men’s locker room featured two individual showers, complimentary lockers, and a dry sauna that I ended up using often. It was a great way to unwind after a workout.
The dry sauna was compact but effective, providing a relaxing experience after a workout.
The gym itself was located one level above the pool. The front section was bright and open, equipped with cardio machines including a curved treadmill.
The gym was located above the spa and offered a rooftop-like vibe with panoramic city views.
Some machines faced the pool while others offered panoramic views of Buenos Aires, making morning workouts feel more enjoyable.
Morning workouts were especially enjoyable with the Buenos Aires skyline as a backdrop.
The back half of the gym was dedicated to strength training, though it felt noticeably more cramped. The ceiling was lower, and limited windows made the space feel darker and more enclosed.
The cardio room felt bright and open, but the weight room was cluttered and poorly organized.
Despite the slightly claustrophobic layout, the strength area offered a solid range of machines, including a Smith machine.
Despite a solid variety of machines, the chaotic layout made strength training less appealing.
Still, the space was so densely packed that it felt crowded even with just two people. Reducing the number of machines could improve comfort and usability, but I appreciated the variety of equipment overall. The gym and pool facilities offered a solid mix of relaxation and fitness, and Nivel 23 Club & Spa was a definite highlight of the hotel.
M Lounge Review
The lounge, located on the second floor of the south tower, offered complimentary happy hour from 7 PM to 9 PM for guests with Platinum Elite status or higher. I stopped by briefly one evening to check it out. A friendly receptionist greeted me at the entrance and mentioned that the lounge had both indoor and outdoor seating. I chose to sit indoors, and despite the limited number of tables, the space never felt crowded—even during peak hours.
The lounge maintained a calm, orderly atmosphere throughout my stay—very different from the chaos at Hilton Paris Opera.
The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with soft jazz playing in the background and small vases adding a charming touch to each table. Attendants kept the area tidy, quickly clearing dishes and glasses after guests left. As for the food, the offerings were modest. The main hot dishes included a mildly sweet chicken entrée and roasted vegetables.
The hot food selection was limited, only offering one chicken dish and one vegetable option.
The chicken was dry, the salads were underseasoned, and even the roasted vegetables—my favorite of the bunch—were overcooked and mushy.
While vegetable-forward dishes were plentiful, protein options were lacking.
There were also a few salads and mini veggie sliders, with opera cake and fresh fruit for dessert. I sampled a bit of everything but found the overall quality lacking.
I had hoped the opera cake would redeem the buffet, but it was underwhelming.
The opera cake was cloyingly sweet, making it hard to finish even with coffee. On the beverage side, the fridge was stocked with sodas and Argentina’s popular Quilmes beer, though I opted for wine.
A wide range of complimentary drinks, including Argentina’s Quilmes beer, was a highlight.
Alamos Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon were available; while these were budget-friendly selections, I appreciated the opportunity to enjoy local wine at no extra cost.
The wine selection was just average, but complimentary wine is always appreciated.
Considering the experience, I’d return for a complimentary glass of wine and the relaxing atmosphere, but the food didn’t impress me enough to recommend paying for lounge access out of pocket.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
My upgraded Apartment Suite was one of the most spacious I’ve ever stayed in. It would be an excellent lodging option for a small family, featuring four beds, a full kitchen, and even a private balcony.
The central location of the Buenos Aires Marriott is ideal for first-time visitors. It's within walking distance of landmarks like Palacio Barolo, and its proximity to popular destinations such as Mercado San Telmo and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes makes it a convenient base for exploring the city.
Negatives
Some areas of the property and my suite showed clear signs of aging, from worn furniture to malfunctioning showerheads. Overall, the amenities fell short of what one would expect from a five-star hotel.
For non-Spanish-speaking visitors, clearer directions to the North and South towers would be helpful. A detailed property map and a comprehensive list of facilities could greatly improve guests’ understanding of the hotel’s layout.
Summary
Buenos Aires Marriott is a five-star hotel centrally located in Argentina’s capital, consisting of north and south towers and offering familiar amenities like the M Lounge and an indoor pool, typical of domestic Marriott properties. I was fortunate to receive an upgrade to the Apartment Suite, which was impressively spacious and well-equipped for a small family, featuring a full kitchen, multiple beds, and a large jet tub. While the suite had its highlights, the overall space felt dated and showed visible signs of wear. That said, the hotel’s location is ideal for first-time visitors, with major attractions and dining options just a short walk away. I’d recommend the Buenos Aires Marriott for business travelers or anyone seeking a standard, no-frills Marriott experience in the heart of the city.
