The Hotel Bel Air is located in a very good street in central Recoleta, Buenos Aires’ most chic and exclusive barrio or neighborhood. As with most hotels in Buenos Aires, no matter the standard, the appearance from outside is good. Inside, the foyer is attractive, as is the dining area.

The room was small but well appointed, and the wireless internet functioned well. I did not sample the included breakfast, but the hotel’s menu was quite comprehensive. The fitness center is small but reasonably functional.

Service was generally good - I had to request an iron as this does not seem to be standard in Buenos Aires rooms, and one was quickly produced for me. However, on checking out I had a wait of approximately 15 minutes, which is a very long time when one is running late for an appointment! Several guests were checking out simultaneously, but I don’t feel that this is much of an excuse. At the very least, those later in line should have been offered a seat and perhaps something to drink. Several other guests were obviously becoming impatient with the delays.

The oddest thing about my stay at the Bel Air was a note that appeared on my door while I was out in the afternoon. It explained that the power company ‘had’ to perform emergency maintenance and there would be no electricity from 9pm to 12pm! Incredible. I was awake when the power went off at 10.20pm or so, and came back on a little less than an hour later. I shudder to think of the safety consequences of something like this, and I cannot understand why a generator was not procured.

All in all, this was a comfortable stay at a mid-level hotel, albeit with a couple of glitches.

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