The Details on Carlos Melia's Buenos Aires Apartment Rental
Owned by Carlos Melia, a gay Porteno who currently divides his time between Buenos Aires and New York City and runs the gay travel agency Pride Travel, the Best Apartment in town, as he bills it, is indeed a wonderful find with an absolutely sterling location right in the heart of Palermo. The one-bedroom unit on the first floor of a modern apartment building with 24-hour security is along Charcas Boulevard, with its wealth of charming cafes and Italian restaurants.
The apartment's location couldn't be handier for exploring the city's most charming districts. It's two blocks from ritzy Avenida Santa Fe and the posh Alto Palermo shopping center, and a short cab ride from swank the swank Recoleta area. Walk in the opposite direction of Avenida Santa Fe, and after just 10 minutes of strolling you're in Palermo Viejo, surrounded by hip boutiques, chic restaurants, and see-and-be-seen bars. More than two-thirds of the gay bars and clubs in Buenos Aires are nearby, within easy walking distance. The immediate neighborhood is safe, attractive, and less chaotic and overwhelming than downtown or even Recoleta (home to most of the city's luxury hotels).
The apartment comprises a living room and kitchen area, a small bathroom, and medium-size bedroom area (it's separated from living room by an archway and half-wall), and a nice-size balcony with tables and chairs. Hardwood floors, sleek functional furniture, and comfortable if simple bedding and sofas lend plenty of charm, and the kitchen is stocked with cookery, utensils, and appliances - all that you need to cook your own meals, although with so many restaurants nearby, this isn't a common strategy. There's also a TV with cable and DVD player. The apartment doesn't officially have Wi-Fi, altough it's usually possible to pick up a signal from a nearby apartment, and Melia plans to add Wi-Fi in the future. The bathroom is small and functional - nothing special, but all that you need to be comfortable (there's a tub/shower, bidet, toilet, and plenty of shelves to store toiletries). You'd likely pay at least double for a comparable hotel suite, especially factoring the kitchen space.
Pros:
- The location is super-convenient to gay nightlife and the charms of the Palermo Viejo neighborhood.
- It's a chance to live like a local - the apartment is in a mostly residential neighborhood, and in an apartment building with a lobby doorman 24/7.
- Although the balcony overlooks other buildings and is too sheltered by taller neighboring structures for much direct sunlight, it's a quite spot for reading or relaxing, and it allows plenty of fresh air.
- The price is right, and Carlos Melia is also a gay travel agent specializing in South America travel (he runs Pride Travel) - he's a friendly, upstanding guy who can assist with you planning your trip here or elsewhere in Argentina, Brazil, and other parts of the continent.
- Even when Melia is back in New York City, he has a local contact in Buenos Aires available if you have questions or need assistance with anything.
Cons:
- As this is an apartment rental rather than a hotel, you need to pay advance in cash or personal check, and also provide a fully refundable deposit of $400.
- Check-in (2 pm) and check-out (noon) hours are firm, so there's no real wiggle room if you plan to arrive at a different time or wish for a late check-out.
- Furnishings and decor are comfortable and attractive, not super-luxurious - it's a great value, but if you're seeking a deluxe bathroom or ultra-plush linens, look elsewhere (and expect to pay quite a lot more).
The Details:
Address, phone, and web: The apartment is along Chacras Boulevard, near the intersection of Avenida Coronel Diaz, Buenos Aires, 54-11-5218-6556 locally or 917-212-5234 in North America); best to book online or e-mail Carlos at carlos.melia@pride-travel.com.
Rates: Rates are US$70 per night, with a three-night minimum (plus a $400 cash deposit). Cash and check are accepted. It's US$350 per week, and US$1,100 per month.
Notable in-amenities: The apartment has a fully stocked kitchen, private bath, balcony, cable TV with DVD player; Wi-Fi is planned. There's also an iron/board and air-conditioning.
Noteworthy nearby amenities: There's 24-hour security in the building, and a self-service coin-operated washer and dryer in the basement.
