Uncover Hidden Treasures: Anselmo Buenos Aires's Exclusive Hilton Curio Collection
Uncover Hidden Treasures: Anselmo Buenos Aires - My Messy, Honest, and Totally Human Hilton Curio Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from the Anselmo Buenos Aires, a Hilton Curio Collection property, and my brain is still buzzing with… well, everything. This isn’t your typical sterile hotel review. This is me, unfiltered, sweating the small stuff and hopefully giving you the REAL deal on this supposed "hidden treasure."
First off, let's get the boring, gotta-mention-it stuff (aka, the SEO gods) out of the way: Accessibility? YES, they claim accessibility. They shout "Facilities for disabled guests!" and have an elevator. Cool. But, I'm not in a wheelchair, so I can't give you a truly deep dive. They say they've got accessible rooms, though, so check that and confirm before you book. Internet? FREE WI-FI IN ALL ROOMS! (Sorry, sometimes the caps are just needed). And wired internet is available, too. But… let's be honest, who uses that anymore? Also, there's Wi-Fi in public areas.
Cleanliness and Safety: Big Sighs of Relief (and a Tiny Eye Twitch)
Honestly, post-pandemic, this is the first thing I’m laser-focused on. They clearly take it seriously. The list is long: Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, individually-wrapped food options… The whole shebang! They even shout about sterilizing equipment and having staff trained in safety protocols. I saw a dude in full hazmat gear cleaning the elevator buttons… reassuring? Maybe a little much, but better safe than sorry. They even have room sanitization opt-out available! (that's nice). I didn’t see anyone remove shared stationery, but hey, I’m not checking every pen. They’re doing the best they can, it seems.
Breakfast… Oh, That Breakfast… (and a Rant)
Okay, breakfast. They offer breakfast in room, breakfast takeaway service AND a buffet in restaurant. I, being the intrepid traveler I am, went for the buffet. It was… a mixed bag. Western breakfast: Check. Asian breakfast: well, I was expecting congee, but it was more like a sad attempt at instant noodles… a definite fail. Coffee/tea in the restaurant? Yes, and it’s good. The coffee shop is good too.
But here's where things get… interesting. They have a vegetarian restaurant listed. Great, right? Except the "vegetarian" options seemed to involve… a lot of salad. (That salad was good, though. I'll give them that). And the buffet itself? It was buffet in restaurant for sure, but the pacing was off. You know that feeling when they take away your plate before you’re even finished? It’s like that, but for food. I wanted to linger, sample, and gorge, but I felt rushed and a little… judged? It’s a minor thing, but it definitely colored my experience. The Asian cuisine in the restaurant, not amazing as I said before.
The Spa… or the Lack Thereof (Insert Dramatic Sigh)
They list a Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. Sound amazing, right? Well… here's a truth bomb, the spa area was…closed. For the duration of my stay. Construction? Renovation? Mystery! (I asked and never got a clear answer). So, no Spa experience for me. No Sauna. No Steamroom. Disappointing, to say the least. A real bummer, especially since I’d been looking forward to a massage after a long day of sightseeing. The outdoor pool was amazing…when it wasn’t in shade. The Pool with view lived up to its name.
Rooms: Cosy and Well-Equipped (If You Like Beige)
Okay, let's talk rooms. They all have the basics: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free]. They are non-smoking (thank god) and sound proof.
But here’s the thing: my room was… beige. Everything was beige. Beige walls, beige curtains, beige furniture. It felt… safe. Maybe a little too safe. Like staying inside a giant, comfortable, beige box. It was clean, though, and the bed was comfortable. And I did appreciate the blackout curtains because, frankly, Buenos Aires at night is a neon explosion. They also have an additional toilet.
The Food and Drink: Some Hits, Some Misses (and a Happy Hour that Never Really Got Happy)
Alright, let's talk about the good stuff. Restaurants? They have a few, including a Coffee shop and Poolside bar. The Bar was pretty good, I had a nice cocktail (though nothing to write home about… except, I am writing about it, am I not?). Room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver when you’re jetlagged and craving a midnight snack. The Happy hour was…meh. I expected bustling conversations, laughter, maybe some Argentinian tango music in the background. Instead, it was relatively empty. The A la carte in the restaurant was pretty good.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Elevator (Again)
Daily housekeeping? Yep. Concierge? Always helpful. There’s a gift/souvenir shop, if you’re into that. The Air conditioning in public area worked, which was appreciated in the Buenos Aires heat. Car park [free of charge]? A win. Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities… all the usual suspects. Air conditioning works well. Safe dining setup? Definitely there, though maybe slightly overkill with the hazmat suits.
Now, a little about the elevator. The design is awful, and the buttons are tiny. It's slow. It’s beige, and it takes you up to your beige room. I’d often find myself taking the stairs.
Things to Do: Exploring Buenos Aires (and Maybe Catching Some Zzz's)
Things to do: well, you're in Buenos Aires! You're spoiled for choice! They have some Audio-visual equipment for special events if you need it, though they didn’t have any special events happening while I was there. You can arrange things like meetings, or semiars, or even request a proposal spot! They have facilities for business travelers. Meeting/banquet facilities abound.
For The Kids (and the Big Kids at Heart):
Babysitting service is available. Family/child friendly? Seems like it. I didn’t see many kids running around, mind you.
The Verdict: Worth It? It Depends.
Here's the bottom line: the Anselmo Buenos Aires has potential. It's clean, the staff is friendly, and the location is excellent. The exterior corridor is interesting, but adds character. I liked it. The safety/security feature is there. The luggage storage is a good feature.
But it's not perfect. The spa situation was a major letdown. The breakfast buffet could use some serious streamlining. And the overall vibe is… a little bland.
So, would I recommend it?
Maybe.
If you’re looking for a safe, comfortable, well-located hotel in Buenos Aires and aren't too worried about a world-class spa experience, then yes. If you prioritize cleanliness and are willing to overlook some minor imperfections, then absolutely.
But if you're seeking that "wow" factor, that genuine "hidden treasure" experience? You might want to temper your expectations. It's not a bad hotel by any means. I might go back. If the spa magically reopens.
But would I call it a "Uncover Hidden Treasure"?
Well… that feels a tad hyperbolic, don't you think?
--- Time for an Offer! ---
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Here's what you get:
- Guaranteed Cleanliness: Rest easy knowing you're staying in a hotel
Okay, buckle up Buttercup. We're going to Buenos Aires, baby! And staying at… (checks itinerary, squints) the Anselmo Buenos Aires Curio Collection by Hilton. Fancy, right? Me? I’m still wearing the same jeans I wore on the plane, and I’m pretty sure I lost a sock somewhere over the Atlantic. But hey, adventure awaits!
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Tango of Regret (Maybe)
Morning (or what passes for morning after missing half the night on the plane): Touch down at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE). Ugh, airports. Always a symphony of crying babies and the desperate scramble for the “nearest” coffee shop. Found a decent one (miracle!), chugged a caffeine concoction that probably violates several international health codes, and hailed a taxi. Driver was chatting non-stop and I understood roughly 20% of it. My Spanish is… well, "Hola" and "Dos cervezas, por favor." That’s my range.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Arrived at the Anselmo. It's… pretty. Marble everywhere, sleek and modern. I'm pretty sure I don't belong here, but whatever. Check-in was smooth, except I almost forgot my passport. Like, completely forgot it. Thankfully, I retrace my steps, saved!
Afternoon: The room! It’s beautiful. But, the jet lag. Oh, sweet, glorious jet lag. Decided the sensible thing to do was… nap. An hour turned into four. Woke up feeling like a wrung-out dishrag.
Evening: The plan was to find a tango show. A REAL tango show. One with passion and drama and hopefully, no tourists stepping on my toes. After several rounds on Google maps in the dark, I found a place. This turned out to be a tourist trap. It was a little bit cheesy, the food was a little bit… meh, and the dancers were pretty good, actually, but there was a moment where I thought I was going to have to leap from my seat away from the table in the back.
Emotional Reaction: The whole thing: From the slightly off-kilter lighting to the overly theatrical performances made me think I was living in a badly acted movie. They were pretty good, though.
After the Show: Wandered around San Telmo looking for a truly authentic tango experience. No luck. Found a street performer playing a mournful melody on a bandoneón. Pretty cool. But, still felt like I was missing something. Fell into bed, defeated. Maybe tomorrow…
Day 2: Beef, Beauty, and the Quest for Deliciousness
Morning: Woke up, surprisingly refreshed. Jet lag may finally be surrendering. Headed down to the hotel breakfast. Buffet. The height of civilization. The pastries were divine. I mean, seriously. I had to restrain myself from eating them all, but I didn't do that well. I will not apologize. I also somehow, managed to pour orange juice all over myself. Glamorous.
Late Morning: Wandered into the streets. San Telmo is the district I wanted to see. Got hopelessly lost in a maze of cobblestone streets, but discovered some incredibly charming antique shops. Picked up a ridiculously expensive, but gorgeous, vintage postcard. And, I'll admit, I may have gotten a little teary. Okay, maybe it was the fumes from the exhaust.
Afternoon: THE BEEF. This was the heart of the day. Found a highly-rated parrilla (steakhouse) and ordered… well, a lot of beef. Got lost in the language barrier.
Quirk: The waiter, bless him, tried his best, even though he could barely hear me over the din.
Emotion: It was like eating pure happiness. The meat was perfectly cooked, juicy, flavorful. Actually my mouth is watering just remembering it.
Opinion: If you go to Buenos Aires and don't eat steak, you're doing it wrong.
Late Afternoon: Found the Recoleta Cemetery. Hauntingly beautiful. The mausoleums are elaborate, like mini-palaces. Saw Eva Perón's tomb. The whole place has this air of… dignified sadness. It's intense.
Evening: Tried another tango show! This time, suggested by a "knowledgeable" local I met at the steakhouse (who may or may not have been trying to scam me).
- Honest Appraisal: It was… better. Less touristy, more grit. The dancers were incredible, the music was pulsating. But I still don't know the difference between the "milonga" and the "tango."
Day 3: Art, Coffee, and a Possible Meltdown
Morning: Explored La Boca. A vibrant, colorful neighborhood with painted houses and street performers. The "caminito" (the iconic street) is crazy crowded, touristy, but still charming. Had my picture taken with a Tango dancer. (Yes folks, even I succumb to the cliché).
Mid-Morning: Got lost in the neighborhood. Started to experience a low panic, due to the people, the noise, and the general chaos. Found a tiny cafe, probably the size of my bathroom, and ordered a café con leche. The barista made the best coffee I’ve ever had.
- Anecdote: While enjoying my caffeine-induced bliss, I swear the cafe’s resident cat, a fluffy calico, gave me the stink-eye for not sharing my croissant.
Afternoon: Visited the MALBA (Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires). The art! It was beautiful, thought-provoking, mind-expanding. I may have teared up a little in front of a Frida Kahlo painting.
- Rant: Why does art always make me such a mess?
Late Afternoon: Shopping. Found a leather jacket. It was my size but I had to get it altered. The whole process was quite convoluted. The tailor spoke no English, I spoke very little Spanish, but we managed to communicate successfully. At least I hope.
Evening: Went to a Jazz club.
- Emotion: I did not know I liked jazz. The music was excellent, the crowd was friendly… I was in heaven.
Day 4: Departure and a Promise to Return (Maybe)
Morning: A last, mournful breakfast at the hotel. Tried to copy the perfect pastries for the last time. Failed.
Late Morning: Final wander through the city. Bought some dulce de leche for my family. Did I buy enough? No one will eat it.
Afternoon: Headed back to Ezeiza. Airport chaos. The plane was delayed. The shops were expensive. The guy next to me kept snoring.
Emotion: Sad to leave. Happy to go home. Slightly in love with Buenos Aires. I will be back, I swear. Eventually. Promise.
Final Note: This trip was messy. There were highs, lows, moments of pure joy and utter frustration. The best experiences were unexpected. The language barrier was a pain. I’m exhausted, but totally, utterly, glad I did it. Now, where did I put that lost sock…?
Uncover Hidden Treasures: Anselmo Buenos Aires FAQ - (Because, Let's Face It, You Have Questions)
Okay, spill the tea. Is Anselmo Buenos Aires *actually* as cool as it looks in the photos?
Is the location actually any good? I mean, is it safe?
The rooms… what are they *really* like? Are they small? And are the beds comfy? (This is important!)
I'm a foodie. Tell me about the breakfast. Is it worth it?
Is there a pool? Because, y'know, sometimes you just need to chill by the water.
What about the staff? Are they helpful? Do they speak English? (I embarrassingly don't speak much spanish)
Alright, spill the tea. Anything *bad* about the hotel? Any major downsides? Be honest!
Speaking of personality… how is the *vibe*? What's it like to actually *be* there?
