We decided to spend 4 of our 8 weeks in Argentina based in Buenos Aires. Having read an article in The New York Times, we thought it was a good idea to rent an apartment. We contacted the company mentioned in the article, but the arrogant, unhelpful, snooty reply telling me that my budget was not sufficient and I needed to increase it made it a quick decision not to deal with them any further!
The apartment from the balcony door
And so to BA4U. With around 40 apartments featured on their website, the problem became which one would we rent! I emailed frequently, asking about this apartment and that and it’s features – did it have a balcony, was it quiet, are there gym facilities…- and I received friendly, helfpul, efficient answers every time.
We went for the studio Sky Apartment, which is located in Avenida Santa Fe on the 11th floor in a tall block of 14 floors with a roof top swimming pool, deck and rather small gym facility. We arrived in Buenos Aires very early on the Monday we were to get the keys, and got to the office around 8.30am. The apartment wasn’t ready yet, but we could leave our luggage to have a wonder around the area and when we returned our luggage had kindly been taken to the apartment for us.
This apartment was furnished with a safe box in the mirrored wardrobes, a king-sized bed with the flat screen tv hanging on the wall opposite, storage furniture dividing the bedroom area from the living area. The two chairs, coffee table and “sofa” provided a compact livingroom with the floor to ceiling windows leading out to a small balcony with two chairs and a table. The kitchen had a fridge, full size oven and a two-ringed hob, microwave and had cutlerly and crockery for 3 guests. The cooking provisions are pretty basic, but it is possible to cook simple meals in the kitchen. We like our coffee but unfortunatley the machine had not been cleaned properly (I took care of that) and although it could produce coffee it didn’t allow you to froth the milk. Soon the lack of dining table and really comfortable sofa did grate, but otherwise it was a comfortable temporary home. The bathroom was pleasant with a great shower over the bath, sink, bidet and loo and plenty towels provided.
Kitchen area
For our four week stay the room was cleaned twice a week, with fresh towels and bed linen changed then. There are security guards at the entrance, Anna being particularly charming and friendly and happy to assist.
It was a great place to be based, although in time I decided that possibly Palermo would have been a better location, as we were one block away from the Subte (underground) and close to a number of supermarkets (Disco being across the street, Carrefour being a few blocks away), cafes, restaurants, laundrette and shops.
The downside? The neighbour to the apartment! Partaay central, with friends arriving from 11pm through to 2am, an all night party on Semana Santa and other nights, friends with rather schrill voices that pierced through the walls and doors opening and closing all night long! We tried to be relaxed about it, but after a few weeks our patience thinned and when approached he was friendly and tried to keep it down but his lifestyle was to sleep all day and be up all night…. the walls are thin and it felt at times like he and his friends were sitting on our bedhead!
Bedroom area
In fairness to BA4U I only mentioned it to them just before we left, saying that in future they may not want to recommend that apartment as a quiet one. They were horrified, apologised , confirmed that they do consider it a quiet apartment and said that they would speak to the neighbour about it. They arranged to take us to the airport as a way of apology, the Director called me to apologise and when we returned to our room the day we notified them of the problem we found a posy of flowers and a box of chocolates! Excellent customer care, so well done to BA4U!
Based on our experience I would heartily recommend contacting Thomas, Andre and the gang at BA4U about accommodation in Buenos Aires. My only real critism could be that they very much tailor to the gay market, forgetting that not all their clients will need male-only spas and tours….!!
Roof terrace and pool
