The clue’s in the name. CasaCalma, with its clean lines in grass green and white, does indeed reflect a sense of tranquility - a glorious escape from the hustle and bustle of the Argentine capital. A stone’s throw from central Plaza San Martín in buzzy Retiro, and near many major sights and shopping spots, this boutique hotel is all about wellbeing and green living. A certified eco-hotel, it takes its environmental credentials seriously, right the way down to the sustainable wooden pencils.
On the ground floor, minimalist white chairs, woven fibre furniture and marble table tops create an unpretentious Scandinavian look, while little handwritten signs lend a homely feel. But better still are the 17 spacious rooms upstairs. Each is designed as an individual spa centre, with big Jacuzzis and Scottish 3-head rain showers to aid circulation; Deluxe Rooms have private saunas, too. Add big comfy beds, private yoga sessions and heavenly massages, and the shopping and sights nearby suddenly seem like too much hard work. Perfect for a recuperative first or last stop in Argentina - just don't be surprised if you check in and never leave the comfort and pure decadence of your own room.
Highs
- Admirable environmental policies: the only eco-certified hotel in BA, built from sustainable materials and wrapped in plants which filter heat and save energy
- Little extras: an underwater sound system in your Jacuzzi, umbrellas at reception, and a dedicated 'guest director' to show you how everything works
- The in-room menu of pampering bath baskets (extra cost), featuring scented oils, salts and little treats such as champagne, sliced fruit or eye masks
- The 'vertical garden' outside - foliage trails over your windows, making you feel cocooned in a green oasis, and a million miles from the city
- Proximity to public transport, shopping, and historical and cultural sights
Lows
- Only a glass partition separates your bathroom from the room
- No on-site restaurant, although there are plenty within walking distance
- No outside space or pool. Seeing as its ethos is green living, it seems a shame not to have a garden, although there are plants throughout
Best time to go
CasaCalma is open all year, and often has special offers between March and July. Buenos Aires is best visited in spring (October/November), when the temperature is warm and the beautiful lilac flowers of the Jacaranda trees are in bloom. January tends to be very hot and humid (temperatures can reach 40C) and most of the porteños (locals) are away on holiday, so the city is quiet and there’s less going on.
Our top tips
Even if you’re in BA for a whistlestop, make time to indulge yourself: take a sauna, laze in your Jacuzzi and book a massage. Relaxing is almost the ‘point’ of the hotel, so missing out would be a real shame.
- Wellness Hotel
- 17 rooms
- Breakfast and lunch (+ restaurants nearby)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
Rooms
The spacious rooms are designed as individual spa centres, and their main aim is relaxation. Green plants trail over the windows, partially obstructing the street views, and double-glazing, thick white curtains and huge, soft beds with crisp Egyptian linens and a pillow menu mean falling asleep is easy.
Known as Superior and Deluxe, the rooms are almost identical throughout, with clean lines and modern white décor with a splash of green. There are 3 differences between the categories: Deluxe Rooms are larger, and come with a small balcony and a private sauna.
All rooms have huge Jacuzzis complete with comfortable head-rests. By the side are candles and a menu of bath baskets (extra cost). All feature scented oils, salts and little treats such as champagne, sliced fruit or eye masks.
There are Scottish showers, too, with 3 shower heads, which are said to aid circulation but are rather complicated to use. By the glass-bowl basins, you’ll find a generous assortment of toiletries, but should you run out there’s a stash in the cupboard for purchase. This ‘boutique’ sells everything from bath bombs to exfoliators.
When you’ve exhausted all the water and steam options, the home entertainment system will keep you busy: large plasma TVs and DVD players feature in every room, plus there’s a DVD library downstairs.
CasaCalma certainly takes its eco ethos seriously: the light wood floors and walls are all sustainable/certified wood and the swirly cream patterned wallpaper is imported from Italy, as there’s no environmentally certified wallpaper in Argentina.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- In-room treatments available
- Minibar
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast is served in the small white ground-floor dining room, which looks out onto glassed greenery. Breakfast is somewhat indulgent for a wellness hotel, with muffins, honey-glazed croissants and sweet dulce de leche, although there are cereals and fruit salad, too. There are also delicious juices made from herbs and exotic fruits native to Argentina.
Later in the day, you can order from the 24-hour room service menu of house-made burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and salads. The food is organic where possible (including the meat).
Typical of the hotel’s feel at home philosophy are the 18 white boards that hang from the wall in the dining room, which make up the honesty bar: grab a beer from the fridge and just note what you took on your room’s board.
CasaCalma's location in the city centre means it’s easy to find somewhere good for lunch and dinner. Restaurants include El Establo (Paraguay 489, just off Calle Florida), a classic steak house with uniformed waiters serving up arguably the best grilled meat in town. Or for a taste of Argentine pizza, try the hugely popular Pizzeria El Cuartito (Tacahuano, 937, 3 blocks from the hotel). It’s not smart, but heaves with locals every night of the week, with guaranteed atmosphere and good, cheesy pizzas.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Coffee maker
- Organic produce
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- Roll out your yoga mat (there’s one in every room) and unwind with a few downward dogs, or ask the hotel to book you a private yoga session led by a professional instructor
- Book a massage: a range of wonderful rubdowns is on offer, including anti-jet lag, pick-me-up, specialised Shiatsu and Ayurvedic
- Take advantage of the impressive DVD collection in the lobby
If you do manage to leave the hotel...
- Walk down famous Calle Florida in search of Argentine leather goods. If you need a helping hand, let Casa Calma book you a personal shopper
- If your Spanish skills are lacking, or you’re pushed for time, ask the hotel to book a tango show or theatre tickets for you
- Staff can also arrange a day's adventuring in Tigre on Río de la Plata, where you can fish, kayak, birdwatch, sail and windsurf
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Birdwatching
- Fishing
- Historical sites
- Kayaking
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Sailing
- Shopping / markets
- Well being
- Windsurfing
- Yoga
Kids
Children are welcome at CasaCalma and under 2s stay for free. The hotel isn’t particularly geared towards kids, however - it has no outside space, and young children wouldn't benefit from the Jacuzzis or saunas (though the large DVD collection might keep them entertained while you relax).
Family friendly accommodation:
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Babysitting:
Babysitting can be arranged on request.
Baby equipment:
Baby cots are available.
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
CasaCalma Hotel is in Retiro, in the centre of Buenos Aires.
By Air:
International flights to Buenos Aires land at Ezeiza International Airport (25km away); domestic services normally arrive at Jorge Newbery Airport (7km away), often referred to as Aeroparque. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports.
From the Airport
CasaCalma can arrange a transfer - see Rates - or you can take a radio taxi (buy a pre-paid voucher in the arrivals hall).
By Bus:
If you're travelling within Argentina, you can take a long-distance bus to Buenos Aires' Retiro bus station (not as uncomfortable as it sounds as long as you book the cama and cama completa services, which recline to 160 and 180 degrees respectively), then take a taxi to the hotel.
By Car:
We don't advise driving in traffic-clogged central Buenos Aires, but if you want to hire a car for exploring the wider region, see our car rental recommendations. Parking is available adjacent to the hotel for a charge (see Rates).
Getting Around:
The hotel is one block from San Martín Subte (metro) station, on line C.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
More on getting to Argentina and getting around
Airports:
- Buenos Aires Ezeiza International 25.0 km EZE
- Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery (Aeroparque) 7.0 km AEP
Other:
- Beach 100.0 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km