1551 Palermo

I love small boutique hotels with an authentic family feel, and they don't get much more intimate than this—a small urban find tucked away in Palermo Soho, one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. The townhouse has just 3 suites and 2 private apartments. "Some of the rooms are a little small but the crisp white linen and colorful fabrics make them cozy rather than cramped," says Scott Areliaza, who stayed there recently. His pick is the loft-like Master Suite with its king-size bed, deep bathtub, large windows, private outdoor patio overlooking the garden and pool, and wood-burning stove for cooler nights. All the rooms have Wi-Fi but only the suites have TVs. There's no restaurant but a kitchen-bar offers light breakfasts and snacks, and cocktails and wine are served by the pool from noon until 2 a.m. The living room is also available for private cocktail parties or dinners. Ask the staff to arrange tango lessons—with dance partners—or an in-room Thai massage. Palermo Soho has lots of funky bars and restaurants, and local designer shopping is seven blocks away in Honduras Plaza Cortazar.

Room rates from $150.