Buenos Aires Luxury: Unforgettable Stay at Hotel Solans Carlton
Buenos Aires Luxury: My Unforgettable (and Slightly Flawed) Stay at Hotel Solans Carlton - A Review That's Actually Real
Okay, so I just got back from Buenos Aires, and let me tell you, it was a whirlwind. I'm still trying to unpack – both my suitcase and my brain. But before the jet lag fully takes over, I HAVE to tell you about my stay at the Hotel Solans Carlton. They call it "luxury," and honestly, they're not entirely wrong. But like any good trip, it had its moments, its quirks, and its, shall we say, character-building experiences.
SEO & Metadata (Blah, Blah, Blah – Let's Get to the Good Stuff):
- Keywords: Buenos Aires Hotel Review, Luxury Hotel Buenos Aires, Hotel Solans Carlton Review, Wheelchair Accessible Buenos Aires, Spa Buenos Aires, Pool Buenos Aires, International Cuisine, Argentine Travel, Hotel Amenities Buenos Aires.
- Metadata: (This is important; I actually had to learn about this)
- Title: Buenos Aires Luxury: Unforgettable (and Flawed) Stay at Hotel Solans Carlton - A Real Review
- Description: Honest review of the Hotel Solans Carlton in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Includes accessibility, amenities, dining, and personal experiences. Find out if this luxury hotel is worth the hype!
- Keywords (as mentioned above).
First Impressions & Accessibility (The Good, the Meh, and the "Did They Think This Through?")
First things first: arriving. The location is pretty darn central, which is huge in a city like Buenos Aires. Finding a taxi was easy, and the hotel itself… well, it has that "luxury" vibe nailed down right from the lobby. Think polished marble, gleaming chandeliers, and enough staff to make you feel slightly… intimidated.
Now, for accessibility, and this is where things get a little complicated. The website touted "facilities for disabled guests," which is great. The lobby, elevators (thank GOODNESS, because #legdayisoverrated), and common areas seemed accessible. But then I started looking closer.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: The main entrance was flat. I checked (because, you know, I'm a curious cat). But some areas, like the outdoor terrace (we'll get to that) had some… let's call them "architectural challenges." The elevators worked, and that's a MUST.
- Elevator: Definitely a win. Didn't get stuck, which is always a bonus.
- Accessibility Score: 7/10: Room for improvement, especially on the terrace.
- Accessibility Breakdown:
- Elevator: Tick.
- Accessible Rooms: (Didn't test one; I'm not, I just checked to see how it went in general, and they had them).
- Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: More on this later but had access.
The Room: My Little Buenos Aires Sanctuary (Mostly)
Okay, about the rooms. Mine was… spacious. Like, I could have held a small tango lesson in there. The air conditioning blasted, which I appreciated because, Buenos Aires heat is no joke. The bed was HUGE and comfy, with a bunch of pillows, the blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in, plus, it had a window that opens (important for fresh air, even in a fancy hotel).
- The Good:
- Air conditioning (bliss).
- Free Wi-Fi! (Okay, I needed this to post my Insta stories about how glamorous I was).
- Complimentary tea & coffee: Early mornings without a coffee, isn't fun.
- Bathtub & separate shower: Perfect after a long day of exploring.
- Extra long bed: Excellent for sprawling.
- In-room safe box: A must, and the digital display.
- Mini bar (not that I touched it much – I was saving my pesos for empanadas).
- Bathrobes & Slippers: Ahh, pure luxury.
- Daily housekeeping: The room was immaculate every time I came back.
- Non-smoking: Thank goodness.
- The Not-So-Good (and The Slightly Annoying):
- The TV remote felt like it was from the Stone Age. I mean, seriously? It needed a degree in rocket science to navigate.
- The soundproofing… well, let's just say I could sometimes hear the faint sounds of… celebratory tango music from the street. It' didn't make me stay up all night, but still.
- The alarm clock: It did the job but it was old-fashioned and not exactly user-friendly.
- They had toiletries.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Journey of Culinary Discovery (and Occasional Confusion)
Okay, let's talk food. Hotel Solans Carlton has a whole host of options, which is both a blessing and a curse.
- Restaurants: Yes, plural! Restaurants!, at the hotel. Mostly international.
- Bar: Yes, and yes to the poolside bar.
- Coffee shop: Needed that!
- Room service [24-hour]: Perfect for midnight cravings.
- Snack bar, happy hour, and poolside bar: The poolside bar was a must.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Let's start with breakfast. I'm a buffet kind of girl. The Solans Carlton's buffet… oof. Western breakfast, Asian breakfast (interesting!), buffet in restaurant, and a buffet of desserts (like, what!), and coffee/tea. It was huge… and chaotic. The lines! The scramble for pastries! But the food. Yes, the food, was great. The selection was vast, from the usual suspects (eggs, bacon, fruit) to local delicacies (try the medialunas!). The Asian breakfast was a nice touch.
- A la carte in restaurant: I had a few meals like that with the international cuisine in restaurant and the vegetarian restaurant selection.
- Desserts in restaurant: Too many desserts.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Days & Poolside Bliss (Mostly)
Ah, the good stuff. This is where the Solans Carlton really shines.
- Swimming pool (outdoor) - Pool with view - Pure magic. The pool itself is stunning, and the view is, well, breathtaking and the poolside bar is a must.
- Spa: Yes. Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Fitness center, Gym/fitness.
- Body scrub, Body wrap. Amazing. I tried the body scrub, and walked out feeling like a new person.
- Sauna. I enjoyed the sauna.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe, Despite My Paranoia
In these post-pandemic times, cleanliness and safety are ultra important. I was happy to see that the Solans Carlton took things seriously.
- Staff trained in safety protocol, Hand sanitizer, Safety/security feature, and Security [24-hour].
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays. I have no complaints here. I actually felt safe.
- Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options.
- Cashless payment service.
- Safe dining setup.
- Room sanitization opt-out available.
- Shared stationery removed.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Concierge: Helpful, but sometimes a bit… slow.
- Daily housekeeping, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage.
- Elevator, Convenience store.
- Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Taxi service, Car park [on-site].
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange.
- Doorman.
- Contactless check-in/out.
- Food delivery.
- Smoking area.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly? Maybe…
They did have a babysitting service, and were family/child friendly, yes,, but I'm not a parent, so I can't speak to the specifics of the kids facilities or kids meal.
Getting Around & Other Bits & Bobs:
- Airport transfer
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Valet parking is available.
- Bicycle parking.
- Taxi service.
- Car park [free of charge]
My Overall Verdict:
The Hotel Solans Carlton… it's an experience. It’s a good experience, for the most part! It's luxurious, has a fantastic location, a wonderful pool, and offers a great spa. Even if you’re just visiting Buenos Aires for a short while, this hotel will make for a great
Escape to Paradise: Lale Hotel Awaits in Kas, Turkey
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, messy, and probably slightly hungover reality of a trip to Buenos Aires, base of operations: the Hotel Solans Carlton. This isn't your polished travel brochure; this is the real deal. Prepare for chaos… and hopefully, some amazing empanadas.
Buenos Aires: Operation Tango & Total Disorientation (with intermittent sleep)
Day 1: Arrival, Confusion, Empanadas (and a near-meltdown)
- Morning (aka: whenever I manage to unglue myself from the plane seat): TOUCHDOWN. Buenos Aires! Finally. After a flight that felt longer than the actual lifespan of my last pair of jeans. The airport is a blur of Spanish I vaguely remember from high school, a frantic search for my baggage (pretty sure it's currently vacationing in Iceland), and the overwhelming feeling of being completely and utterly out of my depth. I did, however, manage to successfully exchange currency, albeit at a rate that likely had me ripped off by some amount. But hey, "When in Rome…" (or, you know, Buenos Aires).
- Afternoon (aka: the Great Hotel Hunt): The taxi to the Solans Carlton… what an adventure! I'm convinced the driver was auditioning for Fast & Furious: Argentina Edition. We careened through the city, the only thing seemingly keeping us from total destruction being the grace of God and the car's slightly-shaved windows. The hotel itself? It's actually pretty charming. A bit faded around the edges, maybe a touch of vintage wallpaper that could be considered delightful or just plain grandma-ish – either way, it's home. The room? Small, but hey, it's Argentina! And the balcony? Glorious. Already visualizing myself sipping Malbec and watching the world go by.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening (aka: The Empanada Revelation): Okay, this is where things get good. After a quick (and desperately needed) shower, I braved the streets in search of sustenance. Found a little hole-in-the-wall place a few blocks from the hotel called "Empanadas El Paraiso" (Empanadas Paradise). I ordered six. Six. I'm not even ashamed. They were, hands down, the most perfect things I've ever put in my mouth. The beef ones were savory bombs of deliciousness, the chicken ones were tender and perfectly spiced, and the cheese and onion ones… oh, the cheese and onion ones. I'm pretty sure I blacked out and woke up covered in crumbs. Definitely going back tomorrow. And maybe ordering twelve.
- Evening (aka: The Tango Tourist Trap, and a Slight Meltdown): So, I thought I could waltz into a tango show, get swept away by the romance, and emerge a graceful, sensual being. Yeah, right. The show was… let's just say it felt a little bit like a Vegas production of Romeo and Juliet – lots of sequins, dramatic poses, and a distinct lack of authentic feeling. Plus, the empanadas gave me a bit of a gassy edge and I was starting to feel a little off. I spent almost an hour in the bathroom, praying to the Gods of travel that the night would soon come to an end. My stomach was the main star of the show, and the dancers were clearly not getting the applause they deserved. I was ready to leave, but I didn't want to be the awkward tourist. So, I persevered. It was a struggle, but I made it through. My emotional rating? 1/10, and getting sick was not on my itinerary.
- Night (aka: Sweet, Sweet Sleep (hopefully)): Back to the hotel, exhausted, slightly deflated, and hoping I don't wake up with empanada-induced indigestion. This bed feels like a cloud after the stressful night I've had. Praying for a solid eight hours of sleep. Tomorrow, I conquer the city again.
Day 2: Coffee, Shopping, and the Curse of the Shopping Mall
- Morning (aka: Coffee and the Pursuit of Happiness): The alarm went off at a reasonable hour, which is already a victory! The balcony is bathed in sunshine. Coffee from the hotel is, thankfully, decent. Armed with caffeine, I put on my big girl pants and was off. The goal? Explore the San Telmo neighborhood.
- Late Morning (aka: San Telmo Shenanigans): San Telmo is charming and cobbled-stoned! I had a great time walking along the streets, enjoying the architecture, and looking at the stores and stalls. I bought a hand-painted ceramic mug that is ridiculously out of character for me. I didn't go to the market - I'm not sure if I had the energy. I felt the urge to go see the Casa Rosada (Pink House) but decided to skip it to preserve the energy for another day.
- Afternoon (aka: Mall Madness): Being the tourist I am, I decided to go to the shopping mall. I was looking for a hat. I was sure I'd hate it but I was also sure it would be a good memory. I spent hours wandering around and was almost ready to give up, but I found a hat that suited me! I was ready to go outside and show off my new accessory. As I was walking, I realized I had forgotten my phone! So I walked back in the mall, but I couldn't find it! Panic started setting in. I got a bit frustrated, and I finally gave up. The mall felt like a labyrinth of overpriced stores and screaming children. I was so ready to go back to my hotel, forget about the hat, and never step foot in a shopping mall again.
- Evening (aka: Empanada Redemption): Back to "Empanadas El Paraiso!" Twelve empanadas this time, no regrets. I savored every single bite, and, for a few glorious moments, the world felt perfect. Did I get another empanada-induced sleep-in? Probably. Do I care? Nope.
- Night (aka: Planning, Procrastination, and a Tiny Bit of Despair): I spent the last hour in my room, wondering what I had gotten myself into. I can't wait to go home, but I'm also excited for tomorrow. I don't know what I want - but I'm hopeful. I hope I will be able to manage my travel plans better!
Day 3: Recoleta Cemetery, Evita, and the Pursuit of Artistic Inspiration… Gone Awry
- Morning (aka: Cemetery Shock and Awe): Recoleta Cemetery. I mean, who goes to a cemetery on vacation? Apparently, I do. And it's… mesmerizing. The mausoleums are like tiny, elaborate palaces, housing the dearly departed in a bizarre display of eternal opulence. I was walking around, muttering "Holy moly" to myself every few steps. It's a strange, beautiful, unsettling place, and I spent a good hour just wandering around, completely lost in the grandeur and the morbidity of it all.
- Late Morning (aka: Evita and the Weight of History): Evita's tomb. Everyone has to see it. Right? The sheer power of her story, her charisma, the way she embodied the hopes and dreams of a nation… it's all quite overwhelming. I found myself getting a little choked up. You can feel her presence there, even after all these years. I'm not usually one for historical figures, but Evita… she got to me.
- Afternoon (aka: The Art Museum Debacle): Okay, this is where things go off the rails a bit. I thought I'd embrace my inner art critic and visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. I wandered around for a bit, feeling thoroughly under-educated and slightly intimidated by all the "art." I couldn't find anything that didn't make me yawn. After an hour, I found myself desperately wishing I had brought a good book (and maybe a comfy chair). I needed to go somewhere for a drink.
- Evening (aka: The (Delayed) Artistic Revelation (with a Side of Vino): Found a cute little café. I ordered my standard Malbec. And the best part? The cafe was filled with people. I got to hang out with the friendly locals and I felt at peace with where I was. The sunset over the city. It was a perfect ending to a day that had seen so many highs and lows. I realize that not everything has to be planned.
- Night (aka: Packing Panic and Pre-Departure Blues): Sadly, tomorrow is departure day. I am not quite ready to leave. But I have to. I spent over an hour packing, agonizing over what to leave behind. I spent an hour or so staring out the window, thinking about my favorite parts of the trip. I'm going to miss this city.
Day 4: Adios, Buenos Aires (and a promise to return)
- Morning (aka: Last-Chance Empanadas and a Rambling Farewell): One last empanada, one last cup of coffee, and a final stroll around the block to soak it all in. I'm leaving with a heart full of memories, a suitcase full of souvenirs (and maybe a few empanada crumbs), and a vow to return to this crazy, beautiful, frustrating
Alright, Spill the Beans: Is Hotel Solans Carlton REALLY "Luxury"?
Look, depends on your definition of "luxury." I've seen hotels that make Buckingham Palace look like a Motel 6. Solans Carlton… it's good. Really good. Let's just say, it's not the kind of luxury where a swan-shaped towel beckons from the bed, and a butler whispers sweet nothings in your ear. It's more… robust luxury? The kind where the marble in the lobby *feels* real. The staff actually seems happy to help (a miracle in certain parts of the world, let me tell you). Think solid, classy, and with a touch of faded grandeur that only Buenos Aires knows how to pull off.
The Rooms! Are They… Decent? 'Cause TripAdvisor Photos Lie.
Okay, real talk. The rooms are lovely. I stayed in one that, if I’m honest, was *probably* bigger than my entire apartment back home. Big windows looking out… well, at least it *felt* like looking out at Buenos Aires. My first impression? "Wow. This is… a lot of room." Seriously. It was a tad overwhelming at first, but I quickly got used to it. The bed? Like sinking into a cloud of happiness. I did a tiny happy dance when I saw the rainfall showerhead. And the towels? Fluffy. Gloriously fluffy. Honestly, I almost stole one. (Don't tell anyone.)
Breakfast. Tell me about the Breakfast. 'Cause a bad breakfast can ruin a holiday.
Breakfast… bless their little Argentinian hearts. The breakfast is a *treat*. Expect strong coffee (you'll need it for all that exploring!), fresh pastries that melt in your mouth, and enough fruit to make you feel kinda healthy. But the best part? *Dulce de leche*. Oh, sweet baby Jesus, the *dulce de leche*. I may or may not have eaten an entire jar throughout my stay. (Okay, I did. Don't judge me). The eggs were perfectly cooked, the service was attentive without being suffocating, and they had a little station for making fresh orange juice. Seriously, breakfast alone might be a reason to go back.
Location, Location, Location! How's the Hotel Situated?
Fantastically. It's right in the heart of the action. Close to everything! You can walk to a bunch of cool neighborhoods, like Recoleta (where you can channel your inner socialite), or head in the other direction and find yourself getting wonderfully lost in the colorful La Boca. Honestly, I did get lost a couple of times. Mostly because my sense of direction is about as reliable as my ability to speak fluent Spanish (non-existent!). But the hotel's central location made it super easy to get back on track. Taxis are plentiful, the metro is nearby (though I chickened out and never used it), and you're surrounded by fantastic restaurants and shops. Winning! The only downside? It can get a little noisy at night. But hey, that's Buenos Aires! Embrace the chaos. Or bring earplugs.
Service? Were the Staff… actually *helpful*?
Okay, this is where Solans Carlton really shines. The staff are *amazing*. Seriously. Always friendly, always helpful. They were patient when I butchered my attempts at Spanish (which was *often*). Front desk staff were super good at getting taxis, giving recommendations. The concierge? A lifesaver. Dude knew everything. I asked him about Tango shows, dinner reservations, how to get to the famous Recoleta Cemetery… he even pointed me in the direction of a decent coffee shop that didn't taste like dishwater. I'm convinced some of them were secretly my personal PR team.
Any Downsides? Gotta be *something* that annoyed you.
Alright, alright, alright. There's always *something*. The gym was… well, let's say it was "intimate." Tiny. The equipment looked like it hadn't been updated since the 90s. I peered in once, took one look at the treadmill, and promptly decided to walk around Buenos Aires instead. (Much more rewarding, trust me.) Also, the elevator was slow. Like, *really* slow. Sometimes I just took the stairs, which was good for my glutes, but a bit of a pain when you're hauling luggage. And the air conditioning... well it worked. But it also sounded like a jet engine taking off. Earplugs are your friends.
Okay, Let's Talk Price. Is This Hotel Going to Bankrupt Me?
Look, "luxury" is relative, right? Solans Carlton won't break the bank *completely*. It's not budget travel, but it's also not the kind of place where you're paying for the air molecules. Check prices ahead of time, because they fluctuate like crazy. You *might* find some deals, especially if you're traveling during the off-season. I personally considered it a great value. It’s a good balance.
The Pool! Does It Exist? Is It Decent?
There *is* a pool. On the roof, I believe. But... and this is a big but... I didn't actually go. Okay, I *saw* it. I peeked. It looked… nice enough. Pretty small, sun loungers, that sort of thing. But honestly? Buenos Aires is so full of amazing things to do, I just didn’t find the time. You've got tango to learn, steak to devour, and neighborhoods to wander. Is there a pool? Yes. Did I use it? Nope. Maybe next time! But honestly, I was too busy stuffing my face with more dulce de leche.
Would You Go Back? Be Honest.
Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Despite the slightly dodgy gym and the jet-engine air conditioning, I loved it. The location was perfect, the staff were fantastic, and the breakfast… oh, the breakfast! I'd go back just for the dulce de leche alone. Honestly? It was everything I wanted it to be. Buenos Aires is a whirlwind of energy and beauty, and Solans Carlton was a perfect, comfortable haven to come back to at the end of the day. Do it. Book it. You won't regret it. Just… maybe bring earplugs. And a jar of your own. For the dulce de leche, obviously.
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