In reviewing our choices on TripAdvisor, we came across a property that was higher ranked than Legado, cheaper and located in Palermo Soho (our friends advised us that Palermo Soho was an ideal home base for our excursions in BsAs and recommended the area over San Telmo and Recoleta. After visiting, we could not agree more. Palermo Soho is centrally located with a bohemian residential feel, filled with small independent shops and outstanding restaurants. In comparisons to New York City, it is the Brooklyn Heights of BsAs). This other property only had six rooms and when we went to book it, we were told that none of the rooms were available for the entire length of our stay. Instead of contorting around their schedule, we searched for and found Legado. Our plan was to spend the initial three nights at Legado, then switch to the other property for the final four nights (in the same neighborhood). It did not work out that way.

Legado Mitico is a small boutique hotel with 11 rooms, all theme-based on an important figure from Argentine history or culture. We booked the El Pintor room for three days, an homage to Argentine painter Benito Martin. We informed Legado that we would be arriving early morning in BsAs (due to our red-eye flight time) and that we wanted to check-in early. That was not a problem. We landed in BsAs mid-morning, hopped into a taxi and were at the hotel within an hour of landing.

Legado has a nondescript, grey-green façade and is located on a quiet, tree lined cobblestone street in Palermo Soho. As with other places in BsAs, it is surrounded by numerous buildings in various stages of demolition and renewal. Graffiti is present everywhere. Not on Legado. We were met by a guard at the front door (Legado maintains a 24-hour guard presence outside the property) and ushered into an oasis of quiet and calm. The entry foyer rapidly transforms into the front desk, which is also occupied by someone from the hotel 24 hours a day. Immediately behind the front desk, the first floor flows into a long, large library/dining room/lounge with free internet access (it has a dedicated computer and WiFi) and fireplace. The back wall of the first floor is glass, opening onto a enclosed courtyard with chairs. We cannot begin to explain how idyllic and peaceful this room was during our stay. The fire was always tended and inviting. The books and pictures surrounding the room also make it warm and inviting. The hotel staff are always within reach, ready to provide a glass of wine or water or anything else necessary to make our stay enjoyable. We spent many an afternoon in this lounge area, plotting our next foray into BsAs.

On our arrival, we were provided complimentary beverages (breakfast was still being served in the dining room, which is included in the price of the room). Within minutes, we were shuttled up to El Pintor. The room was fabulous. Located on the second floor, it faces the front of the building with two French doors. It contains a firm king-size bed and more than ample storage. It also has a large bathroom with a great configuration. That first day, we spent a few hours getting freshened up before hitting the sights. Immediate access to El Pintor was the best remedy after 16 hours of travel time on a red-eye.

Over the next three days, we were constantly impressed by Legado and its staff. The room and the property were maintained meticulously. We were given great choices for breakfast. The limited room service (mostly beverages) was prompt and good. The concierges were knowledgeable and helpful (and friendly) in making sure that we got everywhere we needed to be. We met several of the other guests and they appeared to be having similar wonderful experiences. But honestly, for most of the time, it felt like we had the entire property to ourselves, with a devoted staff to attend to our needs.

We checked out after three days wistfully. Moving on to the other hotel proved to be a night and day experience. Not only was our room not ready for occupancy late in the day, it was incredibly small and cramped. After spending an eventful night at this place, we were on the phone the next morning to see if Legado had any space for us to return. Luckily, they did. Not only did they find us a room, but they welcomed us back. They gave us their best room at a reduced rate and our second stay was actually cheaper than the first few days spent at Legado.

We returned and spent the final three nights of our stay in La Primera Dama, a room decorated in tribute to Eva Peron. It is one of Legado's largest rooms and overlooks the courtyard to the back. It has a wonderful whirlpool bath. We felt like we had returned home. We could not say enough about the wonderful staff or attention to detail. Legado was wonderful.

To keep things in perspective, we spent on average $220 a night for lodging, which is considered expensive by Argentine standards (compare to 400 € + per night for similar lodging in Paris in the First Arrondissement). But for the price, we lodged at a top-notch property within walking distance of fabulous restaurants in a great neighborhood. We had two incredible rooms, with exceptional amenities and bathrooms. We are planning on returning to Argentina soon and will make sure to stay at Legado Mitico whenever we make it to BsAs.