I was put here when there were troubles with the airlines to ensure my flight back home. The only thing I can say about the Bauen that is slightly positive is that this is why I like to make my own reservations. The hotel is old, very old. You walk into the lobby only to be greeted by seniors listenting to has-been opera singers on an overpowered amp (probably to accomodate the collective hearing loss). I could barely speak with the front desk it was so loud. Adding to the atmosphere was the cloud of smoke lingering in the lobby.

The receptionist insisted that I wait for the bellboy to take my two bags (both carry-on size that I carried from NYC to BA by myself). After waiting ten minutes I said I would rather take it myself than wait any longer. She looked puzzled and refused to hand over the key until I insisted that she give me the key. Then, only two of the 3 elevators were working and some amateur soccer teams along with a socialist party group of 20-30 kids were all waiting. I pushed to the head of the group to squeeze onto to the elevator fearing it would be another hour of listening to the opera screamers until I could unpack.

Then the room! I found the room with the door open and the maid sitting on the bed talking with a friend on the phone. I knocked on the door and she looked annoyed that I would try and enter and actually asked to see my key. The walls were chipped, the beds soft and squeeky, the windows allow all of the noise from the Callao/Corrientes intersection to seep in, there was only one outlet, no safe, and the air conditioning does not come on until summer (mind you, it was 80 degrees the night I stayed there).

I tried to change rooms and succeded in only getting on the same side, but 9 floors lower. The bed was a bit firmer, but overall the room was the same.

All in all, unless you want to be miserable, save your pesos and find someplace better.