Review

Stranger things have happened, but not many. A Palermo Viejo mechanic’s workshop has become Buenos Aires’ most stylish boutique hotel.

What was the spare parts shed is now an art deco super-suite, and what was the garage pit is now a turquoise pool overlooked by sculptures of angels. Designed and owned by the inspired carpenter Diego Padilla and the interior designer Eugenia Choren – who styled the Rincón del Socorro Estancia in Los Esteros del Ibera – Costa Petit opened in late 2006, the product of the couple’s passion for wood and fabrics.

The result is a work of art. Diego’s wood flooring and furniture is subtly complemented by Eugenia’s use of soft textiles. Guests – mechanics included – can now rent the entire hotel for US$800. But if you are willing to share, there are four rooms to go round.

Open the heaviest wooden door in the province and stroll into Costa Petit’s library lobby and sitting room. This chill-zone room is just a metre away from the pool. The pool is a couple of metres away from the smoothly sophisticated rooms. The bar is a metre away from the sofas that overlook the pool and Brazilian grass garden, overlooked too by the suites. This private haven in a happening area is boutique-hotel heaven.