Opened in 2006 to almost universal acclaim, cE is the kind of hotel as likely to be featured in an architectural periodical as in a travel guide. Located in upscale (but still downtown) Barrio Norte, this eight-story property overlooks Plaza Pizzurno, one of the prettiest squares in the city, originally designed by French landscaper Carlos Thays.
The hotel's creator, architect Ernesto Garansky, was also the brain behind nearby Design Suites & Towers. cE is newer and better maintained but appeals to a similar demographic—young fashion-conscious couples, and corporate travelers who like refined surroundings.
Goransky is a master of mixing concrete, glass and steel in new, attractive
ways; of creating translucent surfaces using mirrors, stainless steel and water features; and of creating spaces that are cool without being cold. He's a modernist conscious of his own roots, harmonizing fine Argentine leather and textiles with imported materials such as Scandinavian crystals. These motifs run throughout the premises and give it a sense of uniformity, and of a single, singular vision.
The large and luminescent lobby culminates in a patio garden. Check-in is quick and efficient, the staff fluent in both English and the protocols of good service. The bar, also on the ground floor, doubles as the breakfast area, its long sofas and lighting both kept seductively low. Lunch and dinner are not served but room service runs round the clock and the staff cheerfully brings takeout orders from local 
restaurants to the guest rooms.
A staircase leads to the basement where you'll find several meeting rooms, the fitness center and pool (both small), and an innovative exhibition space that showcases local art. Parking is on the premises (small surcharge) and pets are not permitted. Fast wireless Internet access is up and running in all the communal areas.
The rooms and suites are loft style, mixing white and cream appointments with dark-wood beams and tables and terracotta throws and shams. Standard appointments includes king beds, LCD TVs, microwave ovens, minibars, toasters, high-speed Internet ports, safe boxes big enough to store laptops in, and air conditioning. The baths come 
with whirlpools, free-standing basins and excellent toiletries. The higher-priced suites have terraces with great views of the Plaza, work desks and living rooms with sofa beds.
Smoke-free and wheelchair-accessible rooms are in the mix.
This is a high concept, 'total design' hotel, packed with flourishes and imbued with a sense of drama and daring. Those looking for something comparable but in a lower key might prefer 725 or the Hotel Madero. Those who gulp when they see the rates at the Faena Hotel Universe should give cE serious consideration.
