With branches in Salta, Bariloche, El Calafate and Tierra del Fuego, as well as this, the flagship, in the capital, visitors can now travel the considerable length of Argentina without spending a night in any lodging other than a Design Suites. One of the first design-hotels in the city, this establishment now faces strong competition from the likes of 725 and Sofitel's Hotel Madero, though it is still a sleek showroom for up-to-date designer wares and high-tech gadgetry and, like all hotels of its type, aims to offer guests an "experience" as well as (if not more than) room and board.
Etched-glass doors open to a futuristic chrome lobby, with glazed concrete floors and halogen lighting fixtures that resemble UFOs. An adjoining sitting area provides some color with Turkish carpets under chic calico-upholstered seating. A long dramatic
corridor passes more glamorous conversation areas. The staffers look cool but act warm—a good balance, and not always the case in this type of establishment.
The corridor ends at the restaurant, where all meals are served. The breakfast buffet (included in the rates) is the most notable meal here. The unique bar is divided in two by a one-lane lap pool that shimmers and glows eerily at night. Here, one guest at a time can practice butterfly strokes between shots of chilled Absolut.
The small gym is a disappointment, but free passes to one of the city's finest fitness centers, three blocks away, are included in the rates. Other public areas include the 5006 Art Gallery (book one of their excellent artists' workshops 
tours) and the multi-brand DShop.
A naturally lighted meeting room for 50 delegates hides in the basement. Parking is free, and pets are not permitted.
Accommodations consist of spacious standard suites (Junior Suites) and larger one-bedroom suites with sofa beds suitable for children. Like most of the hotel's public areas, guest rooms overflow with cutting-edge appointments flown in from France, Italy and Tribeca. Each unit has stark white walls and pine-plank floors, mod-appointed sitting areas, and open closets that actually look good open. The lighting is wonderful. Beds are mostly king models with fluffy feather duvets, and baths have cantilevered plate-glass vanities with chrome sinks, magnifying mirrors 
and whirlpool tubs. Suites have sliding pocket doors that double the rooms' size when opened fully. Dining rooms adjoin modest kitchenettes with microwave ovens, toasters, wet bars and refrigerators, and coffee-lovers' hearts will skip a beat when they see the professional-style espresso machines. All units offer data ports and free Internet access, three phones, voice mail, TVs, CD players, safes and hair dryers. Room service never stops.
Unlike many big-city design-hotels, this one has accommodations that are just as exciting as the public areas—perhaps more so. Design Suites' only design flaw is the thinness of the rooms' walls—you're more likely to be kept awake by your neighbor than by traffic noise.