Just returned from a week-long stay in BA. If you are planning a trip, you are going to the right place. Fun, pleasant people and don't get scared off by stories of thieving cabbies etc. We had not a single incident during our entire stay. Except Tangol Soccer Tour was a bit of a rip-off. They put us in some pretty bad seats.
Anyway....just wanted to contribute a few words about the Hotel Ce Design. We stayed there for three nights and also stayed at the Home Hotel in Palermo for four nights. The rates were basically the same, but Home Hotel is much better value. Whereas Design is in a noisy neighbourhood (if your room is at the front of the hotel as ours was, you get the view, but you also get terrible street noise -even earplugs at night didn't help), whereas the Home Hotel is on a quiet street, just about 5 or 6 blocks from the bustling shop and restaurant scene of Palermo Viejo. The Home Hotel has a lovely garden to have your morning breakfast which was really pleasant way to start your day. The staff at both places were friendly, helpful and an absolute delight.
Our room at Design had a bit of a funky smell which my wife found quite annoying. Couldn't quite put our finger on what it was, but might have been from the drains.
Well in summary, my recommendation would be Home Hotel, but if you end up at Design, you will be in good shape. And at 150.00 per night. How could you go wrong.
Also....most important..... When in Palermo. The best steak I have ever eaten was the Pepper Steak at TRAPICHE.!!!!! We ate there 3 times. Can"t wait to go back someday.

We stayed at the Design Hotel with another couple (each of us early sixties). The staff, location, and price cannot be beat! The staff are all young and speak and understand English very well. They are also knowledgeable about the area and can recommend restaurants, etc. Glass doors have been put on the shower area of the tubs so that should solve the issue of "washing the floor" when you shower. Ernesto, the owner/architect is frequently around making sure things are as they should be. Our rooms each had a flat screen tv; breakfast (as well as cappuchino) was included in the rate ($130.00 per night). If I were to go back to Buenos Aires I would definitely stay here again. There is one computer in the bar area with free internet access.

CE Design Hotel is a good deal. I got a clean room, with no shower problems as described in other posts. Yes, we also met Andres in the bar, nice enough guy.

Agree with the confusion between the street name Alvear and MT Alvear, and two hotels with nearly the same name, it was a bit of an annoyance.

Had a room on the back of the hotel, so it was peaceful. Service was good except for the reception area. While they had ample maps, and information for us, they also seemed to be "arranging" with their people for cabs and tango shows. Don't use them for your transfer from the airport. The guy who picked us up had no idea how to find the hotel, the hotel address, etc. Then when it came time to leave, our cab was 40 minutes late, due to them booking at the incorrect time and then the cab driver sitting outside of the other design hotel. So, nice place, but a bit iffy on the other issues. However, it was a great price.

Let me just start by saying this hotel was a definite change for the good from the normal hotels I've stayed at. As soon as you walk in you can tell the hotel is more art deco than your Marriott. The hotel made me feel more like a friend and and the service was very personable. Everyone from Andres in the cantina to both Rodrigos', Diego, Daniela, Cali, Florencia, Victoria and Nati and everyone else I forgot made my stay so enjoyable that when I go back, it will definitely be a hotel I will return to and recommend. The girls who clean the rooms also do an impeccable job. Nothing was ever out of place and always looked great. Considering this was my first time there everyone in the hotel always helped me find whatever I needed. The room was fantastic and I was so blown away that I will definitely make this a recommended spot for me and my friends and family.