Accommodation ideas for Buenos Aires and Santiago

Spent may hours looking at options. Zac suggests San Telmo or Recoletta in BA - good central locations. Found a reasonably priced appartment in San Telmo - thought that might be a good idea for 4 of us. Talked it over with Zac and he's highlighted other issues. Saying in a hotel or hostel - opportunities to meet people and to get advice on sights to see etc. Sound advice, so now we're looking at other options.