Originally Posted by GUWonder

Hotels attract business travellers and tourists more than locals. If meeting locals is the cup of tea you seek, an apartment can work just as well; for example, going to the same place for breakfast or "after work" places every day for the week will soon have you talking to people other than the local hotel staff.

I did not realize you are only going for a week, but even then the furnished apartment route can work very well.

Language issues and unfamiliarity with Buenos Aires can be a bit of a challenge, but it's nothing that cannot be overcome with some upfront planning (guide books and information from this thread) and staying in a good furnished apartment in a good neighborhood. If you go into one of the international hotels (like say the Hilton), just walk up to the concierge and I'm sure they will be more than willing to help most often (as long as you don't explicitly say you are staying elsewhere). Speaking English usually does the job to get them to help.