Argentina’s cosmopolitan and vibrant capital has an illustrious history. A mix of European Belle Epoque grandeur and Latin passion, it’s perhaps best known for Peron and tango but has so much more to offer its visitors. Not least a fascinating and unique range of high-end hotels.
Four Seasons Buenos Aires
Found in the affluent and historic neighbourhood of Recoleta, this Four Seasons property is surrounded by tree-lined avenues, fancy boutiques and fashionable cafes. There’s an equine theme to the design both inside and out, with many horse-related art pieces and motifs. The Argentine symbolism continues at the spa, where treatments include wine massages performed to tango music. The elegant building houses 139 rooms decorated in classic French style, trendy restaurants and a cocktail bar with resident DJ till the wee small hours. And for some sun-soaked chill out time, there’s a heated outdoor pool.
Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
Palacio by name, palatial by nature, this grand affair from the Park Hyatt group can also be found in Recoleta. Neo-classical architecture and dazzling 1930s interiors give an air of glamorous refinement here, where the hotel is divided into the original mansion house and a new contemporary wing linked by a colourful floral boutique. Palacio Duhau’s delights include a subterranean grotto pool, three restaurants, in-house tailor, charming outdoor terraced garden and a sumptuous spa reserved for those with very deep pockets. The hotel’s 165 rooms are comparatively minimal, in calming, restful palettes and with dedicated butler service.
Alvear Palace Hotel
First opened in 1932, this was the first European style luxury hotel to land in Argentina and it was named as a Historical Monument in 2003. Evocative of its heydey, a stay here will take you back in time, to an era of swanky grandiose elegance, replete with chandeliers, antiques, gilt-framed oil paintings and cut crystal. Those preferring a modern vibe should request a room on the top floor, which received a refurb in 2016. Also on the top floor is a new spa, pool area and funky rooftop bar with amazing city vistas. Dinner is served all the way down in the basement, where a French menu by Relais & Châteaux chef Jean-Paul Bondoux is presented – and tea in the atrium is a charming way to spend a post-sightseeing afternoon.
Alvear Icon Hotel Buenos Aires
Also from Alvear, is this high rise property in the hip young neighbourhood of Puerto Madero. A perfect base to explore the bars and epicurean delights of BA, the 32 storey hotel boasts some panoramic views for dinner or sky-high rooftop drinks. Like its sister hotel, Icon is luxe and vintage, but chic. It has two outdoor pools (one with a retractable roof for inclement weather), two fitness suites, a hot tub, hammam and 159 rooms. It also has a kosher milk bar and the only kosher restaurant in the city, alongside a tapas-style eatery on the top floor (grab a window seat for the best views).
Hub Porteno Buenos Aires
This unusual hotel has no formal reception, instead, the emphasis is placed on understated discretion, offering a personalised bespoke service for guests staying in the 11 spacious rooms. The colour scheme is suitably muted, bar a colourful roof terrace, with climbing vines and plump scatter cushions. Despite being small in terms of room numbers, the hotel has its own restaurant, bar, laundry, sauna and fitness centre. Dine on Nueva Cocina Argentina (new Argentine cuisine) at Tarquino and enjoy drinks in the sophisticated bar. Hub Porteno is best suited to adult visitors, although families with children over 12 are also welcome.
Algodon Mansion
Algodon is a small boutique hotel chain offering sultry sophistication. The Mansion is the epitome of modern elegance and with just ten suites, offers an intimate feel – or you can choose to book the entire place for private parties. The understated decor is accented by some dramatic pieces, such as black chandeliers and red leather banquette seating. It’s part of the Relais and Chateaux family, ensuring fine dining is part and parcel of the experience, with wines coming from the brand’s own Algodon Wine Estate. A delightful rooftop terrace is accompanied by an open-air cigar bar, as well as an outdoor pool and the Mansion’s dinky on-site spa.