As it turns to winter in the northern hemisphere, we head south for summer weather. This week we start our tour of South America with the best hotels and top suites of Buenos Aires.
1. Alvear Palace Hotel
2. Faena Hotel Buenos Aires
3. Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires
4. Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
5. Park Tower, A Luxury Collection Hotel
1. Alvear Palace Hotel
Forbes Travel Guide writes, “Alvear Palace Hotel is the gilded grand dame of the ritzy Recoleta district in Buenos Aires. Long a favorite of Argentine high society, the neoclassical 1932 building exudes opulence inside and out, from the ornate lobby to the white-gloved bilingual butlers. Buenos Aires has been referred to as the Paris of South America, and the Alvear exemplifies the city’s past European influences. The opulent décor is pure French Louis XVI — the lobby is covered in plush carpets, crystal chandeliers, rich velvet curtains, gold-detailed furniture, and soaring marble columns and floors. Make your way to the uppermost levels of the stylish property to explore the new heated indoor pool and accompanying bar, stunning solariums and the cozy Alvear Roof Bar, all complete with stunning city views. A highly acclaimed French restaurant, intimate spa and fitness center, and a legendary see-and-be-seen lobby bar complete the regal Alvear experience.”
The Telegraph adds, “This palatial hotel is in the heart of noble, tree-lined Recoleta – the most elegant neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It’s just over a mile from the Teatro Colón (the city’s fabulous opera house), a 10-minute stroll from the not-to-be missed Recoleta cemetery, and less than five minutes to a delightful park and an artsy outdoor market. The location is unbeatable for those wanting to soak up the culture, history and architecture of the glory days of Buenos Aires.”
Royal Suite
The 1,950-sq.ft. Royal Suite replicates Parisian apartment design blended with modernist pieces. It offers views of the parks of Recoleta. There is a formal reception hall, a large living room, a dining room to seat up 8 people, a studio, a large bedroom, and two bathrooms with botticino Italian marble, with hydro massage, sauna, and LCD TV. For a private service, the suite has a small kitchen with a separate entrance. The curtains and upholstery in French fabrics, the chandeliers of glass and bronze, Slavonian oak floors, as well as Argentinian works of art, highlight the different rooms of this impressive suite.
More suites at Alvear Palace.
2. Faena Hotel Buenos Aires
Conde Nast Traveler reports, “The neighborhood is Puerto Madero, right on the waterfront. From outside, the red brick building that Faena occupies does nothing to hint at the over-the-top decor of what lies inside. The place is designed by Philippe Starck—need we say more? It’s dark and dramatic, with red velvet curtains, deep carpets, rose-tinted glass, and firetruck red leather sofas. Lots of red and black everywhere, with a touch of the ridiculous. White unicorn heads with bejeweled eyes? Yup. Grandfather clock and vintage photos of gauchos? You betcha. None of it makes sense, yet it feels right.”
Forbes Travel Guide says, “The red brick exterior of Faena Hotel Buenos Aires projects a low profile, but the interiors of the luxury hotel are bathed in rich reds and black marble, creating a sexy, dramatic ambiance. Doormen don elegant top hats and long-tailed coats, but Faena Hotel is far from staid — its endlessly hip, with beautiful people mingling about its roster of swank niceties such as the clubby Library Lounge and the sceney pool bar. Designed by the ever-inventive Philippe Starck in collaboration with fashion impresario and owner Alan Faena, the unique hotel in the buzzy Puerto Madero neighborhood of Buenos Aires appeals to traveling celebrities and stylish, influential local movers and shakers.
Imperial Suite
The 3,975 sq. ft. Imperial Suite is a grand two-story residence with curated San Telmo antiques, floor-to-ceiling arabescato marble baths and a stately hand-crafted dining table that accommodates 10 guests under a majestic crystal chandelier. Ideal for entertaining, the ground floor features a sophisticated drawing room that connects to the dining room and full-service kitchen. The second-floor master and guest bedrooms are flanked by two expansive terraces with city and nature views.
More suites at Faena Hotel Buenos Aires.
3. Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “A Belle Epoque mansion and a 12-story tower make up this hotel. Inside, the decor mixes traditional with contemporary aesthetics—think mahogany and leather furnishings, and decor and amenities that play up Argentina’s passions for horses, tango, and wine. The landscaped gardens are stunning, and there’s even a heated Roman-style pool.”
The Telegraph adds, “Reassuring levels of luxury on the outskirts of Recoleta, one of the city’s most historic neighbourhoods. The Argentine love of horses is subtly reflected throughout the hotel, while the country’s passion for wine and tango feature in treatments at the spa. Expect warm service and a buzzing bar and restaurant.”
La Mansion Presidential Suite
Located in La Mansión, this 1,927-sq.ft. suite is filled with elegant Old-World décor, including original antiques that evoke 18th-century France. There is a large balcony overlooking the gardens. The dining room seats 10.
More suites at Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires.
4. Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
The Telegraph writes, “On the most iconic avenue of the city’s famous Recoleta district, this neo-classical palace makes a superb base for culture vultures and architecture lovers. Recoleta, the most noble of the Buenos Aires barrios, is a joy to stroll, with exquisite French architecture, ritzy boutiques, plenty of parks and cafés and the extraordinary world-famous cemetery. It’s a 15-minute walk to the nearest subway.”
Forbes Travel Guide says, “One of the two buildings that make up the chic Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires is a Belle Époque-style palace from the 1930s, the other is a sleek, minimalistic tower. Both exude an understated regality — the kind that comes with discreet and flawless service in the most elegant of settings. The surrounding Recoleta neighborhood is upscale, too, and guests here will have a bevy of nearby boutiques and buzzy restaurants from which to choose.”
Duhau Suite
The 1,720 sq. ft. Duhau Suite is on the top floor of the palace in Belle Époque, with custom furnishings, original art, and an 94—sq. ft. wraparound terrace.
More suites at Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires.
5. Park Tower, A Luxury Collection Hotel
Forbes Travel Guide reports, “Classical, eclectic design and good taste reign at the 180-room Park Tower. Italian marble, Christofle silver, Persian rugs, Coromandel folding screens, German glassware and handpicked antiques are the norm here. No matter which accommodation you choose, you’ll enjoy a scenic view. Half of the guest rooms overlook the bustling port and Rio de la Plata, while the other half have panoramas of the buzzing metropolis that is Buenos Aires. Home to a 17th-century tapestry depicting Alexander the Great, the Lobby Lounge is one luxurious spot for respite. Park Tower’s well-equipped fitness center on the third floor won’t disappoint. You can even opt for a massage or facial post-workout.
Three-Bedroom Presidential Suite
Occupying the entire 23rd floor of Park Tower, 4,900-sq.ft. St. Regis Suite has been the home away from home for many presidents, royalty, and renowned artists. Louis XV French-style décor, fine English furniture, and authentic, precious antiques from both Europe and Buenos Aires attest to the general opulence, which greets guests as they exit the private elevator and enter the suite’s lobby with a seated waiting area.
More suites at Park Tower.
