Buenos Aires is one of the most famous cities in the world. Known as the Paris of the South, it is a charming mix of Latin and European influence. The Recoleta neighbourhood is lined with with Haussmanian boulevards and elegant buildings whilst San Telmo and La Boca provides a glimpse of the more Latin side of things with brightly coloured buildings jumbled together and tango dancing in the street. Buenos Aire sis the gateway to the rest of Argentina and all that this proud and beautiful country has to offer. From the salt flats and vast canyons of the north right down to the Patagonian ice fields in the south via the Argentine pampas, the stunning wine region and wildlife rich peninsulas and wetlands, there is so much to see. Buenos Aires is always the best place to start and is blessed with a wealth of luxury hotels. Read on for our pick of the best the city has to offer.
The Alvear Palace
This is probably the most iconic luxury hotel in Buenos Aires. Located in the elegant Recoleta neighbourhood, it is the heart of Buenos Aires high society, where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy afternoon tea in l’Orangerie, sip on a cocktail and ensure they are seen at the right address. The décor harks back to the 1930s with marble pillars, gold leaf and tear drop chandeliers.
The rooms are dressed with gold-leaf print bedspreads and Louis XVI furniture. Toiletries are Hermes, nothing but the best in this exceptional hotel. The style is not all old-world luxury as the top two floors house fifteen new suites, all exuding modern elegance and with a dedicated lounge.
For some of the finest steak in town, guests can book into the Alvear Grill, serving the best of Argentina’s prime cuts. For relaxation, head to one of the two pools, one of which is rooftop or book into the sumptuous spa for an afternoon of pampering. This really is the best address in Buenos Aires with style and service to match.
Palacio Duhau
Just around the corner from the Alvear Palace, is a Grand Hyatt hotel, the Palacio Duhau. Similarly grand, the property is more understated palatial elegance. The service matches that of the Alvear Palace, think butlers, attentive waiters and concierges capable of conjuring up whatever you require however the design is more neutral.
The rooms are decorated in calming creams and chocolate hues. The marble bathrooms are palatial enough to make you regret all your choices in your own house and the large windows offer views over the majestic city.
Guests can dine on a range of cuisines in the hotel’s restaurants. In the Duhau Restaurant and Vinteca, signature Argentinean dishes are paired with the finest wines from the country. For cuisine that focuses on sustainability and diversity, Gioia Cocina Botánica is the spot with exceptional plant-based dishes. The Patisserie serves elegant pastries, and the Oak Bar is a great spot for a cocktail or glass of wine.
Hub Porteño
The only boutique property on this list, Hub Porteño firmly holds its own as one of the best hotels in Buenos Aires. Behind a discreet front door on a quiet street in Recoleta, lies this elegant, cool and unique hotel. Guests are greeted by warm and friendly staff , known as Experience Concierges, and invited to sit briefly for a welcome drink before being shown to their room. No check-in process here as everything is done in a relaxed, discreet manner.
The rooms are spacious and elegant and each is decorated in a unique style. This hotel is all about connecting guests with the real Buenos Aires. The staff are passionate about showcasing the best that the city has to offer and go out of their way to help guests with all the little details.
Their in-house restaurant is Lima, an exceptionally cool eatery that encompasses a fusion between Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, known as Nikkei. This is a fusion that dates back over 100 years and echoes the authenticity that runs through everything at this hotel. Hub Porteño offers the style and service of a luxury hotel combined with the intimacy of a house.
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The Four Seasons
The Four Seasons name always conjures up images of elegance and luxury and the Buenos Aires property is no exception. Occupying one of the most desirable addresses in the city, it is located in Recoleta and spread across a 20th-century mansion and contemporary high-rise. The rooms exude classic style in soft creams and neutral colours, bright and airy with a fresh feel. Suites are more opulent and feature chandeliers, golds and reds.
The pool and spa offer the perfect opportunity for relaxation. The heated pool is Roman-style and the spa has a range of relaxing treatments, perfect after a day exploring the city.
Enjoy a cocktail in the Pony Line bar with décor inspired by Argentina’s proud Polo tradition. Head to their restaurant, Elena for dry-aged steaks and some excellent wines. For a local tradition you cannot beat Sunday barbecue (asado) – in the hotel’s secret garden.
Faena
Designed by Philippe Starck, this hotel is everything you would expect from the famous designer, in a cool and exciting location. The property sits in the Puerto Madero district, home to cool bars and great restaurants and perfect for those looking for a more lively vibe different to the sedate and traditional Recoleta. Philippe Starcks signature red is evident as soon as you step inside the hotel. The rooms are decorated in white with red accents, large mirrors and Starkesque details such as armchairs with swan neck arms.
The Faena is home to the best tango show in town, Rojo Tango. Guests can enjoy an incredible show accompanied by a three-course dinner in the El Cabaret bar. For dramatic dining, look no further than Bistro Sur where unicorn heads adorn the walls and fine food the tables.
The hotel offers a hammam bath, not typical in Latin America and a very welcome addition to its wellness menu which includes a beautiful spa, yoga classes, personal training and tango lessons. This is an eclectic and exciting hotel in a vibrant part of the city.
Casa Lucia
Casa Lucia is the newest luxury opening in Buenos Aires and brings a touch of mid-century style to the Recoleta neighbourhood. Behind its elegant façade sits a luxury hotel well able to hold its own amongst the other big names in neighbourhood.
The grand entrance makes an immediate impression with soaring ceilings and large windows and elegant plants. The décor in the rooms is classic and stylish with neutral tones softened by warm wood accents.
Le Club Bacan is the bar to head to for an aperitif or some of the best mixology in the city. For fine dining on some of Argentina’s best dishes, guests can enjoy La Cantina restaurant. With a well-stocked wine cellar, top-notch staff and stylish décor, this is a welcome addition to the Buenos Aires luxury scene.
Simon Williams
Simon Williams is Director of Humboldt Travel. Humboldt Travel is a luxury travel company specialising in tailor made holidays to Latin America, Africa and Asia. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
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