Buenos Aires regularly attracts visitors from around the world who come to enjoy the shows, tango dancing, museums, wine, shopping and other pleasures, while staying at the city’s numerous luxury hotels.
Located in the exclusive Recoleta neighborhood, Alvear Palace Hotel is one of the oldest luxury hotels in the Argentine capital, but it's still one of the city’s best.
Drawing inspiration from Paris’ Belle Époque and keeping European guests in mind, construction started in 1922, with the hotel opening a decade later. The hotel was most recently updated in 2004, but it still retains its glamorous, Old World style of opulent luxury.
Part of the dessert cart at Alvear Palace Hotel — Photo courtesy of TESS Worldwide
The lobby and public areas are decorated in Louis XIV and Louis XV styles, with crystal chandeliers, gold leaf, marble columns and works of art. Moving on to the private areas, all the spacious rooms, suites and grand suites are tastefully decorated in a luxurious European style with antique chandeliers and graceful French furniture.
You'll also find Hermes bath products, mineral water, free WiFi and butler service. Choose from smoking and non-smoking floors. A stay at the hotel also includes daily buffet breakfast in elegant surroundings.
You don’t have to be a guest to enjoy the hotel, though. Alvear Palace has the best afternoon tea in Buenos Aires, served from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
Served in the Orangerie, the tea is a tiered vision of delicate tea sandwiches, pastries and scones served with lemon curd and jam and an optional glass of champagne. The tea service comes to a close with a dessert of your choice from the dessert cart.
The gloves-wearing staff is bilingual and attentive, regularly coming by to pour you some more tea.
Otherwise, the hotel's dining options include French restaurant La Bourgogne, and for relaxation, a spa. They offer a variety of massages, spa circuits and beauty treatments. For a real splurge, go for the Alvear Experience: you get a four-handed massage, milk and rose petal bath, gold treatment, facial, body polish and a glass of sparkling wine.
The hotel is located near sites like the beautiful Recoleta Cemetery, the National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Decorative Arts, as well as luxury shopping at Patio Bullrich and Buenos Aires Design.
The hotel can arrange transportation to those places, or you can enjoy the walk through this lovely neighborhood, where many embassies and fine residences can be found.
