Alice G.
Yelp
Where oh where is the TEN STAR rating, YELP? This hotel not only resets all expectations, but it also includes a time machine experience to a time of more refined and gracious living.
Enter the magnificent Alvear Palace Hotel and you probably have walked into the grandest hotel you will ever experience. Opened in 1932, this hotel was designed in the Belle Époque style of grandeur for Europeans visiting Buenos Aires. Lucky for us, the hotel has somehow maintained its luxury and style though the decades.
Marble floors, gold-gilted ceilings, mirrors, antiques, wait staff with white gloves, every language spoken- an air of grace and charmed never encountered anymore.
Our room was a simple king standard and it was perfect in every way. High ceilings, gorgeous appointments, a chandelier in pristine condition dangling over the bed that had just the softest sheets ever. 6 piece bathroom, with a Tv over the bath- which I made sure to use. "House" in spanish in a luxury hotel jet tub is sometimes just the thing...Rooms were kept in pristine condition, with little foot linens laid down at night alone with the wee little box of chocolates. I could get used to this!
I also tried the spa facilities on level -2: A river stone foot bath, a huge hot tub with stainless seating and infinity pool, a dry sauna a steam room. A few hours were lost down there...
There is also a pool, but be warned it doesn't open until 1:00pm pretty much like everything in Argentina. There is also a lifeguard, which is somewhat creepy when you're the only person down there!
Back up at the lobby level, there is a Champagne Lounge, a bar (try the local sparking wine in lieu of champagne), L'Orangerie, greenhouse naturally lit restaurant, and an arcade full of stores selling Rolexes and sparky baubles. And Hermes is across the street. A good time window shopping for sure!
The concierge made a few reservations for us, but we mostly used the 5 star hotel as base camp for our more modest wanderings to the museums, the cemetery, the sidewalk cafes and the abundant fine dining options that the Recoleta holds in store.
A wonderful wonderful place- I hope I have the good fortune to return one day!