Alvear Palace Hotel

Av. Alvear 1891, C1129 CABA, Argentina

The Alvear Palace is a Buenos Aires landmark. Dreamed up by businessman and socialite Dr. Rafael de Miero, who wanted to bring back 1920s Paris grandeur to his hometown, the hotel was erected in 1932 on the corner of Avenida Alvear and Ayacucho after a decade of on-and-off construction. Then after much fanfare, it expanded in 1940, taking over an old mansion next door. For several decades, Alvear Palace was owned by the Duke of Hornes, a cousin of King Juan Carlos I, though Argentina’s economic situation saw the hotel’s reputation steadily decline. Since Anglo-Argentine developer David Sutton Dabbah (also co-owner of Patagonia’s Llao Llao Hotel & Resort) purchased the property in 1984, the Palace has been renovated and renovated again, top-to-bottom in 2011, which lowered the room count and revived the lavish Louis XV furnishings, and most recently in 2016, with the debut of sleek rooftop suites, an indoor pool, solarium, and a rooftop bar. Bathroom amenities are custom-made by Hermès. The lobby bar exudes Belle Epoque elegance, and many of the rooms, while still as picture-perfect as ever, could be mistaken for another century. There are touches of modern luxury in the spa, but over-the-top opulence is still the dominant theme running through the signature French restaurant and afternoon tea, as high society lingers.

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Enjoy an intimate tea for two

Buenos Aires runs on espresso in the morning and yerba mate in the afternoon. But most visitors won’t get the chance to acquire a taste for this bitter herb since it is not typically served in cafes—it’s a local custom you’re only likely to try if you have an Argentine friend willing to introduce you to it. As an alternative, enjoy tea for two. Recoleta’s stately Alvear Palace Hotel offers a lavish afternoon tea service complete with white linen, Kir royales, and a tempting spread of cakes, scones, and tea sandwiches; it’s like stepping back in time to the city’s elegant past. You’ll also see beautifully presented tea and cake around town in the late afternoon, when locals usually enjoy their merienda (snack.)

EZE's Most Classic Hotel

Alvear Palace certainly isn’t for everyone, as modernists and hipsters would likely want to avoid this property at all costs. That said, for those who can appreciate the splendor of ‘old Buenos Aires', there is no better place to do so than at Alvear Palace. It’s a grand hotel - similar to the Plaza in NYC or the Four Seasons in Paris. If it’s too expensive or too stuffy for you, at least stop by their amazing bar!

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