Where to stay in Buenos Aires

Share

comments

^{Contributed by Ignacio Maza – Executive Vice President, Signature Travel Network}

I recently travelled to Argentina, and visited our two Signature partner hotels in Buenos Aires. Both properties are very well located in La Recoleta, the city’s best and most convenient residential neighbourhood. Here are my notes:

Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt, Buenos Aires

The former home of a prominent Argentinian family was turned into an elegant hotel and opened as the Park Hyatt Buenos Aires in 2006. The property is two hotels in one: The historic Palacio Duhau (where the former owner’s family lived) on Avenida Alvear, and a modern high-rise building with an entrance on Calle Posadas. Between the two distinct wings is a manicured garden with terraces – an oasis in this bustling city.

Unique features:

• The hotel has a total of 165 guestrooms, including 39 suites. Guestrooms are very spacious, and start at 355-430 sq. ft. Suites come in various sizes and configurations, and go up to over 1,700 sq. ft.. The Palace wing has fewer guestrooms and a higher proportion of suites. The modern wing has a many rooms with views of the garden and Buenos Aires.
• Connecting the two buildings are the gardens above ground and a modern underground passage below, where you will find an art gallery, wellness space, lap pool, and fitness center. This is a fantastic retreat after a day of sightseeing in the city.
• The hotel offers three different restaurants: Gourmet restaurant Duhau, and Gioia or the Piano Nobile space for casual dining and breakfast. In addition, guests have access to the Oak Bar, the Library (where tea is served daily) and a wine bar (Vinoteca).

Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta

This stylish, high rise hotel is located on Calle Posadas, in the heart of the fashionable Recoleta neighborhood and convenient to many key sites, restaurants, shops, and attractions in the city. Sofitel Buenos Aires is housed in a modern building and has the French charm and warm hospitality the brand is known for.

Unique features:

• Sofitel Buenos Aires has 175 generously-sized guestrooms and suites, ranging from 390 to nearly 800 sq.ft.
• Children under 12 can stay with their parents at no cost.
• Guestrooms feature a comfortable, contemporary design. Many rooms on the upper floors have views of the city. Book a luxury suite with access to the Executive Lounge on the 18th floor – a great added value.
• The hotel offers all-day dining at Alma Restaurant, an Argentinian grill, starting with breakfast service. In addition, the hotel has a great French pastry shop called La Patisserie, serving coffee, tea, and freshly made treats.
• Sofitel Buenos Aires also features a wellness space with a fitness centre and swimming pool.

Travelling to Argentina? Here are some handy tips:

• Book your hotel stay, domestic flights, and ground arrangements as far in advance as possible. Argentina is very popular at the moment, and there are weeks in winter 2024-25 that are already sold out or heavily booked.
• If flying Aerolineas Argentinas on domestic flights, book Premium Economy. You’ll sit at the front of the plane, in what would be considered USA domestic first class. In addition, premium economy passengers get priority check-in, a more generous baggage allowance, and better on-board service.
• When arriving in Buenos Aires, your immigration/arrival ‘stamp’ will be sent to your email. Make sure you have this handy on departure.
• When flying out of Ezeiza airport (EZE) on an international flight, give yourself plenty of time as the lines for security and immigration can be quite long.
• The currency situation is complex and ever-changing, because of the high rate of inflation. There are two exchange rates: an ‘official’ rate and a “Blue Dollar” (informal/unofficial) rate.  A recent development: When paying with a US-based Visa or MasterCard, foreign travellers receive a special “MEP” rate, which is close to the Blue Dollar rate. This is a big plus, as travellers no longer have to carry large amounts of cash with them to pay for everything. Better yet, when paying with a foreign credit card, you do not pay for the I.V.A. (local value added tax). Two Notes: First, American Express does not offer a MEP rate in Argentina at this time. Second, this is subject to change, so it’s best to check when arriving at your hotel for the latest information.

Book your stay in Buenos Aires with your personal travel manager and ask about the exclusive Signature Travel Network offers available. Find out more here.

Comments