Four Hotels Serving Haute Cuisine in Buenos Aires
Iconic hotels that offer much more than the comfort of a good night's stay in a high-end hotel: their exquisite cuisine also stands out and is available even for non-guests.
Pleasure doesn't just come from sleep. The city's top hotels are also home to some of the most important restaurants on the local gastronomic scene. Food lovers will find a paradise where haute cuisine and sophistication merge in a symphony of exquisite dishes. The comfort is twofold: luxurious rooms with first-class service and an unparalleled culinary offer, all in the same place. These historic five-star hotels with breathtaking views and stunning architecture are located in Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, and are a must-visit for fans of gourmet and luxury experiences.
1) Alvear Icon Hotel
Its name already makes a difference, as this chain has been making waves in the capital for a long time now. The Alvear hotels are strategically located in different parts of Buenos Aires, offering the best views of the city. This icon that combines elegance and comfort is located in the neighbourhoods of Recoleta, Retiro and Puerto Madero.
Alvear Palace Hotel
The Recoleta neighbourhood stands out with its historic buildings and the typical calm of this Parisian style corner of the city. This Alvear hotel combines history with a modern design on the upper floors, which were reopened in 2016. Originally conceived as a luxury hotel to host European visitors back in 1932, the stylish furniture, decoration, crystal chandeliers and works of art end up introducing tourists to the elegance of the area. And its crowning gastronomic gem is a true reflection of all this: a rooftop with breathtaking views of the city. The Alvear Roof Bar is witness to the characteristic orange sunsets of Buenos Aires, accompanied by a menu of snacks, sandwiches, and signature drinks that are the perfect match. The Alvear Grill also does the honours of fine dining, this time as a modern grill with Argentinean elements. L'Orangerie is another area of the hotel, where you can see more clearly the decorative splendour typical of the Alvear: breakfasts, apéritifs and brunches are served here. Finally, the hotel reception also becomes a place to enjoy great cocktails.
Alvear Art Hotel
A modern building in the financial, cultural and commercial centre of the city. Inside the building you can find two restaurants: Contraluz and Artesano Bar. The first one is perfect for breakfasts and lunches, featuring seasonal products. On the other hand, Artesano Bar combines first class cuisine with signature cocktails created by the renowned bartender Renato ‘Tato’ Giovannoni, who was inspired by the glory of the Buenos Aires cocktails of the past for each drink.
Alvear Icon Hotel & Residences
This is the most strategically located of the three when it comes to views, as it is located in the neighbourhood of Puerto Madero, the one with the tall, mirrored buildings and one of the most trendy in the city. Furniture, works of art and other items from the private collection of the hotel's owners have been chosen to decorate the different spaces.
In terms of cuisine, there are up to seven different options: from Sunday Lunch with a three-step menu, to a garden restaurant for breakfast and lunch (Sunny Yard) and the Lobby Bar for cocktails. There are many alternatives to suit all tastes. There is even a place specialising in sushi, the Kosher Sushi Bar. Related to this last gastronomic style, there is also Glitter, run by the Rabbi Yosef Chehebar, making it the only luxury restaurant in the country. The other two restaurants are Kayla, located on the 31st floor and run by chef Diego Novo (the smoked duck, blood sausage croquant and cured trilla are among the best dishes). The other option is Crystal Bar, a rooftop with the best panoramic views of the city.
2) Palacio Duhau, Park Hyatt
Everything deserves a picture at this majestic hotel. Located in Recoleta, this luxurious historic building is home to rooms designed for the highest level of comfort. Spa service, an art gallery and five gastronomic options created by great culinary minds are the highlights of this hotel.
The Piano Nobile
The outdoor terrace is the highlight with its unique views and delicacies all day long. The perfect time is around five o'clock in the afternoon, to taste the sweet specialities created by the pastry chef Paula Maroni.
3) Four Seasons
Historic and iconic. In the neighbourhood of Recoleta, where the buildings and streets remind visitors of European capitals, hides this first class hotel that, apart from offering an extraordinary experience in terms of accommodation, houses 3 restaurants inside: Pony Line, Nuestro Secreto and Elena. The latter is so popular that it is ranked among the 50 Best Restaurants in Latin America. The menu consists of matured meat, charcuterie and grilled meats, paired with first class wines from all around the country. Pony Line, on the other hand, is a place devoted to cocktails and is famous for its stunning premium burgers. An ideal dating environment and the finest combination of spirits.
Nuestro Secreto has the most Argentinean attribute of all: asado, their speciality. From Wednesdays to Sundays it offers lunch and from Tuesday to Saturdays dinners are also an option. The message remains the same: a fine selection of charcoal-grilled beef, a special treat for those who have never tasted this iconic dish.
4) Faena
Creative cuisine in a charming hotel that in 2018 has been listed as one of the five best hotels in the country at the End of the World by Condé Nast magazine. Luxurious rooms and suites, a world of art, culture, and conversation and, of course, delicious gastronomic creations. One of these is Italpast, a unique experience created by chef Pedro Picciau with signature dishes and traditional flavours of the Italo-Sardinian haute cuisine.
El Mercado blends the buzz of Buenos Aires' iconic bars with the charm of Europe's open-air markets. This cosy and friendly spot displays Argentina's culinary delicacies at their finest. The star of the show? An adobe oven.
Embellished with antique volumes and decorated with red velvet, The Library Lounge is a cosy nook that boasts elegant cushioned leather sofas, meticulously ornate rugs and crystal chandeliers. You can enjoy coffee in the morning, afternoon tea or evening cocktails with live music.
The Faena's last retreat is The Cava, an underground cellar that houses the most extensive wine selection in all of Argentina. More than four thousand bottles rest within the brick walls of this sophisticated hideaway, where you can also enjoy an intimate candlelit dinner or a wine tasting in the hotel's wine cellar.