Travel

Buenos Aires – Hotel Alvear

If you close your eyes and bring yourself to a place where your childhood memories come to life, where would that be? A place where each smell, taste and people’s tone of voice feels familiar…

Words by Marta
February 6, 2025 | 5-minute read

If you close your eyes and bring yourself to a place where your childhood memories come to life, where would that be? A place where each smell, taste and people’s tone of voice feels familiar…

I am sure we all have those mental pictures that bring us to our beloved roots. But something similar happens to me when I travel to Buenos Aires, only that it is more than 6,000 km away from the places I grew up in, mostly Barcelona and Paris. Yet, for some strange reason, that place does deeply resonate with me and every time I leave it, I long for a return until it is time again.

It might be that my dad was always planning for that day we’d cross Mendoza and Patagonia on a horseride, constantly making me fantasize about the landscapes and tangos of that land he was so fond of. Or it might be the architecture and character of the people, which I can’t avoid thinking is a blend of uniqueness and heritage from our common European roots. Whatever it is, Argentina does take a very special place in my heart and has become the best recurring escape for me – from the solo trips exploring Patagonia to the social gatherings in Buenos Aires, the discovery of that land was a literal life-shaping experience.

Over a few posts, I will be sharing a few of my favourite spots in the country. Here, I walk you through my chosen nest when in Buenos Aires – Hotel Alvear, in the neighbourhood of Recoleta.

With a Belle Epoque taste to it, the hotel would not be my usual style but its very convenient location and the history that comes with the hotel made me originally give it a try out of curiosity. It was the service, the comfort and the charm that comes with it that turned into my go-to when in Buenos Aires.

The hotel boasts a stunning facade that you can’t miss and, from the moment you step on the front door, time to relax begins! On the ground floor you can start with a coffee (always accompanied with a range of sweet treats in case you forgot you are in Argentina!) whilst admiring the grandeur of the building and make sure you don’t miss the team at the front desk for a chat as they always come back with the best tips, recommendations and ideas so you don’t miss the latest in the City.

When you get the chance, walk your way up to the rooftop – walk, don’t use the lift, because the staircases in Alvear are a pure work of art in themselves. At the rooftop bar, you can enjoy the best of Mendoza wineries, together with some snacks whilst you contemplate the beautiful views (try and spot the silver tulip!). Evening time is my favourite, as Buenos Aires has that bohemian taste to it that gets even more seductive as the sun sets.

You can’t miss the second terrace, at the opposite side of the building and next to the indoor swimming pool. In summer, that place has become my dream reading spot in the city. But what makes it for me, particularly when I go to Argentina with a busy schedule, is the excellent standards for the spa and the gym. Even if it sounds a secondary and potentially superficial aspect to judge a hotel by, the truth is that being able to fit proper exercise when you travel as much as I do is key to being able to lead a busy lifestyle sustainably. Both the equipment and the standards of the space are excellent and you can enjoy a full workout as if you were in your regular gym back home.

And finally, after days filled with tango, pistachio ice-cream, endless walks and loads of talking for sure… what a pleasure to just lay down a few minutes in the most comfortable bed whilst the team at Alvear takes care of your dinner reservations (see tips in the Buenos Aires Must Try). In style with the rest of the hotel, the rooms are spacious and with a hint of luxury that finds the balance with sobriety, just as I like it.

If you close your eyes and bring yourself to a place where your childhood memories come to life, where would that be? A place where each smell, taste and people’s tone of voice feels familiar…

I am sure we all have those mental pictures that bring us to our beloved roots. But something similar happens to me when I travel to Buenos Aires, only that it is more than 6,000 km away from the places I grew up in, mostly Barcelona and Paris. Yet, for some strange reason, that place does deeply resonate with me and every time I leave it, I long for a return until it is time again.

It might be that my dad was always planning for that day we’d cross Mendoza and Patagonia on a horseride, constantly making me fantasize about the landscapes and tangos of that land he was so fond of. Or it might be the architecture and character of the people, which I can’t avoid thinking is a blend of uniqueness and heritage from our common European roots. Whatever it is, Argentina does take a very special place in my heart and has become the best recurring escape for me – from the solo trips exploring Patagonia to the social gatherings in Buenos Aires, the discovery of that land was a literal life-shaping experience.

Over a few posts, I will be sharing a few of my favourite spots in the country. Here, I walk you through my chosen nest when in Buenos Aires – Hotel Alvear, in the neighbourhood of Recoleta.

With a Belle Epoque taste to it, the hotel would not be my usual style but its very convenient location and the history that comes with the hotel made me originally give it a try out of curiosity. It was the service, the comfort and the charm that comes with it that turned into my go-to when in Buenos Aires.

The hotel boasts a stunning facade that you can’t miss and, from the moment you step on the front door, time to relax begins! On the ground floor you can start with a coffee (always accompanied with a range of sweet treats in case you forgot you are in Argentina!) whilst admiring the grandeur of the building and make sure you don’t miss the team at the front desk for a chat as they always come back with the best tips, recommendations and ideas so you don’t miss the latest in the City.

When you get the chance, walk your way up to the rooftop – walk, don’t use the lift, because the staircases in Alvear are a pure work of art in themselves. At the rooftop bar, you can enjoy the best of Mendoza wineries, together with some snacks whilst you contemplate the beautiful views (try and spot the silver tulip!). Evening time is my favourite, as Buenos Aires has that bohemian taste to it that gets even more seductive as the sun sets.

You can’t miss the second terrace, at the opposite side of the building and next to the indoor swimming pool. In summer, that place has become my dream reading spot in the city. But what makes it for me, particularly when I go to Argentina with a busy schedule, is the excellent standards for the spa and the gym. Even if it sounds a secondary and potentially superficial aspect to judge a hotel by, the truth is that being able to fit proper exercise when you travel as much as I do is key to being able to lead a busy lifestyle sustainably. Both the equipment and the standards of the space are excellent and you can enjoy a full workout as if you were in your regular gym back home.

And finally, after days filled with tango, pistachio ice-cream, endless walks and loads of talking for sure… what a pleasure to just lay down a few minutes in the most comfortable bed whilst the team at Alvear takes care of your dinner reservations (see tips in the Buenos Aires Must Try). In style with the rest of the hotel, the rooms are spacious and with a hint of luxury that finds the balance with sobriety, just as I like it.