Park Hyatt Palacio Duhau, Buenos Aires

Location

The hotel is located in the elegant French heritage district of Recoleta, close to the Colon Theatre, the stateliest theatre in South America, the National Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Latin American Art. And it’s only a short walk to the ten-acre Recoleta Cemetery, where generations of Argentina’s elite are buried: patriarchs, presidents, poets and, of course, Evita. On her nondescript black marble tomb you can still read the words: “Don’t cry for me Argentina, I remain quite near to you.”

Accommodation

Whether in the Belle Époque palace or the newer tower, the rooms are spacious and luxurious, featuring butler service, plush beds, complimentary WiFi, fully stocked bars and marble bathrooms, each with a shower and separate bathtub. Palace rooms pay tribute to the building’s Thirties style, with Persian carpets, silk curtains and crystal chandeliers. While tower rooms lean more towards contemporary, minimal tastes, with neutral tones and classic black-and-white photos of Buenos Aires through the ages. The two buildings are connected by an underground art gallery showcasing both local and international artists.

Dining

The dining is as exquisite as the décor is elegant. The Duhau Restaurant & Vinoteca serves sophisticated Argentine cuisine and 7,000 bottles of Argentine wine (the fruity but dry torrontes is especially refreshing). The Piano Nobile salon offers beautiful views of the garden and a decadent all-Argentine cheese cave (be sure to try the tres leches, a cheese made from cow, sheep and goat milk). Back in the Old World, Gioia Restaurante & Terrazas serves modern Italian fare, while the Oak Bar provides the perfect place to unwind with a cigar or a brandy after dinner.

Facilities

Facilities run as deep as the pockets of the clientele. The spa is the most extensive in town, with separate saunas and jacuzzis for men and women, an 82-foot swimming pool and a list of treatment options that must be at least half that long. There’s a fitness studio complete with state-of-the-art cardiovascular and isotonic equipment, and a classically designed garden in which to soak up the sunshine. Additional guest services include baby-sitting, valet parking, complimentary shoe shine, a floral boutique and a gift shop with international newspapers.