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Destination Traveller

Alvear Palace Hotel

By the Destination Traveller editors · 30 October 2026

Recoleta, Buenos Aires, Argentina

The Alvear Palace is Buenos Aires' grand hotel: gilded, chandeliered and quietly impeccable, on the city's most elegant avenue in Recoleta. It has welcomed travellers since 1932 and remains the classic place to recover from the long flight before heading south to Ushuaia and Antarctica.

Best for: Travellers who want classic grand-hotel style in Buenos Aires before heading to Patagonia or Antarctica.

Where it is

The hotel stands on Avenida Alvear in Recoleta, a leafy district of parks, mansions, museums and cafés often called the Paris of South America. The Recoleta Cemetery and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes are a short walk away, and Palermo and San Telmo are a quick taxi ride. Ezeiza airport is about 45 minutes; Aeroparque, for flights to Ushuaia, around 15. See our Antarctica expedition cruise.

Rooms and suites

There are 207 rooms and suites decorated in a classic French style, with silk, gilt and marble bathrooms; many come with butler service. On the 10th and 11th floors, the newer Lounge Suites have a more contemporary design, and the Roof Garden Suite has its own terrace. Grand suites run to the Royal Suite at 176 square metres.

Food, spa and the rest

L'Orangerie serves a famous breakfast and Sunday brunch beneath a glass ceiling, the Lobby Bar is the place for afternoon tea, and the Alvear Roof Bar has views across Recoleta. The spa has a heated indoor pool and solarium on an upper floor. Service is classic in the best sense, attentive without fuss.

The moment

Afternoon tea in the lobby beneath the chandeliers, then a walk through Recoleta as the city wakes up for dinner at ten.

Why we chose it

Before an Antarctic voyage you want somewhere restorative and reliable, and the Alvear is both: spacious rooms, a superb breakfast, butlers who can sort laundry and last-minute shopping, and a beautiful neighbourhood to explore. It is a grand hotel that still feels personal.

When to go

Spring (October to November) and autumn (March to May) are lovely in Buenos Aires, with jacaranda blossom in November. The Antarctic season runs from November to March, so most travellers pass through in Argentina's summer, which is hot and lively.

The longer stay

Two nights before the voyage is wise, in case of flight delays. Add more for tango, steakhouses, the Teatro Colón and a day trip to the Tigre Delta or an estancia.

Part of our Big Trip

A large blue iceberg with a natural arch in calm water

An Antarctica Expedition Cruise

From about £9,000 per person

Questions

When did the Alvear Palace open?

It was transformed into the hotel we know today in 1932.

How many rooms does it have?

207 rooms and suites, including Lounge Suites on the upper floors.

Is there a pool?

Yes, a heated indoor pool and solarium in the spa.

How far is it from the airports?

About 45 minutes from Ezeiza and about 15 from Aeroparque, where many Ushuaia flights depart.

Is Recoleta a good area to stay?

Yes, it is one of the city's safest and most elegant neighbourhoods, ideal for walking.

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