Alvear Palace Hotel

The Alvear Palace Hotel presides as the grand dame of hospitality in the Recoleta district of Buenos Aires. Built in 1932, the elaborate Parisian facade and gilded interiors have impressed everyone from Antonio Banderas to Donatella Versace to the emperor of Japan.

A recent multimillion-dollar renovation polished the palatial style while reducing the room count from 210 to 197, explanding the accommodations' size, adding a new Grand Suite, and providing jetted tubs and TVs in the bathrooms. Dining opportunities include La Bourgongne, one of South America's top French restaurants, and L'Orangerie, a legend for Sunday brunch and afternoon tea. Leisure opportunities include an indoor pool, spa, and fitness center. And the meeting opportunities include 11 magnificent halls—the capital's first choice for social and corporate events for more than 80 years.