Alvear Palace Hotel
One Michelin Key
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Hotel Details
Location
Buenos Aires
Argentina, South America
Brand
Ace Hotel
Hotel Group
Ace
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Key Highlights
- ✓Inconsistent Service**: While service is generally excellent, isolated incidents of inattentive service at breakfast or issues with staff not proactively resolving problems have been reported.
Expert Review: Alvear Palace Hotel
The Alvear Palace Hotel in Buenos Aires, a distinguished Michelin Key One-Keys property, consistently garners high praise for its timeless elegance, exceptional service, and prime location, solidifying its reputation as a quintessential luxury destination in Argentina.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general sentiment for Alvear Palace Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a "grand hotel" and "unforgettable experience". It is celebrated as the "high-society heart of Argentina" and a benchmark for luxury hospitality, earning it a Michelin One Key for providing memorable experiences that combine design, service, and location. While most reviews highlight its opulence and impeccable service, a few recent criticisms point to isolated issues with cleanliness and value for money.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud the Alvear Palace Hotel for its historic charm, opulent European-inspired design, and attentive service. The hotel's beautiful architecture and pleasant atmosphere contribute to a memorable stay. Key amenities that receive commendation include the luxurious spa and fitness center, which features steam baths, saunas, a vitality pool, and a well-equipped gym, and the Alvear Roof Bar, offering sweeping city views and expertly mixed cocktails. Its excellent location in the upscale Recoleta district is also a major draw.
3. Room Quality
The rooms and suites at the Alvear Palace Hotel are described as spacious, luxurious, and meticulously designed, often adorned with Louis XVI furniture, floral-print gold-colored bedding, and impressive art. Guests appreciate the comfort of the beds, the quiet ambiance, and the attention to detail, such as the provision of Hermès bath products and bottled water. Many rooms feature deep marble baths, and some suites include hydromassage bathtubs. While the hotel maintains an old-world charm, recent renovations have incorporated modern technology amenities and sleek updates to upper-floor suites, including an indoor pool and solarium. However, a few recent reviews suggest some rooms, particularly bathrooms, may still feel dated to some guests despite upgrades.
4. Dining Experience
The dining experience at Alvear Palace Hotel is a significant highlight. The breakfast at L'Orangerie Restaurant is frequently described as "legendary" and a "feast," offering a splendid continental and international buffet with a wide variety of exquisite local products. The Alvear Grill offers a fresh take on classic Argentinian cuisine, focusing on premium meats prepared on a wood-burning grill, with a vegetarian menu and extensive wine list also available. Guests can also enjoy a variety of delicate food choices and drinks at the Lobby Bar and the Alvear Roof Bar. Afternoon tea at L'Orangerie is a particularly cherished experience, featuring delicious cakes, pastries, scones, and a fine selection of teas, including an exclusive "Alvear Blend".
5. Service & Staff
The service and staff at Alvear Palace Hotel consistently receive high praise for being elegant, gracious, helpful, professional, and attentive. Many guests report feeling "well taken care of" and highlight the exceptional concierge service, which is noted for assisting with bookings and providing local recommendations. Housekeeping is also commended for keeping rooms perfect. The multilingual staff further enhances the guest experience. However, a few recent isolated complaints mention inattentive service at breakfast and a lack of proactive solutions from staff regarding room issues.
6. Location & Accessibility
The Alvear Palace Hotel boasts an outstanding and enviable address in the stylish and upscale Recoleta district of Buenos Aires. This prime location provides guests with easy access to the city's top attractions, shopping districts with luxury boutiques, and vibrant nightlife. The hotel is approximately 1.0 km from the city center and is conveniently located near public transport stations. It is also within walking distance of many interesting places and cultural attractions. The hotel is wheelchair accessible and offers an elevator.
7. Value & Pricing
The Alvear Palace Hotel is a luxury property, and its pricing reflects this. Room prices booked on KAYAK in the last two weeks ranged from $361 to $513. The average price for a weeknight was $476, while a weekend night averaged $895. July is noted as the cheapest month to stay, with prices potentially dropping by 52%, while November is the most expensive, seeing a 116% rise. While many guests consider the experience to be worth the cost, some recent reviews express disappointment regarding the overall value for the price paid, with some finding it "overpriced". Non-resident guests are subject to a city tax of USD 1.50 per person per night.
8. Common Complaints
While largely positive, some recurring criticisms and issues mentioned by guests include:
- Cleanliness Concerns: Despite a high rating for cleanliness on Agoda (9.8), some guests have expressed disappointment regarding cleanliness, with one recent review citing a blood-stained towel in the bathroom and lack of follow-up from housekeeping.
- Dated Rooms/Facilities: Although renovations have occurred, some guests find certain aspects of the rooms, particularly bathrooms, to be dated. One review noted the floor was carpeted and creaked.
- Inconsistent Service: While service is generally excellent, isolated incidents of inattentive service at breakfast or issues with staff not proactively resolving problems have been reported.
- Billing Errors: A significant complaint involved a guest being double-charged for rooms and expenses, with the issue not being resolved promptly by the hotel.
- Amenities Not Open: One guest mentioned that the rooftop bar was advertised as open but was not, and concierge staff were unhelpful when informed.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While largely positive, some recurring criticisms and issues mentioned by guests include:
- •Inconsistent Service**: While service is generally excellent, isolated incidents of inattentive service at breakfast or issues with staff not proactively resolving problems have been reported.
- •Billing Errors**: A significant complaint involved a guest being double-charged for rooms and expenses, with the issue not being resolved promptly by the hotel.
About One Michelin Key
One Michelin Key is awarded to hotels that offer a very special stay. These properties are characterized by their unique personality, high quality, and ability to create memorable experiences for guests.
