From US$480 + VAT with many inclusions
– After one couple told their friends about their extremely romantic engagement here, Algodon has become the place for romantic marriage proposals
– The roof-top pool is great for cooling off, but not quite big enough to swim lengths; guests do have complimentary access to a fitness studio a block away
It is impossible to write about a hotel like Algodon Mansion without gushing. This 10-room luxurious boutique hotel is pretty much perfect (especially if you’re wanting your luxury accompanied by the privacy and discretion that can be hard to come by for celebrities in Buenos Aires).
Located in the affluent residential neighbourhood of Recoleta, it is difficult to believe that the immaculate building was once almost in ruins. It began life as a family mansion in 1912, and eventually became the residence of the ambassador to the Netherlands. It sat empty and abandoned for almost 40 years following Argentina’s dictatorship. But the chairman and founder of Algodon saw its potential and revitalized it with the best of everything.
You’re welcomed to Algodon, a Relais & Châteaux property, on the sidewalk and then ushered into the cool wine bar to check-in while sipping on something refreshing. Staff manage to find the perfect balance of friendliness and formality in their impeccable service.
Algodon’s decor is lavishly understated. We stayed in the Ambassadeur Suite, and it was difficult to leave it, even for a walk in the beautiful neighbourhood. The large room has doors opening onto Juliet-balconies that look out over Recoleta’s beautiful architecture and let in beautiful natural light. The television in the centre of the room is on a swivel, so we could watch the Boca Junior match from the couch and from bed, while sipping from the private collection bottle from Algodon’s Mendoza vineyard. Rooms are high tech, but designed for people — far from the norm, even in luxury hotels. There are several lighting palettes and, thankfully, a one-button off switch. Temperature controls allow you to heat and cool various parts of the room differently, so whomever is working at the desk won’t get chilled while the other wants to cuddle under a blanket.
Bathrooms are especially stunning, though I found it difficult to choose between the Aquamass Senseaurielle bathtub and the Hansgrohe true rain shower in the big marble steam shower. Each was well stocked with L’Occitane amenities, and yes, I tried both.
I do recommend leaving your room for dinner, but you only need to go downstairs. Dining at Algodon is exceptional. Menus feature farm-fresh products from the mansion’s sister property in Mendoza, well informed service, the perfect music playlist, and, of course, Algodon Estate wines adeptly matched with each dish. This was the finest dinner we ate in our month in South America.
Get to Algodon now before everyone else learns of its exquisiteness and its ten rooms are fully booked.
