I’ve always had a special connection with Buenos Aires. Nowhere else in the world can you find architecture as beautiful as Paris’s, yet double or even triple the height of its buildings. Then there’s the tango and, of course, Argentinian asado—famous for its incredible meat quality and complemented by some of the world’s best red wines. Is there any better reason to fall in love with this city? When Condé Nast Traveler recently revealed its Readers’ Choice Awards, I was thrilled to discover that I’d be staying at their number-one hotel in South America: the Park Hyatt Buenos Aires. Often regarded as one of the top properties in the Hyatt portfolio, the Palacio Duhau is a true gem. While it’s no longer brand-new, the hotel hasn’t lost any of its glamour and still stands as one of the finest accommodations in the world.

Arriving at the Palacio feels like stepping into a fairytale. From the moment you stand in front of the grand palace and ascend its majestic staircase to a lobby straight out of a storybook, you know you’ve entered another world. The front desk staff greeted me warmly, ensuring I felt welcome and ready to enjoy my time in Buenos Aires. Our room was ready upon our 2 p.m. check-in, and we were escorted to the Posadas Building, the hotel’s newer wing. Guests can choose between the historic Palace rooms (which include complimentary breakfast and butler service) or, like us, opt for the more modern accommodations in the Posadas Tower. I preferred the contemporary design of the Posadas rooms and opted for a Deluxe Twin Garden View Room during booking. The welcome amenities consisted of a handwritten note and a box of four macaron-like pastries made by the in-house Duhau patisserie.

Our room, located on the 5th floor, offered a charming view of the hotel’s picturesque garden. The space is a popular spot for both hotel guests and locals, creating a sophisticated and elegant ambience throughout the day. We were fortunate to be allocated a corner room, which featured an extra window for natural light and even a window in the bathroom—a rare treat. True to Park Hyatt’s signature style, the room layout was thoughtful and unconventional: you could access the bathroom either through the walk-in wardrobe or directly from the bedroom. The bathroom was well-appointed, with a single vanity, a soaking tub, a walk-in shower with excellent water pressure, and a separate toilet with a bidet. Toiletries were hotel-branded and smelled elegant, though replaced the once so-unique Celedonio amenities that made this property even more unique. The two twin beds were as comfortable as you’d expect from a property of this calibre, and the room also included a cosy armchair, a writing desk with two chairs, and a well-stocked minibar. We did request to swap out the decaffeinated coffee capsules for classic ones, but this was never fulfilled—a minor oversight. Housekeeping, however, was impeccable. Although we never saw them, every corner of the hotel was spotless. Thanks to the unique location looking towards the garden and courtyard, we experienced no noise and had a truly peaceful rest.

The hotel’s spa features one of Buenos Aires’ largest indoor pools, but for my taste, the pool was too cold, and there weren’t enough lounge chairs to accommodate all the guests. The sauna and jacuzzi, separated by gender, were also busy during our visit. Instead of lingering at the pool, we took advantage of the good weather and visited the Oak Bar for a casual afternoon drink. As expected in a country renowned for its wines, the Rosé from Susana Balbo was exceptional and perfectly complemented the chic atmosphere. Since we had dinner reservations at Don Julio (often regarded as the world’s best steakhouse), we didn’t dine at the hotel’s two on-site restaurants. One of them, entirely plant-based, is a rare and intriguing option in a city dominated by the meat industry. Breakfast options are available in buffet form at Gioia Cocina Botánica or a la carte style at Los Salones del Piano Nobile atop the Duhau Restaurante & Vinoteca.

Breakfast on the Palacio Duhau terrace (namely Los Salones del Piano Nobile) was another highlight. I savoured delicious Eggs Benedict paired with excellent coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice while enjoying the first sun rays in the stunning garden. When planning my stay, I had hesitated between the Four Seasons and the Park Hyatt. In the end, I couldn’t have been happier with my choice. The Park Hyatt’s unique blend of old-world charm and modern elegance, with its combination of historic and contemporary buildings, truly sets it apart. If you’re also torn between these two hotels, here’s my advice: the Park Hyatt boasts a quieter, more central location, a more distinctive design, and an enchanting courtyard that the Four Seasons simply can’t match. That said, if you’re visiting during summer and prioritize an outdoor pool, the Four Seasons might be the better option. Once making a booking take good note that the prices on Hyatt’s website are already excluding VAT so your only savings will be via the MEP Rate that your foreign-issued credit card charges after making payments in Argentina.

Buenos Aires remains one of my favourite cities in the world—a place of vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and unforgettable experiences. Make sure to indulge and enjoy every moment of this truly magical destination.

Disclaimer: This was a paid hotel stay and the property was unaware of our presence. As usual, this review has not been influenced and represents the author’s opinion.