The Palacio Duhau is one of dozens of mansions that Buenos Aires’ aristocracy built in Recoleta during the Belle Epoque era, when the tardevictoriano-style structures along the nine-block-long Avenida Alvear helped earn the Argentine capital its designation as the Paris of South America. Purchased and renovated by the Duhau family in the 1930s, the Palacio gradually fell into disrepair. But in July 2006, Hyatt completed a $75 million renovation of the now-23-room mansion and opened the 17-floor, 142-room Posadas building next door.

Set at the top of the Palacio’s staircase, the Alvear Lobby (named for the Argentine revolutionary hero whose statue stands at the end of the street in the Plazoleta Carlos) features crystal chandeliers and travertine marble floors. Stainless steel banisters and a massive theater scene in oil by Argentina’s most renowned living painter, Guillermo Roux, add a hint of modernity to the lobby, but the emphasis throughout the Palacio is on Argentine traditions. On the fifth floor, the Duhau Suite’s wraparound balcony affords views of the Buenos Aires skyline and of the wooded Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva Perón rests.

If the Palacio represents Buenos Aires’ past, the Posadas building signifies the city’s future, with its modern-style guest rooms and suites. The two structures connect via the Paseo de las Artes, an underground walkway/gallery that exhibits contemporary works by Latin American artists.

LOCATION On Avenida Alvear in the fashionable Recoleta district of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

ACCOMMODATIONS The 165 guest rooms and suites range from the Posadas building’s Park King accommodations, which begin at 355 square feet and offer butler service on request, to the 1,700-square-foot Duhau Suite in the Palacio.

FACILITIES The hotel’s Paseo de las Artes gallery presents contemporary exhibits that change on a monthly basis. Ahín Wellness & Spa, named for the local Mapuche Indian tribe’s welcoming ritual, includes an indoor pool, a fitness studio, and five treatment rooms.

DINING Italian fare indoors and out at Gioia Restaurant; Malbec and cheese tastings at Duhau Restaurant & Vinoteca; and casual dining and afternoon tea at the hotel’s two salons. The Oak Bar serves cocktails in a club-like atmosphere.

CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS Fly by helicopter to the city of Tigre (named for the jaguars once hunted there), which is on an island 20 miles north of Buenos Aires. From Tigre, charter a yacht to cruise the waterways and visit other islands in the Paraná River delta.

RATES From $450 for a Park King to $6,500 for the Duhau Suite.

Contact:
	Palacio Duhau–Park Hyatt Buenos Aires +54.11.5171.1234, 800.633.7313 www.park.hyatt.com