Alvear Palace Hotel

We arrived at 5:45 pm, having skipped both breakfast and lunch, and were immediately encouraged by the front desk to enjoy the gym and pool after grabbing a snack. A thoughtful suggestion. The room wasted no time asserting its personality. What began as “hand issues” quickly evolved into a safe that locked our valuables inside and then refused to open. Assistance arrived and, without either my wife or me present to observe, opened the safe containing our belongings. A second person was summoned, batteries were changed, and after a prolonged pause the safe decided to cooperate again. One can only assume this was all part of the security theater. We then prepared for the pool, only to discover the robes provided were too small for both of us. I called the front desk and was confidently informed that “the robes are only one size.” This was fascinating, given that I was looking directly at two visibly different sized robes hanging in the room. When I pointed this out, the call ended. I later clarified that I disconnected after being lied to. They called back anyway, perhaps hoping the laws of physics had changed. To compensate, the hotel delivered a complimentary bottle of wine worth approximately seven dollars. A bold choice, and exactly the caliber of gesture one expects from what was once marketed as the best hotel in the world. Eventually, correctly sized robes appeared. Properly robed at last, we headed to the pool. After navigating the earlier adventures, we arrived shortly after 7 pm to discover the pool closes at 6 pm. This was particularly impressive since the receptionist had explicitly recommended we use it. A masterclass in coordination. Upon returning from the closed pool, I called the concierge to arrange dinner at a restaurant we know well and have visited multiple times. We were told it was full, along with virtually every other restaurant this Monday evening. Curiously, this did not prevent a recommendation for a restaurant they had pushed years ago, which was mediocre then and apparently remains a favorite. I passed. We walked one block, found a restaurant immediately, and returned to discover the key system had decided we no longer lived in the room. Back to the front desk. An employee accompanied me and explained that the keys must be separated in order to open the door. An elegant solution, had anyone bothered to mention it earlier. The door opened. While standing inside, it was casually remarked that the room “feels hexed,” which was comforting. Moments later, the elevator doors opened directly into the hallway while he was standing in our doorway, allowing passing guests to enjoy a full view into the room. Privacy, it seems, is an optional upgrade. In conclusion, this stay felt less like a luxury hotel experience and more like an interactive exhibit titled What Happens When Reputation Replaces Competence. The building remains impressive. Unfortunately, excellence has clearly checked out, likely sometime before 6 pm.

We'd been to the Alvear Palace quite a long time ago and liked the hotel way back then. The hotel is maintained to the highest order. Service is professional yet friendly and very helpful. Try the breakfast buffet and drinks at both the rooftop and lobby bars. Good location.

Our stay was excellent in every way. Great location, friendly and courteous staff. Great food, rooms spacious, beds comfortable,

Tranquil, old world atmosphere. We enjoyed our excellent room, the hospitable staff, lovely breakfast service, good enough workout facilities, and the Lobby Bar. And of course the location is great for exploring both Recoleta and easy connections via walking or bus to other great neighborhoods as well.

I'm staying here right now and I'm in love!! This hotel is amazing and so is the service. Upon arrival we checked in for our cruise (Seabourn) and then went to ask for our room. Not only were we able to check in at 11am, we were lucky enough to get a room upgrade???!!! The room is massive and my friend and I literally got two bathrooms and two bedrooms in it. Gorgeous. The rooms have everything you could ever need. We also went up to the pool and swam around for a bit, having the whole place to ourselves. Then we had a spa booking for a massage, shout out to Elisabeth, she was my masseuse and it was relaxing. I wish I had more nights here. Wonderful hotel.