Hotel Alvear at night (Photo: Lionel Fernández Roca)
Imposing and majestic, Alvear Palace Hotel stands its ground amongst the impressive hotels that line the street towards Recoleta Cemetery. The hotel is home to four bars: L’Orangerie, La Borbogne, the Cigar bar, and the Lobby bar, each of which is immaculately designed with extravagant fittings. The latter is among the notables, making the list as a result of its history and presence within one of the most prestigious hotels in Buenos Aires.
Fitted wall to wall with elegant French wooden panelling, the bar draws you back to the time when its doors first opened in 1932. Sitting within the plush chairs and gazing around at the array of elite guests it feels as unrealistic as the set of a movie.
Nestled to the side of the hotel lobby, the bar is possibly the most visited of them all, but maybe not the most desired. Among the transitional space of the lifts, with bell boys moving luggage around and throngs of guests being lead to their rooms, the lobby is the perfect spot to wait and sip a glass of wine or coffee while waiting for someone else.
L’Orangerie Tearoom at Hotel Alvear (Photo: Eduardo Mineo)
But perhaps its glory ends there: despite its beauty and ornate features, the bar is lacking a certain charm. The energy or spark the bar once may have had when graced with the presence of stylish Argentines in the 1930s is missing. Thus perhaps a more worthy visit may be L’Orangerie, which boasts a unique afternoon tea with fancy pastries and blends of tea.
The Lobby bar, however, is still in keeping with the refined majesty of the hotel. Adorned with chandeliers and bouquets of red roses, the décor is pristine, and completely in keeping with the range of stylish cocktails served, well-received by the guests the hotel welcomes in.
My wife and I had drinks there recently and it was just as you described. Very enjoyable. Will go back. But be prepared. Price of drinks are over the top.