Tl;dr – There’s a new upscale option for Marriott stays in one of Buenos Aires most popular neighborhoods.
Good news for any Bonvoy members traveling to Argentina soon. There’s a new Tribute Portfolio property that looks super promising. The Recoleta Grand, an independent hotel, has joined Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio.
The Recoleta Grand
Located in a historic building – the Palacio Mihura – the Recoleta Grand is a 142-key affair that includes six well-appointed suites.
There’s some personality to the place, a distinct charm at least, and it’s pretty well-rounded: there’s a rooftop terrace, full-service spa, executive lounge, and modern fitness center.
Dining options include The Atrium, an all-day bistro; Café de Prensa; and Serpent, a lounge that may also transform into two other venues: Rayuela, La Maga, and Mansión Mihura.
Opened in 2009, the Recoleta Grand is well-located in the buzzy “Paris of Buenos Aires” neighborhood, about a 10-minute walk to the famed cemetery where you will find the memorial of former first lady Eva Perón, amongst other famous gravesites. Nearby are other popular attractions like the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires, and the Teatro Colon.
From the hotel, it’s only a 20-minute jaunt to Don Julio, a good way to work up an appetite for the massive steak you’re about to eat. Or it’s a short car ride to La Boca to get your ‘Deportivo’ on.
Also, don’t sleep on the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, an urban eco-park that is often overlooked.
Cash Rates move around from about the mid-$200s to the mid-$400s. Points rates are as low as 22,000 a night.
My Take
This Recoleta Grand is a solid addition for Marriott. I’ve spent some time in Buenos Aires, and on my most recent trip, I stayed at Park Tower, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Buenos Aires, as well as the Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires. Both hotels were alright, nothing to write home about, and in the case of the Park Hyatt – I found it to be underwhelming. For what it’s worth, there’s a Four Seasons in B.A. – though I’ve never personally stayed – and I’ve heard good things about the Alvear Palace Hotel and Faena Hotel. This is all to say – the familiar luxury brands and/or points hotel scene in Buenos Aires isn’t super robust.
So, the more new additions, the better. The Recoleta Grand screams ‘solid value stay,’ given its approachable price point and convenient location. When you factor in elite benefits, including lounge access, it might be a no-brainer.
