Best Luxury Hotels in Buenos Aires

The 173-room Sofitel is a luxury option in the Retiro neighborhood, sitting on a tree-lined street within walking distance of several sights as well as the Retiro station. The stately lobby makes a striking first impression: It has a high glass ceiling, black-and-white tiling, and elegant chandeliers. Rooms are also stately, with attractive artwork, thick curtains, marble bathrooms featuring separate showers and tubs, and classic blue and gold decor -- but some may find the look a bit staid. Due to its location and its numerous meeting rooms, the Sofitel attracts a lot of business travelers, but most tourists will be happy here, too -- especially considering the hotel's attractive pool, fitness center, and restaurant and bar. Though the hotel is missing a spa, the lovely location and level of luxury make this our number one pick.

On an attractive, tree-lined street in the La Recoleta neighborhood, the CasaSur Art Hotel is a luxe, boutique property with 36 rooms. Decor is sleek with modern furniture and dark hardwood floors. Comfortable rooms have thoughtful touches of technology, including iPod docks and wall-mounted flat-screen TVs. While bathrooms are relatively small, they are sophisticated with marble vanities and glass walk-in showers. The highlight of CasaSur is an upscale spa complete with whirlpool, and the hotel also offers its own restaurant serving food inspired by India and the Mediterranean. Though it doesn't have as many features as some of the other hotels on the list, the desirable location, big rooms with balconies, and intimate feel put this toward the top of our list.

The InterContinental is a beautiful upscale hotel that attracts numerous business travelers due to its business-friendly amenities and location near government buildings. Every detail of the hotel impresses, from the open marble lobby to the pristine spa to the spacious rooms. Rooms are understated and sophisticated, featuring dark wood furniture, large marble bathrooms, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs. The hotel features a popular international restaurant and two bars, but the most noteworthy amenities are the gorgeous spa, chic indoor pool, and huge, modern fitness center; unfortunately, accessing those facilities requires an additional fee. For business travelers, there are 15 meeting rooms and a staffed business center. Though some feel that the Montserrat neighborhood is not particularly tourist-friendly (it can get eerily quiet on weekends), the InterContiental is a top-notch choice in the area.

The Glu Hotel, a small, boutique property in the posh Palermo neighborhood, feels like an urban oasis in bustling Buenos Aires. The rooms are spacious, stylish, and clean with a clever layout that somehow offers multiple seating options, a workspace, a living/lounge area, and a king-size bed, and still leaves room for morning yoga on the hardwood floors. The rooms also come complete with balconies and smart extras such as dishes, wine glasses, cutlery, a microwave, and convenient bar seating for improvised in-room meals. The lobby bar and patio are chic spots to enjoy an evening cocktail, or guests can really unwind after a day of sightseeing with an in-room massage treatment.

The 197-room Hotel Madero is in the beautiful, recently developed Puerto Madero neighborhood, full of trendy bars, restaurants, boutiques, and upscale condominiums. The hotel reflects the chic, luxurious surroundings, with sleek decor (unique pieces of artwork, sophisticated color schemes) and an overall young, laid-back ambiance. Bright, spacious, and tastefully furnished, most of the rooms feature nice amenities such as private balconies, minibars, iPod docks, and work areas. Wi-Fi is available, but for a fee. The heated indoor pool is a bit small, but its rooftop location and the outside terrace provide lovely views of the area. The free breakfast buffet includes hot Argentinian specialties and pastries, and Red Resto & Lounge serves local and international dishes. One downfall, though: It’s difficult reaching other parts of Buenos Aires without a car because the hotel isn’t close to any subway stops. The slightly less attractive location puts this a bit lower on our list.

The 57-room Lennox Hotel Buenos Aires is located in the central Congreso area, close to government offices. Quirky decorations and artwork, interesting wall patterns, and unusual color schemes make a stay here a distinct and memorable experience -- from the spacious lobby dressed in sleek shades of black, to the chic, dramatically lit private outdoor garden. All aesthetics aside, the hotel also offers top-notch comfort, luxury, and hospitality. There’s a restaurant serving international dishes using local ingredients, a free breakfast buffet with fresh fruits and hot eggs, and a spa for relaxation. And the rooms -- large and stylishly furnished like the rest of the property -- come with kitchenettes, big closets, iPod docks, and quaint dining areas. The location in the Congreso neighborhood isn't ideal for tourists, though, making this our last pick.