Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt

Whether you're in Buenos Aires to work or play (or a mix of both), this is the top hotel in town—and still one of the newest—centered around a grand Beaux Arts palace and a gorgeous landscaped garden in the fashionable La Recoleta district. If you're looking to be waited on hand-and-foot, Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt is the place—everyone I've spoken to raves about the staff. The hotel consists of a former private mansion that links to a contemporary tower, which together has 210 rooms and suites, all with a butler service, the latest tech gadgets and a nice desk for when you need to work, as well as spare interiors featuring lots of blond wood and huge, sleek bathrooms. Rooms in the palace have a bit more character and some have fireplaces; be sure to request one overlooking the garden. For the ultimate room with a view, book the sprawling Presidential suite, which has a 360 degree wrap-around terrace—perfect for people-watching or entertaining; inside is just as impressive yet is also comfortable and welcoming, with marble floors, chandeliers, and modern furnishings in a palette of white, blue and chocolate-brown. Stop by the intimate, wood-paneled Oak Bar for a pre-dinner drink and then head out to the garden terrace of the Duhau Restaurant and Vinoteca, which has a contemporary vibe and serves international fare plus Thai and other Asian cuisines. Needless to say the wine list has a comprehensive selection of Argentine vintages! Swimmers will love the 82-foot-long indoor lap pool, and the spa will come in handy for those that need pampering after days of shopping and tango dancing. Duhau is an ideal base for a great Bs As experience.

Room rates from $550.