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IT WAS a picture-perfect landing for Qatar Airways QR921 on its inaugural flight from Doha to Buenos Aires via Sao Paulo. After the airport ceremonies, it took an hour’s drive to reach the heart of Buenos Aires, the ‘Paris of South America’.
The immediate destination was the Palacio Duhau-Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, the palace hotel of the Park Hyatt Group, nestled right in the heart of the French heritage district of Recoleta on Avenida Alvear, close to Malba (The Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires) and Puerto Madero.
Palacio Duhau integrates into the eclectic Buenos Aires by combining stylish architecture with innovative design, comfort with technology and the renowned Park Hyatt luxury service.
It has all the features of an authentic ‘hotel particulier’, the most outstanding of which is the main entrance porch with the imperial semi-covered stairs and the double high column rows.
Classic materials, natural light, neutral and warm colours and detailed iron work instantly identify the ‘belle epoque’ glamour of the palace and are also reminders of the building’s residential character.
The handsomely restored Palacio Duhau, which has 165 guest rooms including 39 suites, was built in 1934 by French architect Leon Dourge and is one of the few remaining palaces representing the city’s traditional and exclusive ‘Portena’ aristocracy.
In contrast, the new and contemporary Posadas building, which forms the modern block of the hotel, reflects the future of Buenos Aires.
An underground walkway and gallery showcasing international and local artists and expansive private gardens connect the two buildings.
The majestic Alvear lobby, with its inviting tranquil ambience of natural light, high ceilings, Bordeaux leather and travertine marble, hosts a famous painting, ‘La Ronda’ by Guillermo Roux (1993) and a magnificent bronze ‘Torso’ by Spanish sculptor Guerrero Medina.
The palace building features 23 guest rooms, including 12 suites and the Posadas building has 142 guest rooms including 27 suites.
The 160-sq-m Duhau Suite in the palace offers stunning views of the city from a wrap-around balcony. It has a private pantry which allows discreet and immediate service. The suite is beautifully decorated with contemporary dark wood furniture, silk curtains, crystal chandeliers and antique pieces.
Each guest room is equipped with a workdesk featuring digital telephone and hi-speed Wi-Fi internet. Bathrooms come with tubs and separate rain-showers.
Rooms in the palace are richly decorated with antique Persian and contemporary carpets over wooden floors, silk curtains and crystal chandeliers. In the Posadas building, the décor is neutral in shades of cream and beige with warm grey fabrics, furniture and black and white photographs of Buenos Aires.
The hotel is also home to Ahín Wellness & Spa for rejuvenating spa and massage treatments. Ahín in the indigenous Mapuche language means a welcome ritual ceremony offered to honour a guest.
The Duhau Restaurant offers sophisticated Argentinian cuisine with the emphasis on seasonal and local fresh produce executed with style and flawless service, there is also a special wooden grill preparation, and the restaurant is connected to the garden with ample seating on the terrace.
Entrenched in the Posadas building, Gioia Restaurant and Terraces, specialising in Italian cuisine, offers spectacular views of the palace and the garden. Service is available throughout the day and an extensive seating area on its terrace provides for ‘al fresco’ dining.
By K S Sreekumar