Fine Arts at the Faena Hotel in Buenos Aires

Although a cliché it is very true that Buenos Aires is the Paris of South America. The two cities share some similarities such as statuesque architecture, striking history and refined fashion but although having a European feel Buenos Aires is a city of its own, filled with local artisans' markets and sizzling tango performances and surrounded by a countryside with rust gaucho history.

You will find that in Buenos Aires art is everywhere either in a museum, imbued into the architectural landscape or just in your hotel room. And that really is the case at Faena Hotel + Universe. This hotel is situated in the up and coming Puerto Madero district of Buenos Aires.

The hotel is a converted grain building and whilst its exterior is of worn brick the interior is lush and indulgent. The accommodations are over the top with thick velvet fabrics and everywhere you turn there are red roses but the Faena always stays within the boundaries of good taste.

Faena's fine dining restaurant, the El Bistro, is entirely decorated in white: white curtains, white tables, white armchairs and busts of white albino unicorns lining the walls. This does sound a bit curious but diners forget about their surroundings when they taste the inventive dishes that the El bistro has to offer.

Below the El Bistro is the rustic wine cellar that has been transformed into a dining room. Just as high end as the El Bistro with the unicorns being replaced with rack after rack of bottles of fine wine from across the globe.

At nightfall the Faena turns into a hot nightspot with live bands playing most evenings. Here the locals do not start their night out until midnight or later so do not expect things to come to an end until the wee hours of the morning.

An additional benefit to staying at the Faena is its location. The hotel is within 15-20 minutes of just about any place in Buenos Aires that you might like to visit. Places such as La casa Rosada where Evita made her address to the people or the Teatro Colon which is one of the most distinguished opera houses in the world.

For U.S. visitors Argentina is one of the easiest of foreign destinations to visit as most people speak English and are happy to direct visitors to their country's finest attractions.

First time visitors should consider having a guided itinerary so that they get to see all of the city's major attractions. Borello Travel and Tours offer a Buenos Aires Experience Tour which includes major attractions such as Casa Rosada, the Palermo and Recoleta neighborhoods, the Caminito and much more. After 4 days in Buenos Aires you move to a former gaucho ranch approximately a 2 hour drive called the Estancia Bella Vista. Here you can fish, go horse riding or just relax by the pool. This tour package starts from $2,450pp and includes four nights at Faena Hotel + Universe, two nights at Estancia Bella Vista, transfers, tours and taxes.

Source: recommend