A long-standing social pillar in this tony neighborhood of smart shops and embassies, this establishment continues as the choice for visiting heads of state. The manager has been in charge for 17 years; everything here is about continuity and tradition. This paragon of traditional style provides a more palatial stay than do its chief rivals, the Caesar Park and Park Tower. The property is constantly being upgraded; recent work includes revamped meeting facilities and a new business center, improvements in a number of the guest room baths, and the renovation of most of the suites. Suites make up more than half of this hotel's opulent room count. This is a hotel that takes its reputation seriously. A handsome porte cochere attended by valets fronts this beige 1932 beaux-arts building, which looks as though it were shipped from Paris. (Most of the construction materials were, in fact, imported from France.) The paneled and mirrored reception area grants access to a marble lounge appealingly decorated with chandeliers, potted palms and fine furniture. The Parisian-style gallery, with draped tables facing Palladian windows, is a choice rendezvous for breakfast and afternoon tea. A pianist entertains in the lobby, where a grand chandelier hangs above an elaborate floral arrangement and waiters stand at attention. Abundant foliage and traceries of latticework freshen the winter garden. The informal but lovely buffet room La Bourgogne, under the supervision of chef Jean Paul Bondoux, continues to rank among the top choices among locals for VIP dining. Its subtle modern decor is elegant, service is superb, and the menu is varied and relatively well-priced. In addition, Bondoux oversees the well-stocked La Cave wine cellar, which can be booked for private meetings and dinners. This neighborhood also teems with classic and trendy cafes, for guests who want to dine out of house. For several years, the Alvera's main shortcoming was its limited fitness space, but as of summer 2007, guests have access to an 800-m spa stocked with La Prairie products. Meeting rooms in grand traditional style can host groups of 1,500 people, and the introduction of wireless Internet access brings these facilities up to date. The rooftop garden, framed by marble columns and arcades a la francaise, also hosts social and business gatherings and is especially popular in summer. The new business center provides PCs, copiers, fax machines and multilingual secretarial services. Standard-size palace rooms are the least expensive choices. A recent room upgrade means the premier rooms and suites now have larger marble baths, with private whirlpools fitted with liquid-crystal TV and phone. The well-maintained carpeting (rare in Argentina) and blue-and-white Chinoise fabrics instill elegance. Well-upholstered furnishings and Louis XVI-style decor are classic. Guests can expect boiseries, armoires with mirrored panels, digital phones with touch screens that activate lights and appliances, data ports, TVs, safes, and minibars overflowing with expensive goodies. Robes, slippers and deep older tubs fill combination baths, which, for the finishing French touch, stock toiletries from Hermes. Arrivals can have two items laundered or pressed free of charge, fresh flowers and fruit baskets come standard, and butlers await to do guests' bidding. Three floors are for nonsmokers, four rooms are wheelchair-accessible, and room service is on call day and night. This property is the cognoscenti's choice in B.A. One is likely to impress Argentines by choosing to stay here rather than in one of the city's many chain links. This large and very bright suite is ideal for families, and will accommodate up to 3 guests and to stay a fourth person at a preferential rate. It includes an elegant living room, two bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of which is equipped with hydro-massage, LCD TV and a shower compartment. Its French décor includes furniture in classic style, bronze and crystal chandeliers, exclusive carpets, and noble European fabrics especially chosen for curtains and upholstery. Excellence in every detail. All rooms and suites include the following benefits and amenities: Butler Service. The bathrooms are equipped with hydro-massage, LCD TV and shower compartments. LCD TV, DVD. Guests have a choice of smoking or non-smoking floors. Flower arrangements and fresh fruit baskets everyday. Complimentary pressing of two garments or a suit per person on day of arrival. Bottled water with bed turndowns. Egyptian cotton sheets. Custom bath products by Hermès de Paris, and other personal accessories. Complimentary daily selection of local newspapers. Complimentary shoe shine. Direct line fax on request. Free broadband internet access, 100 MB and Wi fi. Personal e-mail address. Work desk. Complimentary drink and special vips in superior Suites. Specially prepared rooms for the disabled. Safe. Cable TV. Customized bath products for child The Governor Suites are situated in the bright and colourful chamfers of the building and are both ample and intimate. The suites are composed of a reception area, an oval sitting area in French design, and a comfortable bedroom. They are connected to Palace, which make them ideal for families and delegations. A careful selection of French fabrics in golden shades, together with exclusive carpet designs and bronze and crystal chandeliers, provide a harmonious space of luxury. The moulding on the walls is enhanced by decorative objects, and the works of art of Argentinean painters. Excellence in every detail. All rooms and suites include the following benefits and amenities: Butler Service. The bathrooms are equipped with hydro-massage, LCD TV and shower compartments. LCD TV, DVD. Guests have a choice of smoking or non-smoking floors. Flower arrangements and fresh fruit baskets everyday. Complimentary pressing of two garments or a suit per person on day of arrival. Bottled water with bed turndowns. Egyptian cotton sheets. Custom bath products by Hermès de Paris, and other personal accessories. Complimentary daily selection of local newspapers. Complimentary shoe shine. Direct line fax on request. Free broadband internet access, 100 MB and Wi fi. Personal e-mail address. Work desk. Complimentary drink and special vips in superior Suites. Specially prepared rooms for the disabled. Safe. Cable TV. Customized bath products for children. Connecting rooms. The Palace rooms for single and double occupancy include a work desk, while their ample space is decorated in Imperial-style and Louis XVI furniture. Excellence in every detail. All rooms and suites include the following benefits and amenities: Butler Service. The bathrooms are equipped with hydro-massage, LCD TV and shower compartments. LCD TV, DVD. Guests have a choice of smoking or non-smoking floors. Flower arrangements and fresh fruit baskets everyday. Complimentary pressing of two garments or a suit per person on day of arrival. Bottled water with bed turndowns. Egyptian cotton sheets. Custom bath products by Hermès de Paris, and other personal accessories. Complimentary daily selection of local newspapers. Complimentary shoe shine. Direct line fax on request. Free broadband internet access, 100 MB and Wi fi. Personal e-mail address. Work desk. Complimentary drink and special vips in superior Suites. Specially prepared rooms for the disabled. Safe. Cable TV. Customized bath products for children. Connecting rooms.