This 18-story hotel built in 1992 across from the chic Patio Bullrich shopping mall is on a par with the Four Seasons. Despite that hotel's much-needed makeover, this place is still a standout, with an exceptional maintenance schedule and a high level of personal service. The business-oriented ambience is as luxurious as any in South America.
Thick square pillars at the adroitly staffed reception desk guard the entrance to a rotund lobby, with a mirrored ceiling, inlaid marble floor and sweeping staircase. The second level is the hotel's epicenter, with dining outlets
lining its perimeter. The roster of these venues has shrunk considerably since prior inspection. The new international restaurant, Agraz, now serves all meals, and both the Japanese outlet and Cafe de la Place have closed. The new Irish pub compensates with an upscale environment for a pint of Guinness and pub grub. The elegant piano bar continues to lure guests and locals with its lovely garden view.
The recreational complex includes a well-equipped gym, a sauna, massage room and solarium pool that is complimentary to all guests. The largest of the 
five meeting rooms accommodates up to 500 people at receptions, and the new business center stands at the ready with PCs, fax machines, copiers and secretarial services. Parking is free. Pets are not permitted.
Some of the nicest accommodations in the city show expensive pastel fabrics to complement subtle traditional decor. All rooms afford city or garden views through smoked windows, which open for clearer views. Portable touch pads control lights and drapes, ring for housekeeping, and illuminate "Do Not Disturb" signs. Cell phones and coffeemakers sit atop desks. Among the usual conveniences are phones with data ports, TVs, radios, minibars and safes. The marble baths furnish deep tubs, glassed-in showers, toiletries, robes, phones and hair dryers. Smoke-free and wheelchair-accessible rooms are offered, and room service heeds the call at any hour.
The abundant multilingual staff is among BA's most talented. This is a safe bet for finicky high-end guests traveling in groups or alone. Hail Caesar.
