Victoria Lampley

Faena Hotel & Universe

  • Where:
  • Why:We travelled to Buenos Aires for Argentine boxer Sergio Martinez's homecoming fight, at a soccer stadium filled to capacity with raucous, flag waving fans.
  • When:April 2013
  • Who:Myself and my boyfriend, Michael Berens!
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Faena Hotel & Universe The Calatravas Sundial Bridge leading to Faena Arts District.

The Calatravas Sundial Bridge leading to Faena Arts District.

Faena Hotel & Universe Enjoy the awesome vibe throughout the day.. and the cucumber mint drink is delicious...ORDER IT!

Enjoy the awesome vibe throughout the day.. and the cucumber mint drink is delicious...ORDER IT!

Faena Hotel & Universe Our Room! Never. Want. To. Leave.

Our Room! Never. Want. To. Leave.

Faena Hotel & Universe Prime place for an Empanada or two and a glass of Malbec rose…yum.

Prime place for an Empanada or two and a glass of Malbec rose…yum.

Faena Hotel & Universe This sauna is unrivaled! Spend time there...a lot of time.

This sauna is unrivaled! Spend time there...a lot of time.

Faena Hotel & Universe Sunglasses mandatory, to enable prime people watching.

Sunglasses mandatory, to enable prime people watching.

Faena Hotel & Universe El Bistro. Feels like a set of from a Kubrick or Guillermo del Toro fantasy film. A breathtaking and unforgettable restaurant.

El Bistro. Feels like a set of from a Kubrick or Guillermo del Toro fantasy film. A breathtaking and unforgettable restaurant.

Faena Hotel & Universe The Presidential Palace. A touristy must. Beautiful building.

The Presidential Palace. A touristy must. Beautiful building.

Faena Hotel & Universe The Main Hall. They call it

The Main Hall. They call it "The Cathedral"…you can see why.

Highs & Lows

  • With two great restaurants, sophisticated bar, world-class spa (I recommend the Jetlag Package!), full gym, beautiful pool and a tango cabaret, there’s almost no reason to leave the hotel; but don’t forget you’re in an incredible city – get out there and explore Buenos Aires!

  • Every room has it’s own unique style. Gold-clawed imperial furniture, leather sofas and hunting trophies in the Library Lounge are played against the white silk curtains and unicorn heads that adorn the walls of the El Bistro restaurant.

  • Beds are super soft and comfortable, bathroom is spacious and well appointed and the bathtub is so big it could be mistaken for a swimming pool.

  • It's more than just a hotel, they are nearing completion of a Norman Foster designed Faena Arts Center and have completely revitalized the Puerto Madero barrio around the hotel and the Faena Arts District.

  • Argentine service can be a little slow for those accustomed to the fast life, but you’re on vacation -- so relax, grab a glass and chill out by the pool.

  • The Faena Hotel is in Puerto Madero, a new up and coming neighborhood, but it is still a little sleepy in the evenings. The taxi ride to most nightlife hotspots is about twenty minutes, but don’t worry -- taxis are plentiful in Buenos Aires.

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 44/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Luxury Hotel

  • Vibe

    The hotel is a restored brick grainery that melds Belle Époque luxury with modern fairytale.

  • Location

    In the Faena Art District away from the noise and bustle of central Buenos Aires.

  • Rooms

    105

  • Music

    Eclectic, worldly mix spanning Serge Gainsbourg, Ethiopiques, Ella Fitzgerald to Augustus Pablo and everything in between.

  • Year Opened

    2004

  • Designed By

    Philippe Starck and it shows.

  • Health & Wellness

    Yes. The pool, gym and spa are all well worth visiting and experiencing. Beyond beautiful.

  • Restaurant

    Yes. El Bistro for avant garde high dining and El Mercado for more rustic fare.

  • Bar

    Yes.

  • Children

    Kid friendly though they may cramp your style…

  • Price

    Expensive but oh-so-worth-it.

El Bistro

El Bistro

Martha Salotti 445, Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Reserva Ecológica

Reserva Ecológica

Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

Ferona Social Club

Ferona Social Club

Humboldt 1445, C1414 Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Faena Hotel & Universe

Faena Hotel & Universe

Faena Hotel, Buenos Aires, Argentina

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