Alvear Icon Hotel — Hotel in Autonomous City of Buenos Aires

Our stay at the Alvear Icon Hotel started on a frustrating and uncomfortable note. When we arrived, we were stopped at the entrance as if we were criminals because the staff noticed our Japanese Spitz. It was an incredibly humiliating experience. Once inside, things didn’t improve. They almost denied us check-in because our dog weighs 9 kg. I had called the hotel beforehand to confirm their pet policy, and I was told it was fine. During check-in, however, on of the employee, asked me for the name of the person I spoke to—how could I possibly remember that? When I showed my phone to prove I had called, another clerk mentioned that all calls go to a call center managing their three hotels. So, are we supposed to believe she knows every call center employee?

After a lot of unnecessary back and forth, she went to consult her manager. When she returned, she told us they would “make an exception,” but it felt more like they were reluctantly doing us a favor. To top it off, the pet policy contract they gave us clearly stated the maximum weight allowed for dogs is 10 kg. So, why all the unnecessary drama? I told her and she didn’t know what to say.

Then came another surprise: a $200 per night deposit “just in case we spent something.” I’ve traveled extensively and have never experienced such a high deposit. When we got to our room, I checked the minibar to see what they were safeguarding with this deposit—just two waters, two sodas, and one wine. Absolutely absurd.

After this experience, I went down to the lobby to explain how disappointed I was with the check-in process, that we came to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday. The employee’s response was, “We can give you a nice table at the Cristal Bar if you want to.” Honestly, don’t ask—just do it. Later, someone must have spoken to her, because a cheese plate and champagne were eventually sent to our room. While the gesture was appreciated, it felt a bit too little, too late. Plus, my boyfriend doesn’t eat cheese, so he only enjoyed the champagne.

The spa was a mixed bag. The massages were enjoyable, but you need to be specific about the pressure. Unfortunately, the facial was disappointing. It was performed by the same person who does massages, not an esthetician. Mine forgot to cover my eyes during the process and even started washing her tools while we still had facial masks on. Not relaxing at all. This lack of proper training was glaring and not what you’d expect from a five-star hotel.

In short, while the amenities were nice and some of the staff were great and sweet, the service fell far below five-star standards. Between being treated poorly upon arrival, the exorbitant deposit, and the missed hits at the spa, the experience was disappointing. For the price, I cannot...

Disappointing Experience at a 5-Star Hotel

During my recent stay at the Alvear ICON Hotel in Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires, my experience did not meet the expectations for a 5-star rated hotel. Despite its prime location in Puerto Madero, the service and staff attention left much to be desired.

We arrived at the hotel around 4 AM from Madrid, only to face our first disappointment: despite paying for an early check-in the night before, we were made to wait and were then told that our room was not yet ready (rooms 1309 & 1310; 18th-19th of November)

The breakfast, served on the 32nd floor with spectacular views, was also a letdown. The offerings were mediocre, and options like eggs benedict or omelets incurred a considerable additional cost.

The experience was further marred by the treatment we received from an employee named Paloma in the lobby. Her manner of informing us that we had to leave a reserved area was extremely rude and unpleasant.

Furthermore, the reception staff proved to be inefficient and unfriendly. Simple requests, such as having items brought to our room, were handled slowly.

Regarding the facilities, although the hotel is relatively new (built in 2016-2017), the interior design appears outdated, not reflecting the modern images shown on their website. The towels in the rooms also showed signs of excessive wear.

In summary, although the Alvear Ecom Hotel might be a consideration for its location, overall, the experience was far below what is expected from an establishment of...

My overall grade for Alvear Icon Hotel is: A+

I have been traveling to Buenos Aires on business for more than 10 years. Only until recently, did I experience this hotel.

It's in Puerto Madero which is a very nice part of the city. Quiet, lots of German cars driving around and great bars and restaurants within walking distance.

The lobby is grand and full of marble, the service is excellent. Greeted at the door by folks that will take your luggage and open the door for you - then the front desk folks are just great.

The rooms are luxurious and roomy and the bathrooms/showers in the rooms are just great. All the amenities one would expect.

The hotel restaurant has a glass ceiling that gives it a greenhouse feel and is very bright and sunny. I only visited for breakfast, but that was great food and great service.

The roof-top bar is famous in the city and many people come just for that experience.

The only slight thing one may have to think about is that because it's on a very quiet street (which is a great), one has to walk about 100 meters to a busier street to catch a taxi if you do not want to call one to the hotel.

Otherwise, just about everything about this hotel is just top-notch and a great experience.

If you're a person that appreciates the fine details in a hotel, come and visit this place....