Four days in Buenos Aires was a perfect amount of time. Went spent part of each day exploring the culture and different neighborhoods in the city. This city was a perfect addition to our “Year of the B” travel theme. We used a large portion, 240,000 to be exact, of our British Airways miles earned in 2009 for two first class tickets on American Airlines. We used Hyatt points for a 4 night award stay at the Park Hyatt.

Trip Report

1. AA First Class From From ATL To EZE
2. Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
3. Breakfast At Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
4. Buenos Aires Activities

Recoleta

The first neighborhood we visited in Buenos Aires was Recoleta. This is the cultural center of the city and home to the Park Hyatt, Recoleta Cemetery, Church of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, tourist shops and some prestigious schools. We visited the Recoleta Cemetery and found it interesting but left early when we didn’t feel good vibes. The nearby green space is a high traffic space in this neighborhood. There are also a few museums nearby. You can find one of many restaurants or local guitar players in this area. Were warned not to wear jewelry but felt safe at all times.

Recoleta

Recoleta Cemetery

Recoleta Cemetery

Church of Nuestra Señora del Pilar In Background

Guitar Player

Lunch at La Biela

Palermo Viejo

On Palermo’s south-western edge is a new favorite area for design, restaurants, bars and fashion. We spent a half day visiting shops and admiring the older architecture. Unfortunately we only took a few shots of the area which don’t show it’s true colors. It was a great way to spend a half day.

We arranged for a taxi to take us directly from the Hyatt to the area. On the way you will pass several neighborhoods and the Buenos Aires zoo which could be an interesting way to spend a half day.

Make sure you ask the Hyatt which taxis are safe to flag down for trips around the city. Apparently certain taxis are known to scam tourists. Also be sure and ask for the price to your destination before you leave on the return.

Palermo Soho

Palermo Soho

San Telmo

San Telmo is the oldest barrio (neighborhood) in Buenos Aires. It is home to the antique fair. I would recommend visiting on Sunday when this area truly comes to life.

Rojo Tango In Puerto Madero

Rojo Tango is an intimate dinner and show located in Puerto Madero. This was the Hyatt’s recommendation. We skipped the dinner and went just for the show. If you go for the dinner you will likely get better seats. Puerto Madero is a planned urban community along the waterfront. This is a short taxi ride from the Hyatt. If you go to a show and are looking for a nice restaurant, ask the sommelier, he certainly knows his wine lists. The Hyatt concierge was very helpful to arrange all the details before we arrived.

Hyatt Afternoon Tea & Snack

The Hyatt was such an oasis it was hard not to return after a long day seeing the city.

The Park Hyatt offered several activities ranging from a bicycle program to Ahin Wellness spa. Of course we took them up on the wine tasting. One afternoon we scheduled a tasting with the resident sommelier. He was very enthusiastic and shared with us some of the Argentine wines. The cheese paired well with the wine. After the wine tasting the sommelier recommended a few local wine stores for us to ship some unique wine back home.

Hyatt Vinoteca

Hyatt Wine Tasting

Hyatt Wine Tasting

Vinoteca Cheese Plate

Vinoteca Cheese Room

The Oak Bar is located at the top level in the Palacio building of the Park Hyatt directly next to the Los Salones del Piano Nobile. We stopped in several times for a snack or afternoon libation.

Hyatt Oak Bar Snack

We enjoyed coffee and tea service one afternoon in the Los Salones del Piano Nobile. The macaroons will melt in your mouth.

Afternoon Coffee & Tea At Hyatt

Bottom Line

Buenos Aires and the Park Hyatt were everything we thought it would be and more. The city was perfect for a romantic getaway for Mr and Mrs Weekly Flyer. The four days we spent in Buenos Aires was the perfect mix of culture and luxury. The Hyatt staff really made us feel at home.

We will likely return to Buenos Aires some day. Next time we would love to add a segment to the Park Hyatt in Mendoza and possibly Santiago, Chile on the return.

If you haven’t already done so, consider signing up for my RSS Feed to have blog posts sent directly to your email, or consider joining me on Twitter or Facebook.