A New Hotel Boasting Stunning Views and a Trendy Lobby Bar Opens in Buenos Aires
The Dinogo Perspective
Hotel Casa Lucia makes its debut in Buenos Aires just as the city reemerges on travelers’ radars, thanks to its renowned restaurants, vibrant nightlife, captivating art and museums, along with an abundance of fine wine and natural beauty that it offers access to.
More of a trendy boutique than an opulent grande dame, Casa Lucia is infused with character and modern style while still celebrating its historical roots. While Buenos Aires has its share of luxury icons (like the Four Seasons, Palacio Duhau–Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, and Alvear Palace), it hasn’t seen a noteworthy new addition of either kind in quite a while, making this opening particularly thrilling.
Another compelling reason is that the building itself is woven into the fabric of Buenos Aires’ history: It’s an early 1900s skyscraper that once held the title of the tallest in South America. From 2003 to 2017, it operated as a Sofitel, but after falling into vacancy and disrepair, it was revitalized by Spanish hotel group Único, marking their entry into Argentina.
As Buenos Aires begins to thrive again, this hotel—located in the stylish Recoleta district, with its elegant, tree-lined avenues, cafés, art galleries, and upscale boutiques—serves as one of the many reasons to visit the Argentine capital.
Who is it for?
Casa Lucia caters to travelers seeking a chic and comfortable experience, offering a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle. While the restaurant and bars are high-quality, they don't attract a crowd of non-guests as some other hotel venues do. For me, this was a plus—the hotel felt like a stylish sanctuary.
A little background: I stayed here solo to explore the hotel, while my traveling companions chose two other locations in Palermo, a popular tourist area known for its shopping and nightlife. I found the Recoleta neighborhood surrounding Casa Lucia to be much more tranquil, elegant, and upscale. Each time my Uber pulled up to the charming hotel gates on the winding cobblestone Arroyo Street, the doormen were quick to assist me in and out of the vehicle, making me feel pampered and secure. This experience, along with the attentiveness of the staff, leads me to confidently recommend this hotel for solo travelers as well.
Bear in mind that the gym and spa are on the smaller side, and while connecting rooms are available, the hotel isn’t particularly family-oriented. Business travelers might appreciate the private meeting and dining spaces, and the spacious, stylish restaurant and bar areas would likely serve well for power lunches or networking drinks.
Photo by Billie Cohen
The location
Nestled in the Recoleta neighborhood, the hotel truly embodies the 'Parisian' charm I had heard about before my arrival. The architecture is a beautiful blend of grand limestone and intricate wrought iron. A stroll around the block reveals trendy boutiques, art galleries, gelato shops—an integral part of Buenos Aires culture—and cafés with inviting outdoor seating (the one opposite the hotel is a charming spectacle of pink blossoms and frosted cakes).
The major city attractions—including the San Telmo market, the Recoleta Cemetery (final resting place of Eva Perón), the Teatro Colón, Plaza de Mayo, and the stunning El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore—are all accessible within a 10 to 25-minute Uber ride. While some locations are within walking distance (the cemetery is about a 25-minute walk from the hotel), I found that destinations in Buenos Aires are often further apart than they appear on Google Maps; leaving your neighborhood typically requires at least a 10-minute car ride or a 20-minute stroll.
This hotel beautifully combines modern elegance with a sense of history.
The design
Courtesy of Hotel Casa Lucia
What I adore most about this hotel are the captivating stories behind its architecture and the ambiance of the lobby bar.
Let’s begin with the iconic 20-story tower, which was once the tallest structure in South America. Finished in 1929, it was conceived by shipping magnate Nicolás Mihanovich, who arrived in South America from present-day Croatia as a crew member on an English ship during the mid-19th century. He eventually established his own shipping business, and legend has it that he built the lighthouse-inspired Edificio Mihanovich to keep an eye on his vessels entering and leaving the Buenos Aires harbor.
Directly in front of this historic skyscraper are two sprawling buildings that extend outward like the paws of a lion. Until relatively recently, the passageway between them was open to the sky—a quaint street lined with shops leading to the entrance of the Edificio.
Now, all three structures form the hotel, and the alley has been transformed into an atrium beneath a glass canopy, adorned with a classic black-and-white tile floor and vibrant jewel-toned sofas and tables. A grand wood-and-gold bar stands prominently at the far end, inviting both locals and hotel guests to enjoy drinks in this trendy indoor retreat.
I spent a delightful afternoon there with Buenos Aires-based travel consultant Maita Barrenechea, founder of the luxury travel planning company Mai10. As we enjoyed our drinks, she pointed to a window on the former exterior wall next to our sofa and reminisced about purchasing her wedding dress from the seamstress who operated a shop there when the lobby was an open street. She then gestured towards the tower’s peak and shared stories of her university friend whose family lived in one of the upper apartments; they had studied together there. Today, those upper floors have been transformed into spacious private suites for hotel guests.
Courtesy of Hotel Casa Lucia
The accommodations
The 142 rooms and suites boast a design that blends dark wood with light linens—an aesthetic that marries Scandinavian style with Spanish colonial charm. I stayed in an Executive Suite on a lower floor, which offered ample comfort and space, accommodating a cozy sitting area with a couch and a small dining table. The mini cocktail cart added a touch of elegance, stocked with lime, fresh rosemary, tonic, gin, and vodka. (Be sure to check out my quick video tour.)
My bathroom was accessed through a pair of vintage wooden-and-glass doors, featuring all modern amenities: a spacious soaking tub, a rain shower, and a bidet. As is my usual suggestion for hotels, I recommend adding more hooks, especially a couple near the shower area. While this bathroom could benefit from a few additional hooks in that spot, Casa Lucia earns points for providing three coat hooks in the entryway. Such small conveniences enhance the livability of a hotel room.
During my visit, the tower floors weren't yet accessible, but they are now, and that’s where the finest accommodations are located. Some boast balconies with city views, complete with sun loungers and open-air showers for cooling off. Others offer unparalleled privacy; for instance, the two Tower Suites can be combined to create a vast 1,291-square-foot residence occupying an entire floor.
Argentinian art and furnishings are beautifully showcased throughout the hotel: bedside lamps in the rooms are crafted by local artist Cristián Mohaded, a vibrant mixed-media mural by Maria Cristina Codern adorns the lobby, and a cookbook from an Argentine chef graced my coffee table.
On the lower level, the hotel features a spa with three treatment rooms and a 16-meter (52.5-foot) pool, along with a modest gym that meets all your basic needs. During my conversation with sales director Patricio Costa, he mentioned that many flights arrive in Buenos Aires early, often before check-in. To accommodate this, the hotel encourages guests to utilize the facilities for showers and freshening up, allowing them to make the most of their day until their room is ready. This was just one of many considerate gestures from the staff I encountered during my stay.
Courtesy of Hotel Casa Lucia
Culinary offerings
Let’s begin with the wine, since this is Argentina, after all. The hotel boasts over 400 selections of Argentine wine, expertly curated by master sommelier Aldo Garcia. These wines can be paired with local delights at the Cantina restaurant, including Argentina’s famous steak. For a lighter option, enjoy a flight of Argentine empanadas or try the local chickpea dish known as faina (served here with burrata and a tomato-basil pesto). The menu also features pastas, wood-fired chicken, and dulce de leche desserts—an Argentine staple. Each morning, Cantina transforms into a breakfast venue, offering a generous buffet along with à la carte choices, all included in your stay.
If you're not craving a full meal, unwind with some wine at Le Club Bacan, the hotel’s chic and moody lounge. With its velvet seating and spacious booths, the layout creates intimate corners, including a front area where a fireplace and stylish decor evoke a blend of sophisticated library and punk-rock vibe. As night falls, consider switching to cocktails. While DJs play in the back room, bartenders craft beautiful drinks like the Mi Buenos Aires Querido (made with gin, dry vermouth, bitters, and Hesperidina, a local orange peel aperitif) and the La Flor Azul (tequila, lime, honey, and homemade passion-fruit liqueur).
It's worth noting that Le Club Bacan has a strong fragrance; you can decide if that suits your taste. Personally, I found it overwhelming and uncomfortable, while one of my friends enjoyed it.
Courtesy of Hotel Casa Lucia
Personnel and Service
The team at Casa Lucia is undoubtedly one of the hotel’s standout features. Almost everyone I encountered—from the doormen and front desk staff to the housekeeper on my floor—quickly recognized me by name or face. I received numerous recommendations for charming neighborhoods, cafés, and art galleries, and when one staff member discovered my passion for architecture, they even mapped out a walking route for me to explore several must-see buildings on my way to the national library.
Accessibility
According to the hotel’s communications team, Casa Lucia is accessible from the lobby through common areas, with adapted restrooms available on the first floor. Additionally, there is an Executive Suite category featuring a bathroom and shower that cater to wheelchair users.
I recommend that travelers with accessibility requirements reach out to the hotel for detailed information regarding these features and to confirm that the entrance is easy to navigate for your needs.
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Evaluation :
5/5