Highlights

• Historic building with antique accents.
• Excellent personalized service.
• Luxurious and spacious rooms.
• Centrally located in the Recoleta neighborhood.

Experience

Traveling with a friend to Buenos Aires, we were faced with many options in accommodation. We wanted to stay at a hotel that was not only luxurious but also had character and history.

Hotel Club Francés was not only well ranked and a member of the Preferred Hotel Group, but also has a rich history tracing back to 1866. A club found by French residents in the Café Malacoff set the scene for notable and influential people to gather. Many members were involved in projects that laid the foundation for modern Buenos Aires. Famous writers, politicians, and even a Nobel Prize winner were frequenters of the club.

Today the hotel continues the tradition of exclusivity and personalized attention for its guests. With 28 rooms, the small hotel is surprisingly large and even has four multipurpose rooms which can hold up to 200 people. The rooms have large chandeliers, glass tables and marble fireplaces.

My experience at the hotel started at check-in. The process was very efficient and I was led to my room in a matter of minutes. After a brief tour of the room I relaxed and explored the hotel offerings. My friend soon arrived and we left for some sight seeing around Buenos Aires. The reception staff gave us a good overview of what to see and a map to show us the route.

On our return, we asked about restaurants and the reception helped call and check on reservations.

The next day I enjoyed a wonderful à la carte breakfast in the hotel bar before setting out for the day.

As it was Easter Sunday, we returned from sightseeing to find chocolate eggs in a small basket on our bed side table. What a thoughtful touch!

We had asked for help in booking and printing out tickets for the ferry to Uruguay which the concierge performed without a hitch. The next day, we were even reminded with a wake up call in order not to miss our ferry.

Location

The Parisian style Recoleta neighborhood is the best place to stay while visiting Buenos Aires. All the best hotels are located in this upscale neighborhood. Walking distance to the main tourist site of Recoleta Cemetery while other sites are easily accessible by taxi.

Service

The personalized service and attention to guests’ needs are what make Hotel Club Frances stand out from the large luxury chains.

The front desk staff was very knowledgeable on the city and helped arranged everything we needed from ferry tickets to dinner reservations. Taxis were hailed quickly when needed. We were also given a full tour of the hotel by a team member.

The General Manager, Ms. Stegmann, was extremely friendly and service oriented. Her personal touch set the atmosphere for a welcoming and memorable stay.

Room

We stayed in a Junior Suite which was very comfortable with two queen sized beds and a view onto the city scene below. There was a small table for drinks and a desk area with in-room access to high speed internet by cable or wifi.

A flat screen TV, electronic safes and telephone were standard.

I also had a chance to see the extravagant Luxury Suite which included a private jacuzzi, sauna, and 100 sq m terrace!

Activities

• Tours: A large portion of guests are tourists here so the reception staff is trained to be knowledgeable on the area and can communicate in several languages.
• Fencing Hall: Guests have access to a fencing hall though I did not get a chance to visit.
• Fitness Room: A small health center is upstairs with a sauna and Finnish shower available to guests.

Dining

Hotel Club Francés Restaurant provides breakfast, lunch and dinner service as well as room service.

In the early morning breakfast is served in the restaurant and for late risers breakfast is available in the bar. The cuisine includes international fare and local dishes.

For lunch and dinner, the fine dining restaurant is in service.

Service is very professional from silverware layout to attention to unused/finished plates or glasses.

The lobby bar has served many greats in history. Sitting at the beautiful mahogany bar with a window overlooking the street, one can sense the aura of prestige that the room holds.

Summary

When visiting a metropolitan city like Buenos Aires, staying in a historic hotel with a role in culture and the city’s development will leave a lasting impression. Few options can compete with Hotel Club Francés in the combination of service, luxury, historic significance, and location.

Whether on business or pleasure, the team at this hotel will makes sure you have an excellent stay. I highly recommend Hotel Club Francés to the discerning traveler.

Contact
Hotel Club Francés
Address: Rodriguez Peña 1832, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel: (+54 11) 4812 5235 / 4815 1142
Website: http://www.hotelclubfrances.com.ar/
Email: info@hotelclubfrances.com.ar