Who's Going
Antonio Banderas, Alan Faena, Pamela Anderson
Reason to Stay
Boutique Hotel, Designer Hotel, and Cabaret Lounge
Hotel Type
Luxury Design Hotel
The valet of the Faena Hotel + Universe is truly a cosmos of its own manned by no less than 6 doormen in black suits, wired ears and efficient welcome that has you through the front door even before your luggage. It's no coincidence that the red brick warehouse and walled façade of Faena feels of another time, it actually is, dating back to 1902 when it was used as a grain silo part of the city's original port. The first visual of Faena, aside from all the pretty people, is the dramatic corridor called 'Le Catedral' that runs the entire length of the building under 30-ft. ceiling and red brick walls with doorways leading to the hotel's various public spaces.
Walls of gold drapery offsets shiny hardwood floors with a long, plush red carpet and singular 50-ft. leather ottoman with mirrored leg and rosette detailing completes the space. If you arrive at Faena during the early week you'll likely miss the culinary treasures of its El Bistro that's closed Sundays through Tuesdays. The gourmet arm of the hotel's two eateries, an all white boudoir of Starck-isms is found with floating white banquettes with diamond-shaped tufting and walls draped in white fabric with eight unicorn heads spaced throughout. Luckily chef Mariano Cid de la Paz, formerly of Spain's El Bulli, oversees both El Bistro and slightly more casual El Mercado in a neighboring market-theme space decorated in vintage glass cabinets filled with vintage bric-a-brac and long communal tables with gold-leaf chairs. Food is exquisite even at 12am on a Monday night.
The Room
By day Faena Hotel + Universe functions as the social hub of Puerto Madero with frequent business gatherings as well as mezzanine-level spa and gym complete with hammam stamped in Starck’s signature white slabs of veiny marble. Its gym is better equipped than most US health clubs, attracting owners of the hotel’s private residences as well as in-house guests. The outdoor scene heats up later in the day, around 4pm, as true South Americans stake-out a red upholstered lounger at the pool with its elevated marble edge and tanning ledge with regal if a bit-brash crown medallion. At the foot of the pool is a cabana-style bar with armada of cabana boys and girls that work the afternoon heat of Argentine summer without even a bead of sweat.
Preferred Room
Duplex Suite
Special Features
Hip Scene, Designer Hotel, Top Concierge
Amenities
Pool, Spa, Restaurant, Fashion Boutique, Cabaret Theater
