Ask a concierge: Buenos Aires

At the Palacio Duhau-Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, concierge Valeria Brauer advises visitors about the best places to go, the right things to see and where to dine in the Argentinian capital. Here she offers expert guidance for business travelers.

What should business travelers pack when visiting your city?

Buenos Aires is a beautiful and vibrant city that’s best discovered through leisurely walks. Pack comfortable shoes and clothing. Weather is mild all year, but if you visit in winter (June to September) bring a coat—or plan to buy a jacket made with Argentinian leather.

What are your top restaurant recommendations for a business lunch or dinner?

Duhau Restaurant & Vinoteca (Alvear 1661; Ph: +54 11 5171 1234), in our hotel, offers sophisticated local cuisine with a beautiful view of our gardens. Dine on the terrace and try the Duhau meat menu. Cuts of meat from various breeds provide a delicious combination of flavors, leanness and marbling. Casa Cavia (Cavia 2985; Ph: +54 11 4801-9693) is a unique space, a 1920s mansion offering art installations, gardens, a bookstore and “the kitchen” for dining. Here’s a sample from the menu: quinoa and prawn salad with baba ghanoush and fresh fennel. Pecora Nera (Ayacucho 1785; Ph: +54 11 4804-2000) offers Italian-influence cuisine in a modern atmosphere with excellent service. The prix fixe menu is a favorite.

What’s one thing that always surprises guests about your hotel?

In our restaurant’s Wine & Cheese Cave, we age more than 40 varieties of Argentinian cheeses specially selected by our maître fromager. Our sommelier curates the wines, a collection of 500 labels adding up to more than 7,000 bottles, including the best Argentinian malbecs. Our sommelier and maître fromager pair wines and cheeses for delightful tastings.

If business travelers only have a few hours for leisure, what must they see in Buenos Aires?

Take a stroll through Recoleta, an iconic and sophisticated neighborhood at the heart of Buenos Aires. Libertador Avenue, lined with jacaranda trees (their blossoms during spring are must-see scenery), leads to Basilica del Pilar and the MALBA Museum, home to an extensive collection of Latin American art.

What’s the best option for outdoor exercise in your city?

See Buenos Aires on two wheels. Hop on a bicycle and explore the city’s beautiful neighborhoods. A ride along Gorriti Street is popular with cyclists; the route crosses the Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood neighborhoods. A quieter option is a ride through Palermo’s forests, Buenos Aires’ version of New York City’s Central Park, a large green space with lakes, rosebushes and giant trees.

 

Business know-how Concierge Valeria Brauer’s top tips for getting business right in Buenos Aires: Tip 1: Dress with style for your meetings. Argentinian “business casual” has an elegant flair. Tip 2: Be prepared for warm first encounters. Argentinians usually hug and kiss when greeting, even if they do not yet know you. Tip 3: For successful business dealings with Argentinians, take time to build an emotional bond.