Review of Four Seasons Hotel, by Harry Hastings

Fidel Castro, The Rolling Stones, J-Lo - if there's a rock star or Communist dictator in town they're more than likely to be stationed at this luxury hotel, the Four Seasons Buenos Aires. The impressive 13-floor marble tower on the edge of Recoleta looks out on one side towards the Rio de la Plata and on the other down the length of the immense 12-lane Avendia 9 de Julio, the world's widest road.

The facilities

A French-style garden and pool separate the main tower of this luxury hotel from La Mansión, a stunning belle époque chateau with seven suites elegantly decorated with chandeliers, Roman columns and decorative arts. These are the crème de la crème of the Four Seasons Buenos Aires, perfect for a spot of honeymoon extravagance and ephemeral home to Madonna during her filming of Evita.

The Four Seasons Buenos Aires' newly revamped restaurant, Le Mistral, serves up some of the finest pasta in town. Staff in this corner of the luxury hotel are particularly attentive and efficient, though service can slow significantly during high season.

The rooms

The 138 rooms, 20 of which are suites, are kitted out with mahogany furnishings, walk-in-closets, king beds, TVs, Wi-Fi, DVDs, stereo systems and cell phones. Each has its own marble bathroom with separate shower and Jacuzzi bath.

This is one of Buenos Aires's premium luxury hotels, combining style and efficiency to great effect. The views from nearly all of the rooms are fantastic due to the lack of high-rise neighbours, but for the best of them head for the top four floors.