Set in the heart of Recoleta on the refined, sycamore-lined Calle Arroyo, Casa Lucía occupies a restored 1929 Art Deco tower once known as the tallest building in Latin America. Originally commissioned by shipping magnate Nicolás Mihanovich, the building was conceived as a vertical statement of ambition – a lighthouse-like structure designed to greet arrivals to the city. Nearly a century later, it now welcomes travellers rather than cargo ships.
Inside, the mood shifts from grandeur to intimacy. Soaring ceilings, polished floors and a sweeping entrance set the tone, but there’s warmth threaded through the space. Checkered marble floors, sculptural lighting and carefully restored details sit alongside contemporary Argentine artworks. There’s also large-scale photography and woven pieces from respected local creatives on display in the public spaces.
The hotel has 142 rooms and suites spread across 19 floors, each designed to balance heritage with calm modernity. Warm woods, cool marble and a palette of whites, stone and earthy neutrals create a sense of sophistication. Black-and-white photography of the city lines the walls, grounding the rooms in place. Some overlook the leafy street below; others climb high enough to skim the skyline, offering glimpses of the Río de la Plata in the distance. If you’re going to stay in what was once Latin America’s tallest tower, it makes sense to go high. The Tower Suites occupy the building’s peak, with private terraces that turn sunset into a ritual.
Downstairs, Cantina anchors the culinary experience. Spinach fritters, empanadas, handmade pasta, beef milanesa – dishes every porteño grew up with, made with local ingredients. Next door, Le Club Bacan is where DJs spin late into the evening. With hundreds of domestic labels available, it’s as much a wine destination as it is a bar. The crowd is a mix of local professionals, creatives and international guests. Meanwhile, breakfast is a moment of its own. A generous spread of fresh fruit, yogurts, cheeses and medialunas sits alongside strong coffee and mate – the ritual herbal infusion that fuels this city.
When you do step outside, you’re perfectly placed. Recoleta is Buenos Aires at its most polished: neoclassical façades, sidewalk cafés, museums and the famously ornate cemetery where Eva Perón rests. Teatro Colón is a short drive away; Palermo’s creative restaurants and hidden bars are within easy reach.
Back at the hotel, a visit to the spa is essential. A 16-metre indoor pool stretches beneath mirrored walls, treatments range from deep-tissue to lavender-infused relaxation, and the gym is well-equipped.
A restored landmark that nods to its Art Deco past while championing contemporary Argentine creativity, Casa Lucía ultimately thrives on its quietly electric, lived-in energy.
To book, go to mrandmrssmith.com. Mr & Mrs Smith is a curated travel platform specialising in stylish boutique and luxury hotels, offering insider reviews, exclusive perks, and seamless booking for design-led stays worldwide.
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