The staff was the best in any hotel we ever stayed at. Very attentive to every detail. We purchased a large piece of furniture and had it delivered to the hotel and the staff booked it not only on our return flight but even had it delivered to the airport! We highly recommend the afternoon tea.
As for the rooms they're not what we expected for this caliber hotel. The Sofitel has much nicer rooms with better views.

Spent 1 week in Buenos Aires. Stayed at Alvear our final night. What a disappointment! Paled in comparison to the Sofitel Buenos Aires (stayed there 2 nights) and definitely not worth the price since Sofitel is better and less expensive. Alvear was dated and stuffy. If you're under 50 years old, I definitely wouldn't recommend it. Some may view it as elegant, but it seems like the hotel is trying so hard to be exclusive because it knows that it has had better days in the past. Carpets were worn; toiletries weren't even adequately stocked. Had to ask for shampoo twice before they brought it up. Sofitel was so much cleaner and modern and the staff was much nicer.

Breakfast buffet was excellent (only thing I was impressed with at the Alvear). Hostess in breakfast buffet and staff in lobby/elevator areas very courteous and pleasant. Concierge was rude.

La Bourgogne also overrated. Hostess was incredibly rude and condescending (I think she has delusions she owns the palace) and set an awful tone for the evening. Restaurant charged us double for wine and desserts -- an oversight or attempt to take advantage of tourists who might not closely examine the bill? In any event, an egregious mistake, particularly for a restaurant that is supposed to be top notch. Steak prepared table side was very good though; white fish was average at best. Desserts not nearly as good as those at Le Sud (Sofitel restaurant) either. Atmosphere very austere and boring.

In all, a major disappointment. Some staff very professional and courteous, too many were rude and condescending. Maybe it's because my husband and I are in our early 30s and some of the staff isn't used to younger guests (or jealous we can afford it?) -- most people in the hotel appeared to be in their 50s and 60s at least.

Try another hotel in Buenos Aires. Alvear definitey doesn't live up to its claims of being the best hotel in South America, let alone Buenos Aires. We have stayed at numerous Ritz Carltons, One & Only Palmilla, Leading Hotels of the World properties etc. throughout the world -- they are all in a different class than the Alvear, and in a better way.