I chose the Faena after reading many travel reviews thinking it would be perfect for my first visit to BA.

The approach to the hotel is very cool, although somewhat off putting to be greeted by about half a dozen men in suits. Throughout our five day stay it did not become apparent what most of them actually did apart from hang around the entrance.

Christmas is definitely not the time to stay at this hotel, staff could not cope with the volume of guests. The pool area while looking good could not provide sufficient beds or seating for all guests, let alone outsiders who apparently can obtain a day pass to the pool area while using the restaurants. On Christmas day after a long and protracted check in it took nearly two hours to get a drink and salad which when it arrived did not contain half the ingredients listed on the menu.

Dinner at the Mercado restaurant was completely different, slick efficient service and excellent food and wine list.

Rooms were very large and beds extremely comfortable. Felt the bathrooms were very poorly designed, two people could not use the bathroom at one time as it involved you having to shimmy past the other person if you wanted to get to either the wc or the shower. You could not place the shower mat provided outside the shower door as the door opened outwards into the bathroom and went down completely to the floor, so you had to open the door wide and then jump to the mat placed a metre away.

There were various other niggles like not enough hot water to shower at peak times, lights not working etc.

Biggest issue had to be with the pool bar service, or completely lack thereof.

Too many suits wondering around doing very little and insufficient waiting staff.

Experience managers waste of time.

Finally, turn on a few more lights ... too dark in the public areas!

This place comfortably ticks all the boxes. We have a 17 month old baby who was looked after as though he was royalty. Top service, great food, cool rooms, extremely helpful (but not over the top) staff, unique decor and a very peaceful location away from the hustle and bustle of BA. We stayed last year and felt compelled to return. We were not disappointed. You get an "experience consultant" who is contactable on a direct no to look after your every need - Ours sorted a doctor (immediately), changed flights, booked restaurants/babysitters, booked cabs, advised on outings/places of interest/shopping etc, in fact we bothered him soooo much that im sure he hates us (if he does he certainly didnt show it!).
Its no bother being a cab from Recoleta and Palermo (where you'll be going for shopping/partying etc) because the cabs are so cheap (less than £3 each way) and it only takes 10 minutes.
One word of warning, if you dont like gays stay away. The place is full of em.............

The first time I visited Buenos Aries in 05 I was booked at the Four Seasons and ended up at the Faena Hotel for drinks by the pool. I was completely blown away by the Faena that I checked out the Four Seasons and checked into the Faena.

This is a Phillipe Starck masterpiece, he designed a work of art. The pool is perhaps my favorite part of the hotel. Wonderfully designed, except that you have to arrive very early to get a lounge chair which was annoying. Other than that, it is one of the coolest hotels I have ever been to. I believe the Four Seasons is the only other hotel with an outdoor pool in BA. There is no comparison, the Faena is so much better, especially if you want something cutting edge in a trendy atmosphere. If you have kids, stay at the Four Seasons!!

The service was excellent, everyone was so helpful and nice, especially the experience managers. The rooms were large and absolutely loved the decor, especially the bathrooms. The restaurants at the hotel were all delicious and had a great atmosphere. The location is great as well. You can find restaurants and bars in walking distance or there are many a cad ride away. (I do not remember spending more than $5 on cab) There was this cool/trendy lounge called Danzon that I would highly recommend going to. And this cool restaurant in a mansion, I forget the name but just ask an experience manager and they will know.

There is a hair salon down the street that the hotel recommended which was so good and cheap. Ladies treat yourself and have them do your hair every night. It was @ $15 for a blow dry. I also got the best haircut there (wish I remembered the guys name).

If you appreciate unique experiences then do not even consider staying any other place in BA, the Faena is a place everyone should have the opportunity to stay at least once in their life.

I liked this hotel so much, that I went back to Buenos Aries the following year mainly to stay at the hotel again.

There are no words for describing the service at the Faena!
Just impecable!
The food at the Bistro is the best i ever tried!!!
The Spa only have lousy service, but tht doesnt matter compare with the rest of the hotel!!
We will be back in December.
Martin