"How did it strike you on arrival? This hotel impresses before you set foot inside. There's the gorgeous Belle Epoque architecture, for one—the hotel is housed in a 1912 French villa. Once within the six-story mansion, the decor is unfussy and sophisticated. In the lobby is a dramatic glass-encased waterfall that cascades down several floors. Furnishings in supple leathers, exquisite woods, and delicate silks are by Cappellini and B&B Italia. Floors are parquet, and lavish chandeliers hang from the high ceilings. Nice. What’s the crowd like? The hotel reflects the clientele that it attracts: sophisticated and moneyed, but never showy. The good stuff: Tell us about your room. Suites (there are only suites) at Algodon are as spacious as some New York City apartments. Silks, suede, ebony, leather, parquet floors, Nespresso machines, Netflix on the flatscreen TVs. You'll want for nothing at this hotel. The bathrooms? OMG the bathrooms are the stuff of dreams. Decked out in French limestone and Calacatta marble, bathrooms are roomy and showers can spray, steam, or jet water at you. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase? The drapes, temperature, lights, TV and every other piece of technology in the room is controlled from a bedside touch-screen panel. Unfortunately, it almost requires a PhD to figure out. Mini bars come stocked with alfajores, local candies, chips, juices, sodas and the in-house wine—and it’s all complimentary. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you. Award-winning wines and farm products come from a sister property in Mendoza. There’s no spa but guests can work out a block away at a fitness studio that offers complimentary yoga and other group classes, as well as use of all exercise equipment. The pool on the rooftop open-air lounge is glorious and overlooks the pretty neighborhood streets. Help yourself to a couple of glasses and a bottle of vino from the fridge to enjoy at any time of day. Bottom line: worth it, and why? A sophisticated and intimate atmosphere that's worth the price tag." - Celeste Moure
