Luxury HotelsDirectoryBeach ResortsBoutiqueParisLondonNew YorkTokyoLuxury HotelsDirectoryBeach ResortsBoutiqueParisLondonNew YorkTokyoCasa Lucia occupies a historic 1929 building in Recoleta, one of Buenos Aires' most iconic neighborhoods. Designed by the architectural studio Calvo, Jacobs, and Giménez, the 19-story structure was originally built as an office tower for shipping magnate Nicolás Mihanovich and was Argentina's tallest building at the time.
Check availability Official websiteRecoleta is established as one of Buenos Aires' most iconic neighbourhoods, known for cultural attractions, dining, and architecture reflecting the city's Belle Époque heritage. Casa Lucia's Mihanovich Building sits at the center of this geography. The original structure was designed to command views toward the Río de la Plata, where the owner's steam ships operated between Buenos Aires and Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay.
The building's eclecticist architectural style was inspired partly by the Tomb of Mausolus of Caria. It was the first building in Argentina to incorporate in-wall wind braces, a structural innovation of its era. Much of the uppermost roofing and façade incorporated ship hull portions, a distinctive touch reflecting the original owner's maritime background.
Recoleta's key attractions cluster within easy reach of Casa Lucia. The Recoleta Cemetery is the final resting place of Nobel Prize winners, presidents, and historical figures including Eva Perón. Teatro Colón, where ballet and concerts perform, represents the city's cultural anchor nearby.
Palermo, located north of Recoleta, is home to Buenos Aires' closed-door restaurants (puertas cerradas) and a distinctive bar culture. Florería Atlántico and Frank's—a hidden bar accessible beyond a phone booth—exemplify the hidden-bar and speakeasy tradition in Buenos Aires dining.
The Mihanovich Building was completed in 1929, shortly after shipping magnate Nicolás Mihanovich's death. At 80 meters, its tower was the tallest structure in Argentina and all of Latin America upon completion. This status held until the nearby Kavanagh Building eclipsed its height in 1936.
The building later passed to the Bencich family before Accor acquired it in 2000 to create Argentina's first Sofitel Hotel. The 2003 refurbishment—designed by Daniel Fernández & Associates and decorated by Pierre-Yves Rochon—included a 10-meter basement construction for a pool, gym, and parking. The hotel closed in December 2017 and reopened in January 2024 as Casa Lucia.
Casa Lucia is located in Recoleta, one of Buenos Aires' most iconic neighborhoods known for its culture, architecture, and dining.
The Mihanovich Building was built in 1929 and designed by the architectural studio Calvo, Jacobs, and Giménez.
Near Casa Lucia are the Recoleta Cemetery (with notable burials), Teatro Colón (venue for ballet and concerts), and Palermo's restaurant scene to the north.
Shipping magnate Nicolás Mihanovich commissioned the building as an office tower in 1929, positioned to overlook the Río de la Plata where his steam ships operated.
After closing in December 2017, the hotel underwent restoration and reopened in January 2024 as Casa Lucia.
Back to the Casa Lucia overview for photos, map, address and verification, or see the full guide above.
Sources: slh.com · en.wikipedia.org
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