Source: Centurion Magazine Online
By: Sorrel Moseley-Williams
08.11.2012
Despite its raunchy working class roots that used to shock wealthy parents into silence, while rebellious offspring would sneak off to late-night milongas, tango – which includes music and poetry besides choreography – was awarded cultural heritage status by UNESCO in 2009. Practised at milonga dance halls across Buenos Aires until the parakeets start chattering, Argentinean tango was born in La Boca and Barracas neighbourhoods in the 1880s and originally danced by immigrant male couples of Spanish, Italian or gaucho criollo origin.
Although there is some dispute regarding which side of the River Plate it originates from, the World Tango Championship is rather decisively held in Buenos Aires, with the twelfth edition taking place from August 14th to 28th this year. Will last year’s champions, Argentineans Max Van de Voorde and Solange Acosta, retain their title? If you plan on finding out in person, these spirited hotels in the heart of Buenos Aires would be the perfect home base.
Algodon Mansion
Algodon Mansion's Algodon Royale Suite
For an intimate lodging experience, take up a suite at Recoleta’s Algodon Mansion. Named after New York’s Cotton Club, this immaculate 1912 neo-French classical building houses just 10 suites, each with a butler on tap. The immense Algodon Royale suite boasts a wine cellar almost within corking reach of the king-size bed. Should you leave your suite, step down to Chez Nous for dinner, where Chef Hernan Griccini fuses French and Argentine cuisine, using organic produce from Algodon's Mendoza estate such as suckling pig. For the ultimate in privacy, make the mansion yours and book the entire space.
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