When the Algodon Mansion in Buenos Aires threw open its doors to the public in August 2010, it was further evidence of the boom in Argentina’s hotel industry. The 100-year-old mansion was transformed into a luxury boutique hotel by Gerhard Heusch of Heusch Inc., an LA-based architecture firm and all the public spaces and guest rooms were designed to perfection with the support of Buenos Aires-based architects Gonzalo Suarez Aboy and Lilibeth Scotto.

Dying to learn more about the stunning design of this luxurious hotel, we checked in with Gerhard to find out where the inspiration originated.

Styleathome.com: How would you describe the look of the hotel bedrooms?
Gerhard Heusch: Generous, glamorous, refined and elegant.

SAH.com: What was the design inspiration for these rooms?
GH: The inspiration came from the beauty and the proportions of some of the existing spaces. The designs differ because of the different sizes and spatial constraints that we were faced with in the different suites. Also each suite, even if they are the same in layout, has a unique selection of colours and fabrics within the same design theme that sets them apart.

SAH.com: What makes these rooms special?
GH: All the suites are spacious and have ample daylight and have custom designed details and furniture that cannot be found anywhere else. This begins with the unique Algodon (cotton) translucent glass at the entrance of the hotel, the waterwall and the 45 feet high suspended translucent glass divider in the lightwell, the design of the entrance doors to each suite and ends with most of the bathroom details.

SAH.com: The rooms are obviously very luxurious; what elements in particular create that sense of luxury?
GH: Some of the hotel’s suites exceed 1,200 square feet, and all are extremely spacious.  All suites feature large bathrooms in imported Italian Calcatta marble or French limestone that were installed in large slabs and bookmatched. The stone layouts as well as the showers and sinks were all custom designed. Furthermore those bathrooms are equipped with Aquamass Senseaurielle aroma and light-therapy bathtubs and oversized steam showers with Hansgrohe waterfall shower fixtures. The bedrooms and sitting areas have Lapacho wood floors, custom designed furniture like the desk and bar-armoire in ebony wood, luxurious fabrics and original works of art. 

SAH.com: Can you talk about the colour palettes that were used throughout and how they contribute to the mood and atmosphere?
GH: The colour palettes of the rooms range from warm white and beige to earthy tones for the fabrics, furniture and floors to create a welcoming, relaxing, warm but refined atmosphere in all the suites.

SAH.com: Is there anything about the location (Buenos Aires) that’s reflected in the rooms? Or anything truly Argentinean?
GH: Some of the materials we used, like the lapacho wood floor and the different leathers, are from Argentina and we made a conscious decision to only use Argentinean artists and photographers for the art in the rooms.

SAH.com: What is the overall feeling of the rooms and how was this achieved?
GH: All the previously mentioned design features, materials and attention to details were intended to convey the feeling that you have come to stay in a luxurious and very refined mansion in Buenos Aires.

SAH.com: What amenities do the rooms include?
GH: Each suite offers 24-hour butler service, a bottle of private collection Algodon wine, a wine tasting set, Nespresso coffee machine, DVD and pillow menu, Frette linens, bathroom mirror television, Aquamass Senseaurielle bathtubs, steam showers, iPod docking station and sound system, wireless Internet and a Crestron control system for controlling the automated blackout shades, all the lights, and all audio and TV commands. The Algodon Royale Suite offers personal chef service, a large custom designed bodega for 50 wine bottles, a separate dining room, luxury transportation to and from domestic or international Buenos Aires airports, pajamas, a robe menu and late checkout.