Hotel Guarani, Asuncion

Located in the heart of Asunción’s administrative and commercial center, the Hotel Guaraní Asunción stands as one of the city's most iconic landmarks and a celebrated example of mid-20th century Latin American modernism. Inaugurated in 1961, this 13-story structure was the first five-star hotel in Paraguay and quickly rose to continental fame, entering the ranks of the top ten hotels in South America at the time.

Designed by a Brazilian architectural team-Adolfo Rubio Morales, Rubens Carneiro Viana, and Ricardo Sievers-the project was the result of an international competition, judged in part by the renowned architect Affonso Eduardo Reidy. The building’s clean lines and striking façade reflect the Brazilian modernist style of the era, often misattributed to Oscar Niemeyer, though he had no involvement in the project.

Built on a full city block bounded by Oliva, General Díaz, Independencia Nacional, and Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, the hotel spans more than 22,000 square meters and features 19 front-facing rooms per floor, all offering city views. The property also includes a casino, theater (700 seats), and spa, added during a major renovation in 1986.

Throughout the decades, Hotel Guaraní served as a hub for musicians, actors, diplomats, and heads of state, embodying the glamour and political atmosphere of Paraguay during the Stroessner dictatorship, under which it was originally inaugurated. Its image has even appeared on Paraguayan currency-further cementing its place in the nation’s collective memory.

Despite a period of decline and closure in 1996, the hotel was successfully revived when the Andreani Group of Argentina won the concession after multiple failed bids. In 2008, a new renovation preserved its historic character while introducing contemporary interiors that pay tribute to its 1960s roots.

Today, Hotel Guaraní remains not only a functioning hotel and casino but also a cultural landmark, officially recognized by the city as one of the "7 Treasures of the Material Cultural Heritage of Asunción." It continues to serve as a physical and symbolic reference point for both locals and visitors in the Paraguayan capital.