Currently operational at 20 airports across the U.S., the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Global Entry program boasts 42,000 members and reduces the average wait time by 70 percent. Automated and Biometrics-Supported Border Controls (ABG) is Germany's equivalent, pre-screening travelers who apply for the program and filing their biometric information for identification. Under the terms of this week's agreement, both countries will work together to develop a process for qualified citizens of either country to apply for both programs.

For more information, including applications, on the CBP's Global Entry pilot program, visit www.cbp.gov/travel. AM

China Eastern joins China Southern, which has hubs in Guangzhou and Beijing, as a China-based airline in the SkyTeam network. The alliance anticipates China Eastern will have full membership by mid 2011. AM

WHAT'S IT LIKE?
Conceived by the affable porteño Alan Faena, and realized with the help of the perennially stylish Philippe Starck, the Faena Hotel + Universe was developed as a center for bohemians and businesspeople alike to mingle in an inspiring environment. Judging by the clientele when I visited, I'd call it a success: I met a number of local professionals dining and drinking at the Buenos Aires hotspot, while Beyoncé checked out the day I arrived, and Coldplay was due to arrive shortly following my departure.

Established in a building more than 100 years old, the hotel artfully complements original brickwork with decadent splashes of red; the entryway, for example, evokes a parting stage curtain, with lush drapes framing a long corridor bisected by a red runner. Shunning a standard reception desk, all guests receive private check-in while seated with a personal experience manager, who remains available to help with anything they may need during their stay.

WHERE IS IT?
Located in Puerto Madero—a newly revitalized neighborhood with trendy bars, restaurants and shopping—the hotel is also a short jaunt to San Telmo, where you can catch a glimpse of the city's history with its unparalleled antique markets and tango dancers still commanding the squares.

HOW MANY ROOMS?
The hotel features 90 rooms and 83 residences.

ROOM FACILITIES
My Porteño Suite was elegantly designed with red area rugs over hardwood floors strikingly offset by white leather chairs, bedding and walls. I felt at home right away, but with a separate living room that was larger than most hotel rooms, two bathrooms and more closet space than I knew what to do with, it was hard not to get comfortable.

The living room and bedroom were conveniently separated by dividing doors, and a mirrored armoire easily rotated to reveal a flat-screen television mounted atop additional drawers. Aside from a couch and coffee table, the living room had a corner banquette for four, where I preferred to get the majority of my work done on the reliable Wi-Fi connection. Fresh-cut red roses added a charming local touch to the room.

The bathroom, which had a separate claw-foot soaking tub and rain shower with Kiehl's bath products, was enclosed in glass walls, with red velvet curtains adding privacy via electronic controls.

BARS AND RESTAURANTS
Back on the main floor—or in the "Universe"—are dining and entertainment options that threaten to keep guests from seeing the rest of the city. The undeniable highlight is El Bistro, where I indulged in a tantalizing tasting menu beneath white unicorn heads mounted like trophies. The octopus with fruit was the absolute highlight; it was so tender my knife cut through it like butter. And the entire meal was expertly paired with the help of executive sommelier Aldo Graziani, who personally selected every wine in the hotel's impressive collection (which exclusively features Argentinean wines) through blind taste testing.

Breakfast is served daily in El Mercado, which has a charming market-inspired aesthetic that would be a shame to miss, even for alfresco dining on its terrace. I enjoyed it so much, in fact, that I returned for dinner. The Library Lounge has a seemingly endless number of corners to settle into while sampling one of its inventive drinks.

BUSINESS FACILITIES AND MEETING FACILITIES
There are three business centers with Wi-Fi and A/V equipment that can accommodate 15 people each, and a ballroom with an outdoor terrace that can accommodate as many as 280 people.

LEISURE FACILITIES
A glamorous outdoor infinity pool and bar beckon on the ground floor, with cutting-edge music lilting from the speakers just loud enough for a subtle ambiance. Meanwhile, a state-of-the art fitness center on the second floor will keep you in swimwear shape. Don't miss the spa experience either, with treatments using Biologique Recherche and other high-end products. Come early to unwind in the softly lit relaxation room, with a hammam and Jacuzzi.

If you still haven't managed to leave the property, but feel guilty about missing out on the city's cultural heritage, the Rojo Tango show in El Cabaret is among the best you can find. Not only is the audience half the size that it would be at a typical performance, but the smoky room (don't worry, it's not from cigarettes) and intimate setup lend a certain authenticity to the act. If you leave inspired, you can contact your experience manager to arrange for lessons on site.

VERDICT
The Faena Hotel + Universe is a visual masterpiece that delivers a unique experience. Whether checking in as a hotel guest or stopping in for a drink and a tango show, the complex is a destination in its own right that would complete any visit to Buenos Aires.

PRICE
From BRL 630 for a premium room.

CONTACT
Faena Hotel + Universe, Martha Salotti 445, Buenos Aires (c1107cmb); tel. 54-11-4010-9000; www.faenahotelanduniverse.com.

— Ally Miola