Recoleta is a neighbourhood (barrio) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This typical "French architecture-style" district is known for its squares, parks, cafés, galleries and the Cementerio de la Recoleta (Recoleta Cemetery), one of Argentina's most important cemeteries. The neighborhood was named after the Convento de los Recoletos Descalzos (The Monastery of Barefoot Franciscan Recoleto Monks).Recoleta centers on a square in front of the Cemetery and the neighbouring Basilica Nuestra Señora Del Pilar church. The neighbourhood has been referred to as the Paris of the Americas, many Fin de Siècle French-style palaces and villas were built in the area, especially on Avenida Alvear with its sophisticated restaurants, up-scale shopping and mansions built by the afluent families of Buenos Aires, (today some used as embassies), and one of America's most luxurious hotels, the grand five-star Alvear Palace Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel. Confitería La Biela is one of the city's most famous cafés and is patronized by authors, politicians, and other celebrities. Nightlife is also very active and trendy, with the pedestrian passage RM Ortíz (Recoleta Village) known for its outdoor dining, pubs and cinemas.