Buenos Aires (EZE) - the ultimate Q&A thread [Archive]

snorkmaster

Apr 8, 04, 9:40 am

Gaucho, thanks in advance for starting this thread.

My partner and I will be visiting in December, and I'm beginning to look at hotels. While it wouldn't normally be "my type of hotel" (since I prefer something modern), I'm somewhat interested in the Claridge (http://www.claridge.com.ar/), which is offering a rate of 75 USD that includes service, breakfast, welcome drink, and cell phone during the stay.

I'm also considering the Park Chateau or Park Plaza Kempinski (http://www.parkplazahotels.com/), which are running specials at around $250 for 3 nights -- including airport transfers and breakfast (and even lunch, but I don't think we'd eat that at the hotel.)

Any thoughts on these hotels (and their locations), or other recommendations in the sub-$100/night range?

I imagine I'll have a few follow-up questions down the road, but I thought I'd get started with a hotel query.

Thanks,

snorkmaster
(travis)

MelP

Apr 8, 04, 10:58 am

I'm heading to Buenos Aires a week from tonight! As a single 40-something woman traveling solo, do you have any recommedations as to eateries (mainly for dinner) where I wouldn't stick out like a sore thumb as much (not fancy places)? Also things to do at night.

USAFAN

Apr 13, 04, 12:43 pm

Regarding hotels: We stayed at L'Etoile in Recoleta. Very nice, nice area and not expensive. http://www.etoile.com.ar/

Next to the hotels are many restaurants ... Rest. Lola was very good.
I also went to a stylish restaurant in Old Palermo (which Gaucho1000K recommended), very interesting, good food..
Porto Madero is also good for restaurants ...

Gaucho100K

Apr 13, 04, 8:37 pm

The Claridge is a good choice. There are of course many options in the US$ 80-100 range, but I think the names you mention are good examples.

Regarding restaurants, a quick list I can compile would be the following, (I apologize for not having time to post all the details including address, but you should have no problem asking your concierge for directions, all these places are well known).

1) Sucre (located on Sucre street, close to River Plate Stadium) - very nice place, also for people watching.

2) Cabaña Las Lilas - located in the Puerto Madero area.

3) Oviedo - a traditional old-Buenos Aires style restaurant, with a serious kitchen.

For fine dining....

1) Nectarine - check with your concierge, the place is well known

2) Sinclair - go there for dinner, and make sure Ramiro (the Chef) is there...

UAL_Rulez

Apr 18, 04, 9:38 am

What mobile phone system(s) and providers offer service to travellers in B.A.?
I have 2 GSM dual-band phones (Ericsson T29 & T28s) and a Verizon CDMA/TDMA tri-mode. Any of these work?

USAFAN

Apr 18, 04, 12:32 pm

I have an old Nokia and AT&T service ... and it worked in Buenos Aires!

Gaucho100K

Apr 20, 04, 4:33 am

Provided you have auto-roaming, you should be OK. GSM service is now also readily available in Argentina, so you should all be OK. However, just like roaming charges everywhere else, beware of the big bill(s).

Gaucho100K

Apr 20, 04, 4:36 am

BTW, I second the above recommendation for Lola in the Recoleta area. I would however go there for lunch, dinner is better had at other venues.

While in Recoleta, dont forget to check out the Cafes...

Gaucho100K

Apr 21, 04, 10:59 pm

For the hotel point 'hogs', the Hilton Buenos Aires is a great option, its located in the trendy Puerto Madero area. If you book well ahead you should be able to get reasonable US$ rates. Its not the best bargain in town, but then, you have to keep that stays counts moving if you want to renew status... :D

Starwood has 4-5 hotels in the EZE area, so plenty of options for SPG junkies as well.

Please, dont hesitate to keep the questions coming. I will try to reply more quickly as my follow up lately has not been very good.

Cheers,

Jaimito Cartero

Apr 21, 04, 11:13 pm

I ate at Montana a couple of weeks ago in Recoleta and thought it was quite good. However, but even better value, you can go to Yugo's Parrilla just a block away and have some awesome meat at much lower prices.

I have a 450 gram Bife de Chorizo (around 16 ounces) for a whopping 12 pesos (About $4.25). It's was the best steak I had in BA, and I've been to quite a few places.

Gaucho100K

Apr 21, 04, 11:52 pm

For a steak place that is 100% local, I suggest El Parrillon del Pobre Luis. They recently moved, but they are well known enough for you to ask your Concierge for directions. They are located in the Nuñez Neighbourhood, quite close to River Plate Stadium.

Another option for meat is Rio Alba. This place is in the Palermo Area, close to Le Parc Tower.

For something even less touristy and cheaper, try a joint called El Novillo Alegre. This place is in Belgrano, and is right across the street from a nice (small) shopping mall called El Solar de la Abadia.

Again, I apologize for not having the exact addresses, its just that I just drive to these places usually.... I will see if I can get some internet site info. and post it here.

Enjoy your steaks... and, please, dont forget to sample a good Malbec with your red meat, and..... dont overcook it. Anything beyond medium rare is SACRILEEEEGGEEE !!!!!!! ;)

Gaucho100K

Apr 22, 04, 8:17 pm

Here is some detailed info. on restaurants in the EZE area. Im not sure its available in English though...

http://www.restaurant.com.ar/

El Cochinito

Apr 23, 04, 7:17 am

I´m writing this from one of the numerous Internet cafes in Recoleta; I'm here in Bs.As. with the wife and 8 year old on vacation! This is truly a magnificent city and we hope to return some day. Of course a trip report will be forthcoming.

Last night we had dinner at Grant´s, a tenedor libre (all you can eat place) here in Recoleta. Great place, with a superb assortment of dishes but the best part was the cooked to order plates in their "exhibition kitchen".

I could use some ideas on Argentinian wines to bring home. I am partial to reds - Cabernet is my preference with Merlot a close second. Any recommendations?

Any thoughts on the side trip to Colonia in Uruguay via Buquebus? Is this worth the time and money?

StewieMac

Apr 23, 04, 9:33 am

USAFAN

Apr 23, 04, 10:59 am

....I could use some ideas on Argentinian wines to bring home. I am partial to reds - Cabernet is my preference with Merlot a close second. Any recommendations?.....

I was in Restaurant Bourgogne, in Hotel Alvear. Had lunch menu incl. a bottle of first class red wine (Nobile or so..)

I also liked the wines and sparkling wines from Domain Chandon Argentina..

El Cochinito:

I think you can't go wrong with wine from Argentina .. all I had were fine...

Now there should be harvesting time/festivals in Mendoza??? May it's to late..

Gaucho100K

Apr 26, 04, 11:31 am

Cochinito. I suggest you go to one of the retail wine outlets, two good options are:

Winery - they are all over the place
Frappe - with 4 locations in Buenos Aires

Ask your concierge for details. By all means, please avoid Ligier - they are thiefs but unfortunately grease most hotels so that the concierges send the poor tourists there... they are really bad people and should be shunned. Please take this from a veteran of the Argentine wine scene... you dont want to buy there.

As for wines, whats your budget per bottle? I think that for US$ 15 a bottle you can get a heck of a bang for your buck. In this price range, I suggest:

Cabernets
1) Carmelo Patti, Cabernet Sauvignon
2) Trapiche, Fond de Cave
3) Escorihuela Gascon, varietal line Cabernet Sauvignon

Merlots

1) Escorihuela Gascon, varietal line Merlot

Malbec (Argentina's signature grape)

1) Domingo Molina, Malbec
2) Trapiche, Malbec Reserva Especial

If you want to go upmarket... there are many. Just check out the wines from the following wineries:

Catena Zapata
Finca la Anita
Terrazas de los Andes
etc.

Hope this helps.... :D

Gaucho100K

Apr 26, 04, 11:35 am

I was in Restaurant Bourgogne, in Hotel Alvear. Had lunch menu incl. a bottle of first class red wine (Nobile or so..)

USAFAN-- how was your meal at La Bourgogne...? If you are in to fine dining, I have some places you should go that are far far better than that place. I happen to know the chef and he is an idiot (so I guess Im biased), but still, Ive never been satisfied with that restaurant.

Cheers...

Gaucho100K

Apr 26, 04, 11:37 am

Just my $0.02 worth....

spent about 5 weeks in Argentina last Nov/Dec, and it was absolutely our favourite place in 8 months of travelling central/south America and Australasia.

As Gaucho says, just get on a plane and GO !!!

I will be back soon (certainly before the peso recovers, anyway !)

StewieMac

Stewie-- Welcome to FT!! Im very glad you enjoyed travelling around Argentina. We are a country that is still learning how to best treat tourists, we still have a lot to learn but we are getting there. I hope you return there soon and if you have any questions, please contact me or even better fire away here. I shall do my best to help you out...

USAFAN

Apr 26, 04, 2:53 pm

USAFAN-- how was your meal at La Bourgogne...? If you are in to fine dining, I have some places you should go that are far far better than that place. I happen to know the chef and he is an idiot (so I guess Im biased), but still, Ive never been satisfied with that restaurant.

Cheers...

Gaucho100K:

The meal was very good, like in a 1 to 2 star restaurant in France. Also very good service.

USAFAN

Apr 26, 04, 3:02 pm

Stewie-- Welcome to FT!! Im very glad you enjoyed travelling around Argentina. We are a country that is still learning how to best treat tourists, we still have a lot to learn but we are getting there. I hope you return there soon and if you have any questions, please contact me or even better fire away here. I shall do my best to help you out...

Gacho100K:

You can be proud of your Portenos! Very friendly. We stayed at Recoleta and only met nice and friendly people.
One day we went to your great opera, BTW, great performance of Mozart's Requiem. After the performance it started to rain .. lots of people needed a taxi .. there was no rush .. all and everybody behaved very calm. Great people!
I could live there any time ...

Gaucho100K

Apr 26, 04, 11:03 pm

USAFAN-- The next time you are down in BA, I suggest you try one (or all) of these places: Sinclair, Christophe, and Nectarine.

Cheers.

Gaucho100K

Apr 28, 04, 1:10 am

Address for Nectarine (French Cuisine):

Vicente López 1661 Local 15, 1º P. Phone: 4813-6993

Gaucho100K

Apr 28, 04, 1:15 am

Here is another recommendation, this one for Spanish Cuisine:

Pata Negra
Address: Av. Scalabrini Ortiz 3096
Phone: 4805-9957

USAFAN

Apr 30, 04, 9:18 am

iahphx

Apr 30, 04, 3:39 pm

Nice to see a B.A. thread. I'm planning my first trip since late 2000, when prices were still high and economic despair was rising. I've been regularly visiting since the late 80s, and it always seems you never know what the situation will be on your next visit! (One time I missed a coup by 4 days).

Since there's not much about Argentina in the US papers these days, I'm assuming things have calmed down and are relatively normal (at least by Argentine standards)? Last time I was in town everyone was banging pots and the airlines were on strike. Are the tourist areas again very safe to walk around in?

Last time -- before the dollar was dropped -- things were a tad expensive and I had to "compromise" on my hotel accomodations. This time, if I can get a top property for less than $100, I'd probably go that route. So everyone keep those hotel tips coming! And it sounds like good steaks are again at the $5 level, so I know we'll eat well (and cheaply) this time, especially from the recommendations you guys already have given. Always interested in good (non-steak) fine dining choices, too -- just to get a little variety in the diet!

Any shopping tips for good quality leather and woolens at good prices?

And if someone had 3 days to spare for a trip outside B.A., what would you recommend? I'd be particularly interested in a gaucho/hacienda type experience.

Thanks.

Gaucho100K

May 1, 04, 6:54 am

Gaucho100K:

Get ready. United is coming (from Chicago)

Chicago–Buenos Aires 9:25 p.m.–11:45 a.m.** Daily from 10/31/04 767
Buenos Aires–Chicago 8:50 p.m.–5:15 a.m.**

I think they will stop/stopped MIA-EZE.

Yes, this was in the planning for some months now. UA EZE had been lobyying WHQ for this flight for ages now, its just that the bean counters wanted for the Northern Hemisphere to go into low season before they released one of the old 767 crates for the ORD service. Do you know if they will be doing this with 2 or 3 classes of service?

Gaucho100K

May 1, 04, 7:02 am

iahphx-- Glad to hear you will be going down to EZE sometime soon. Things are indeed quiet and orderly, by all standards. True that our picket lines are perhaps louder and more colorful than some of the ones you see in North America, but still, you have nothing to worry about. Getting a place to stay for around US$100 will be very easy, as well as $5-$7 steaks (depending on how high up the scale you want to go).

If you have enough meat in your system, I suggest you try out some of the other places Ive mentioned here and in other threads. Some more examples:

1) La Catedra - International, in Palermo
2) La Fornarina - Italian, in Belgrano
3) La Parollaccia - Av. Libertador, in Belgrano
4) Oviedo - in Barrio Norte

Cheers....

USAFAN

May 1, 04, 8:10 am

Yes, this was in the planning for some months now. UA EZE had been lobbying WHQ for this flight for ages now, its just that the bean counters wanted for the Northern Hemisphere to go into low season before they released one of the old 767 crates for the ORD service. Do you know if they will be doing this with 2 or 3 classes of service?

I don't know how they will be doing this; with 2 or 3 classes of service. I only got an e-mail from UA regarding:

We're expanding our routes to popular destinations
International travelers will soon have even more reasons to fly United—with more route options and more convenient connections to popular business and leisure locations.

BTW, UA needs two of this "old 767 crates" to establish a daily service to/from EZE, right? One 767 is sitting the whole day on the tarmac in EZE ... or make a short trip to Montevideo?!?
I am not a fan of the 767, however, I am beginning to like them. I went with CO from IAH to GRU, this bird had 2 - 1 - 2 seating in business-first.

iahphx

May 1, 04, 6:14 pm

Thanks Gaucho. Given the quality of B.A. restaurants, and the exchange rate, I know we're not going to starve. :<)

Following up on a tip from another poster, I see we can stay at the Claridge for $85 on either a 3-night rate, or a "last minute" rate. I also see there are some 3-4 star properties in the $50 range. Certainly don't mind spending the extra bucks if the Claridge is appreciably nicer. What's the consensus? Location pros and cons? Any other good 4 or 5 star choices under $100?

And still looking for a 3 day excursion from B.A. Been to Iguazu and loved it, but I'm looking for something different. Are internal-Argentine airfares cheap? Or would I be better off driving to an estancia for a few days? Looking for an "authentic" Argentine experience that would be interesting and enjoyable. Thanks.

ALadyNCal

May 4, 04, 11:57 am

Great thread, Gaucho. Thanks! Very timely for me, as we just booked a cruise for February. I have two questions preliminarily...

1. We will arrive in EZE for a couple of days, then cruise 14 nights, ending in SCL for a couple of days. Will we NEED to learn Spanish? Will it be very helpful? Or is English widely spoken? We will do our best to learn as much as we can between now and then, but would appreciate an idea of how necessary it will be.

2. A family member is going on the cruise also and I have the next several months to find a reasonable airfare for them. The difficult part is it is high season (Feb) and triangle (LAX-EZE/SCL-LAX). Any thoughts on when bargain airfares pop up? Or any consolidators to consider? They do not collect FF miles....so price is the priority.

Thanks so much for any help :cool:

akhullar

May 5, 04, 1:15 pm

..... Will we NEED to learn Spanish? Will it be very helpful? Or is English widely spoken? We will do our best to learn as much as we can between now and then, but would appreciate an idea of how necessary it will be.

Knowing some does help. I make an effort to learn more than the previous trips, and carry a pocket dictionary. Enjoy Buenos Aires.

USAFAN

May 5, 04, 5:18 pm

Knowing some does help. I make an effort to learn more than the previous trips, and carry a pocket dictionary. Enjoy Buenos Aires.
I agree. A little Spanish helps. I have not found one taxi driver who could speak English. The personal in the hotels speak English ..
You will like Buenos Aires .. the people are very nice.
Don't miss the opera. http://www.teatrocolon.org.ar/inicio.htm

Gaucho100K

May 7, 04, 11:33 pm

You dont have to learn Spanish.... although this would certainly help. For taxi drivers, just make sure you have the address written down and you will be fine. Also, take your taxis from taxi stands and hotels, or else call a radio taxi.

As for airfare deals, I suggest you try to look for some of the local carriers like AR (Aerolineas Argentinas), or Southern Winds. You may have to first get to a US Gateway for these airlines, though, some safe bets are: MIA, JFK and ORD. I think LAX is also served by AR.

Have a great trip!!!!

LRD

May 8, 04, 12:04 pm

Gaucho,

As some of the travel books do, would you care to share your top suggestions of sights to see in the city?

dedehans

May 8, 04, 5:57 pm

Gaucho100K

May 8, 04, 11:09 pm

I am going to BA in late November, staying at the Alvear Palace

How about suggestions of a tango house with great food? Is the Esquina Carlos Gardel the best or should I go to one not so frequented by tourists? Which one?

Also, where can I find performance schedules for the Theatro Colon in November and December?

Lastly, do you have any very favourite art galleries I might visit?

Gracias!

Galleries:

The Malba Museum (Constantini Collection)
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Museo de Arte Decorativo
Centro Cultural Recoleta
Palais de Glace

Im not good with Tango house recommendations, I will have to referr you to your concierge. Also, I would say go to Tango houses for the Tango.... and then go eat elsewhere.

Gaucho100K

May 9, 04, 7:26 am

Please see this link for the Teatro Color program for 2004:

http://www.teatrocolon.org.ar/programacion/temporada2004/temporada2004.htm

Unfortunately, I dont think this is available in English.... my apologies for that (its inexcusable that the site is not available in 4-5 languages). I will drop a line to the President of the Colon Theater Foundation.

Gaucho100K

May 9, 04, 7:29 am

dedehans-- it just struck me that Ive listed galleries as in places to see paintings from some of the premiere public and private collections in the coutry... but, are you looking to purchase art? if so... then let me know, and I will have to think of some more information for you.

dedehans

May 9, 04, 8:27 am

Gaucho100K

May 9, 04, 9:15 am

dedehans

May 9, 04, 12:09 pm

OK, understood. Depending on what sort of art you are after, you have two very different sources. If you want traditional "continental European" style artwork, then you are best to stroll into some of the Antique shops on Alvear. Things are not cheap, but real art rarely is. These places are reputable and you will be in good hands.

If you are looking for somethign more contemporary, I suggest you explore the barrios (areas) of Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood. La Boca is another area where there are a couple of interesting galleries where some nice things can be found.

Hope this helps.

You are very helpful and I shall check back to this thread periodically to pick up more bits of Gaucho wisdom over the next few months....thank you so much! :)
I did prowl the Teatro Colon site and got what I needed (I hope) with my limited Spanish....I should be fluent as I live in Florida, si?

ALadyNCal

May 11, 04, 10:06 pm

Gaucho, have you heard of this hotel? I can't find a review. Is it in a good area to stay 2-3 nights? Thanks!

Buenos Aires Wilton Hotel
Callao Avda. 1162
Buenos Aires, 1023

Looks decent. Very reasonable rates (which is important when you are booking 3 rooms, 3 nites!)

Gaucho100K

May 11, 04, 11:40 pm

Milady in NCal-- yes, Ive heard of this hotel, and the comments have been quite OK. However, I have never visited the place and therefore cannot vouch for the reviews. Sorry I cant be of more help, let me see if I can dig up some reviews.

ALadyNCal

May 12, 04, 11:43 am

Would this area be a good location for tourists? Thanks so much!

Gaucho100K

May 12, 04, 11:00 pm

Would this area be a good location for tourists? Thanks so much!

Yes, location should be fine.

Gaucho100K

May 12, 04, 11:03 pm

Please see:

http://www.buenosaires.com/hoteles/estrellas4/WiltonHotel/

iahphx

May 14, 04, 4:07 pm

Gaucho100K

May 14, 04, 10:54 pm

Having poked around a bit, it seems like the Claridge -- despite it's 5 stars -- may not be a great place to stay these days. Apparently the "star system" is very unreliable in Argentina.

The Argenta Tower hotel (a 4 star) has been recommended to me. Anyone with any experiences there? The "negotiated price" seems to be about $75. I'd welcome any other hotel suggestions (doesn't seem necessary to spend over $100, though).

Im afraid I dont know the Argenta Tower.

Agree with you on the "star" comment.... Ive found the system to be quite unreliable in many destinations, and Buenos Aires is no exception.

As for the Claridge, I think it depends greatly on the room you get, thats been my experience with comments Ive gotten from people that have stayed there.

thebug622

May 15, 04, 1:52 pm

My wife and I stayed at the Wilton Hotel $50USD w/bkfst nothing fancy but i would stay again good location,also stayed at ART Suites small hotel all suites w/kitchens incl breakfast in your room,my wife has purchased beautiful leather coats on 2 or our trips at dalla fontana leathers they have a shop I think ablk off of Florida nice styles that you dont see in USA around $140-$160 including alterations may be able to get for less but my wife loves them and they are nice people.but do bargain you should be able to get 10-2o% off inital asking price.Gaucho can you give us NorthAmericans some guidance in this area?Argentina is a wonderful place and we will return soon.

Gaucho100K

May 16, 04, 3:15 am

Wheezer

May 16, 04, 8:42 pm

Gaucho100K

May 16, 04, 9:37 pm

I'll be arriving Buenos Aires this week with two days scheduled at the Park Tower. Having never stayed in a "butler hotel," I would be most grateful if anyone (hi, Gaucho ;)) could advise what the proper protocol is for tipping in this neck of the woods.

No need to tip on a per job basis (unless its a very big/important job).... per-diem will be OK (at the end of the day).

Wheezer

May 16, 04, 10:07 pm

No need to tip on a per job basis (unless its a very big/important job).... per-diem will be OK (at the end of the day).

Thanks, Gaucho. But bellboys, maids, the mysterious butler, could you advise whom, how much, what is customary? The room is booked in dollars, and I'm frankly accustomed to staying on friends' couches, so I'm flying blind in this here going a-courting in a country I've never met.

[Edited to add:] Sorry to be such a nervous Nellie.

meghadhoot

May 17, 04, 11:12 pm

hi!,
Whats the best way from EZE to visit antartica. (less expensive ones)
thnx!

Gaucho100K

May 17, 04, 11:16 pm

All amounts in local currency, Argentine Pesos.

Bellboys, $2 per bag
Maid, $5-$10 per day
Butler, $10 per day - more depending on what he does for you

Cheers,
Gaucho

Gaucho100K

May 17, 04, 11:17 pm

hi!,
Whats the best way from EZE to visit antartica. (less expensive ones)
thnx!

Sorry, Im not an expert on Antartica.... but I think you will do best to go to EZE and book everything from there if you have time (ie. if you go there well enough in advance).

Wheezer

May 18, 04, 12:16 am

Thanks again, Gaucho. My head is feeling a little less like it's going to 'splode now that I have a reckoning point.

akhullar

May 18, 04, 2:24 am

hi!,
Whats the best way from EZE to visit antartica. (less expensive ones)
thnx!

Take a flight from AEP to USH. That's Antartica enough for me :) Most expeditions to Antartica are sponsored by some scientific or other endevours.

Gaucho100K

May 18, 04, 6:30 am

Beware, USH is not an inexpensive location.

sargento

May 22, 04, 10:09 pm

Beware, USH is not an inexpensive location.

An alternative is to visit the glacier "Perito Moreno" in Calafate (south, bordering Chile) allowing one to take a guided walk on the glacier (with clamps) and learn a bit of the different formations. I took this a few years ago and didn't find it physically challening (though take into account I'm a 27 y.o.). The town is tiny, but for more adventures people there is another town an hour north that allows ice-climibing and rapelling. If you are looking for a great getaway for a short weekend, this is a nice alternative within southern Argentina.

iahphx

May 22, 04, 11:01 pm

An alternative is to visit the glacier "Perito Moreno" in Calafate (south, bordering Chile) allowing one to take a guided walk on the glacier (with clamps) and learn a bit of the different formations.

Yes, especially now, since Southern Winds Airlines has flights from BA to Calafate for a little more than $100 roundtrip! You can look at their website for dates and times, but you need to find a BA travel agent to ticket it, since buying it in the US is 3X as expensive (unlike on Aerolineas, you don't need to be Argentine for the cheap fares).

When I was first planning my Argentina trip, I wasn't going to go to El Calafate because it seemed "too expensive" for just a few days. At those prices, though, who could resist seeing a bit of Patagonia?

Accomodations do seem relatively expensive down there -- at least compared to BA. Anyone recently been there? I've heard the town is booming these days.

sargento

May 23, 04, 1:24 am

Yes, especially now, since Southern Winds Airlines has flights from BA to Calafate for a little more than $100 roundtrip!
Accomodations do seem relatively expensive down there -- at least compared to BA. Anyone recently been there? I've heard the town is booming these days.

The last time I was there was about 2 years ago and I arrived on a national long weekend and the town was kind of dead, as most tour groups are out walking on the Perito Moreno. I HIGHLY advice you to take Southern Winds!! It's about a 3 hour flight, but the service is excellent on-board. A local agenyc I've dealt with is www.amazingargentina.com and ask for Federico (owner/operator). He's the one who can tell you all the latest details on hotels, prices and tours (and book everything for you).

In terms of prices, I stayed at a hostel, but you can alwyas call around and fit the best value. Though you can always try the Los Notros hotel for a very rewarding stay. http://www.losnotros.com/

Gaucho100K

May 23, 04, 3:34 am

I can strongly support the recommendations to visit El Perito Moreno. And, SW is a good alternative to Aerolineas Argentinas.

El Calafate is indeed quite expensive, there is a lot of North American, Japanese and European tourism that has driven the prices to G8 economy levels. Still, a great place to visit.

dedehans

May 23, 04, 5:54 am

Does anyone have any great restaurant suggestions around the Bariloche area? Elegance if possible and divine food for snooty foodies.

Also art galleries?

Gracias!

Gaucho100K

May 23, 04, 6:11 am

Pablo Massey used to have a restaurant in Bariloche.... but Im not sure its still open. Im not usually a fine dining customer when I go skiing, but... I will do some research for you and get back once I have something.

dedehans

May 23, 04, 8:11 am

dedehans

May 23, 04, 8:21 am

Gaucho100K:

Get ready. United is coming (from Chicago)

Chicago–Buenos Aires 9:25 p.m.–11:45 a.m.** Daily from 10/31/04 767
Buenos Aires–Chicago 8:50 p.m.–5:15 a.m.**

I think they will stop/stopped MIA-EZE.

Delta says they plan to resume ATL/EZE service in December....of course this may be a dream considering their financial woes....As a DL PM I am keeping my fingers crossed!

Gaucho100K

May 23, 04, 8:48 am

Delta says they plan to resume ATL/EZE service in December....of course this may be a dream considering their financial woes....As a DL PM I am keeping my fingers crossed!

Good news for EZE based flyers. We need more flights to the US to keep AA from charging us an arm and a leg. Else, I will have no choice but to go through South Africa and Europa all the time... :eek:

sargento

May 23, 04, 11:57 pm

Gaucho100K

May 24, 04, 12:09 am

With UA starting & DL possibly starting will another fare war erupt? In 2002 I snatched a base fare of US$275 for the BUE- MIA - BUE (which was also available from MIA on travelocity), so will we see a possible fare ware in November when they begin the new service??

If they do, I'll take a couple MR's from Chicago (considering AA matches the fare with a connection).. And if they do I'll bring my gf and propose down there.. hhmmm... I should start saving for a ring now...

Im not sure about a fare war.... remember that UA will come back ex-ORD but they massively cut back capacity when they killed JFK and then MIA. Also, there are still folks over on the DL board that still seem skeptical about DL making it back to EZE (and with good reason, considering the Atlanta carrier's financial woes).

iahphx

May 24, 04, 3:46 pm

I can strongly support the recommendations to visit El Perito Moreno. And, SW is a good alternative to Aerolineas Argentinas.

Good!! Especially about Southern Winds. With Aerolineas insisting on charging us much, much higher "gringo fares," we norteamericanos don't really have any choice but to give our business to SW.

I never had the chance to fly LAPA, but I have flown many of the secondary, modestly-capitalized national airlines in your part of the world, like Sky in Chile. I'm expecting old airplanes, mediocre (old technology) check-in, good in-flight service and reasonable punctuality. Does SW meet that standard?

sargento

May 24, 04, 8:05 pm

Good!! Especially about Southern Winds. Does SW meet that standard?

In my flight experiences with them (locally) I have had the best service with extremely short check-in, friendly staff, very attentive service upon boarding and decent snack offering on board.

When I was working there for 13 months, I made a habbit to fly them instead of Aerolineas b/c of the great service. They truly are a first-class airline within Argentina (haven't flown them internationally yet).

In my opinion, you can't go wrong AND you earn AAdvantage miles (except in their Miami runs).

Gaucho100K

May 24, 04, 9:04 pm

I would be interested in having feedback from foreign visitors on SW, but in my view, their overall product should be the same (or even slightly better) than the TED's and other budget carriers you have in many G8 nations. The only exception would probably be the average age of the aircraft, as those operated by SW will be some 7-8 years older (on average) than those you will find on the largest low cost carriers operating in the developed nations.

akhullar

May 25, 04, 1:43 am

I would be interested in having feedback from foreign visitors on SW......

I don't know whether it was/is SW or some other airline; but I was always woken up by the noise of take offs @ AEP (I normally stay in Recolleta area.

Does SW fly to Mar del Plata inexpensively ? Sould save a 4-5 hr bus ride :)

iahphx

May 25, 04, 1:22 pm

Does SW fly to Mar del Plata inexpensively ? Sould save a 4-5 hr bus ride :)

It's listed as a "new flight" which I think means they don't fly the route yet.

http://www.sw.com.ar/en/home.jsp

I'm happy to hear all the positive feedback about SW -- and somewhat astonished that they're in the AA Advantage program.

BTW, seems like the norteamericanos have taught them some of our strange yield management techniques. I noticed the BA-El Calafate flight stops in Bariloche in each direction. So, of course, SW charges more to fly BA-Bariloche than BA-El Calafate, even though the latter is twice the distance!

And, of course, you also can't buy a cheap El Calafate flight and stop in Bariloche. It might be cheaper to just fly back to BA and start another roundtrip!

Glad airline pricing madness is not confined to the States.

sargento

May 27, 04, 2:46 am

From what I'm seeing, the flights operate in season. Meaning during their busy summer months (December, January, February). I don't remember if they had this flight operating when I left there as I haven't been in ARG in over a year.

Probably look for them to return in December when there's money to be made on the routes. All other times Mar del Plata is pretty dead, but buisiness does go on there and people do live there..

Aerolineas flies there year round if you really need to get down there to enjoy the warm weather :cool: just dont' forget your sunglasses.

vigneron

May 28, 04, 11:10 pm

I also see there are some 3-4 star properties in the $50 range. Certainly don't mind spending the extra bucks if the Claridge is appreciably nicer. What's the consensus? Location pros and cons? Any other good 4 or 5 star choices under $100?

Just spent two months in Argentina and Chile. Can offer some information, and still have my research notes here so I will type a whole stack of websites I found at the bottom. Hope it helps:

Hotels: I found the NH hotels to be excellent. They have four or five in BA, mostly 4star and 5 star properties and very well priced. One more fashion oriented like a W. One 5 star with swanky rooftop pool. Spanish hotel chain, so a European feel (i.e. Euro style free breakfast buffet with piles of smoked salmon, firm beds, hotels guests who greet each other in the elevator, a lobby that is the hive of activity at cocktail hour, etc). All seem to be historic restored buildings with soaring ceilings and marble bathrooms. Booking through website was touch and go - better to look there and then make booking through expedia or telephone. Aligned to KLM program and someone else. www.nh-hoteles.com

Also used Southern Winds. Earned AA miles. Didn't try to rip me off with gringo price quote like Aerolingus did. Newish planes, but one pilot had a cowboy mentality... tilting the plane and turning three times before landing in BAries.. with the passengers clapping iwth exctiement!! Nothing dangerous... just a showoff.

Hotel tactics: I NEVER got a response from an hotel when I emailed them for a reservation. Sometimes if I phoned them and they heard an ENglish speaking tourist I would be told "we only have suites left" and then found out that was baloney to get me to pay more. I found it easiest to phone and ask, and then compare that to the price that a local travel agent cold get me.

There were tours at the Teatro Colon during the day. Excellent tours. Ask the tour guide about mini-concerts. My concierge did not know about it, but apparently they have mini concerts, such as chamber music or one operatic singer on weeknights out of opera season sometimes. Very inexpensive. Essentally you are attending practice performances.

Flyetalkers were very helpful in my plannign for this trip. Hope this is helpful to others.

www.crucedelagos.cl
www.nidodelcondor.com.ar
la Cascada Hotel Bariloche 0054 02944 441088
Llao Llao hotel (pronounced Yao Yao) is the primo one in Bariloche
NH Hotel Florida newly renovated
NH Latino newly built
NH Hotel in Mendoza (request corner room as its larger)
Hyattt mendoza
Hosteria Isla Victoria in Bariloche
Posada Salentien
www.sw.com.ar

Our wine consumption for our party was,... well a party. We tried all different price points and were consistently pleased.

Very important: "Des Trabador" is Spanish for wine bottle opener. It took us weeks to work that one out, after much confusion. Essential for enjoying those bottles in the room.

Best wines to visit on a tour:
1. Norton (spectacular view from the bar, large scale modern winery production)
2. Rutini (excelent museum for how these estancias were managed in the old days including how workers were paid, etc)
3. Vina el Cerno (excellent to contrast to the large scale Norton, "pure" traditions, WOW "6 vina" wine of only 1600 bottles at 48 pesos ($US17) of 97 malbec and cab sauv blend, all wine in this small scale winery is sold at the door)
4. Finca Flichman - one of the most spectacular winery tours, walk through ancient barrels to get into barrel room
5. Nieto Senetiner - see if you can stop there for lunch. If pre-aranged will make you lunch to eat in the estate gardens.
6. Dolium - (Catena Zapata is next door) My kind of winery.
Its an idea to book a local tourist bus (make sure English) and they will probably go to some of these anyways. The tour companies had different itineraries on different days. Then rent a car and driver the next day through the concierge (make sure the driver knows your itinerary the day before so he can make reservations) and get the others you've missed.
Thre's an excelelnt wine guide book for sale in BAires bokstores with a big bunch of grapes on the cover looking like South America. Excellent investment. Its in spanish and english.

sargento

May 29, 04, 1:57 am

I agree with all your suggestions.. here's a couple more..

leather jacket shopping... There's a neighbourhood about a 20 minute subway ride from Florida that is two streets long with a wide array of quality jackets and a huge assorment. Just go into the different shops and compare and the prices are about 1/3 or more below what you see in Florida area (tourist area) and better selection. Though don't forget to negotiate a better price... Gaucho..maybe you can comment on this??

clothes shopping... even though Florida offers great savings compared to the greenback and the loonie, there's a shopping mall nearby called Alto Avellaneda (not huge!!) that offers great prices on jeans (Levi's and local brands), sporting goods, suits & ties (authentic Christian Dior) and shoes among others.. they have free shuttle busses directly from your hotel. Just ask your conceirge to book it for you. I've found great items and at a bargain. Though there really isn't anything else to do in this neighbourhood, so plan for a couple hours at the most of shopping (and yes, they give better rates on the greenback in cash than in local currency when shopping..--- actually that's true throughout most shops in the Florida area.

The Cruce de los Lagos, a boat trip that takes you to the highest border crossing in the world between Chile and Argentina is great as it take you through different lakes and fantastic scenaries. It's offered in its traditional 2-day trip (with one-night at their exclusive 4* hotel sorrounded by Nature) AND its Express one-day trip (my preference) offering a quicker glimpse at the same attractions. The trips travel between Bariloche, Argentina and Puerto Montt, Chile.

ohhh. the NH hotels.. definetely worth it.. I stayed there for a night when they had a special promotion and it was reasonably priced!!

Gaucho, I'd love to bring more tourism to Argentina as it truly is a wonderful country with friendly faces. I'll be back as soon as I can find a good MR to take me there...

iahphx

May 30, 04, 8:33 pm

Hotel tactics: I NEVER got a response from an hotel when I emailed them for a reservation.

Yeah, I emailed two 4* hotels to see how their rates compared to the travel agents' and neither hotel replied to my email. Bizarre. Last time I was in BA (4 years ago), I booked a promotional rate directly with a hotel and saved a few bucks.

Gaucho100K

Jun 1, 04, 3:52 am

Just a small correction: its destapador... ;) :D

or if you like 'sacacorchos'....

StewieMac

Jun 2, 04, 5:55 am

We didn't do the Cruce de Lagos trip, as we thought that it would be a bit quick (and pricey !) - instead we took the ferry across Lago Buenos Aires (or General Carrera, depending on which side you're on!), from Puerto Ibanez to Chile Chico, which was breathtaking - a fantastic bluey-green colour, with brilliant blue skies and biting wind. Well worth the trip if you find yourself down in that part of S America (and it's a long way down !).

Also wholeheartedly endorse the winery recommendations above. Dolium is quite an experience, as is Norton but at the other end of the scale !
We went for the 'public transport combined with a lot of walking' option, on account of we were on a very tight budget, but I can see the attraction of a car and driver.

What a great place - can't wait to get back again !

Stew

Gaucho100K

Jun 2, 04, 1:44 pm

For high end Argentine wine.... please be sure to try:

1) Winery: Bodegas Catena Zapata

- Angelica Zapata Malbec (Merlot and Cabernet also available)
- Catena Alta (Malbec and Cabernet)
- Catena Zapata - Estiba Reservada

2) Terrazas de los Andes / Chateau Cheval-Blanc

- Cheval des Andes

3) Bodegas Nieto Senetiner

- Bonarda Edicion Especial

4) Dolium

- Nobile (special edition of the Special Reserve)

Gaucho100K

Jun 2, 04, 10:48 pm

For some less expensive options:

Trapiche - Malbec Reserva Especial
Domingo Molina - Malbec
Escorihuela Gascon - Sangiovese (varietal line)

If you want to try a different white wine.... ask about a bottle of Torrontes... :D

USAFAN

Jun 3, 04, 10:26 am

SW Vacations is Southern Winds Airlines’ Global Tour Operator.

RUTA DE LOS VINOS / The wine route
Air ticket
Transfers
3 nights' stay
Full Day excursion, visiting wineries,
with lunch at the winery of your choice.
Wine map
Hotel Portal Suites **** breakfast included
Total $875 +taxes $79

Two questions:
1. Are this ARS or US-dollars?
2. Can I book this or do I have to be a "Gaucho"?

Thanks!

rucas0

Jun 3, 04, 12:19 pm

Two questions:
1. Are this ARS or US-dollars?
2. Can I book this or do I have to be a "Gaucho"?

Thanks!

1. All the prices in SW Vacations are in ARS. I saw it mentioned somewhere on the site.
2. I think these prices are the same to everybody.

When you try to book it, you got an answer from Les Amis Viajes.

USAFAN

Jun 3, 04, 4:51 pm

1. All the prices in SW Vacations are in ARS. I saw it mentioned somewhere on the site.
2. I think these prices are the same to everybody.

When you try to book it, you got an answer from Les Amis Viajes.

Thanks. Then it's a very good offer. About $322!
Since the Euro is so high, I convinced Mrs. USAFAN to spent our time and money in the Western Hemisphere :-:

iahphx

Jun 3, 04, 10:43 pm

Since the Euro is so high, I convinced Mrs. USAFAN to spent our time and money in the Western Hemisphere :-:

I think that's a smart move. While there may be a misconception out there that Europe is particularly expensive right now -- which isn't necessarily true if you look at the Euro's value the past ten years (based on the conversion rate of the Mark and Franc) -- there's no question it's not a cheap vacation.

Argentina IS a cheap vacation. It's much easier to have fun when things are cheap. You can afford to do more (just try shopping in Western Europe now) and there's that thrill of "getting a bargain."

USAFAN

Jun 4, 04, 9:09 am

..... While there may be a misconception out there that Europe is particularly expensive right now -- which isn't necessarily true if you look at the Euro's value the past ten years (based on the conversion rate of the Mark and Franc)....

Sorry - off-topic in the BA thread :eek:

The Euro came 01.01.2002. And a lot of businesses, restaurants, hotels used this to increase the prices. In Germany the Euro is called "Teuro" = "expansive Euro"
The Deutsch Mark was 1,95583 for one Euro. Almost double, but when the Euro was launched, some businesses just changed the currency and not the number: "Steak with frites" DM 22.80 was then "Steak with frites" Euro 22.80 :mad:
And the end of the story, alone in Hamburg went about 30% of good restaurants out of business.

Back to the topic:
We went twice to Argentina and Brazil. Very nice people, beautiful scenery, very good food & wine, 1A hotels ... and it didn't cost us an arm & leg!

We liked the wine from Argentine, but it's hard to come by here in the US. Wine from Chile, Gaucho100K's "wrong side of the Andes", is plentiful, good and not too expensive. Actually, many of them are imported and distributed by Robert Mondavi.

sargento

Jun 5, 04, 12:17 pm

Arrzee

Jun 5, 04, 10:49 pm

USAFAN

Jun 6, 04, 7:43 am

I guess Gaucho100K is on vacation ...

You can make it:

When your plane arrives at 10:25AM you are through customs and have your baggage at 11:30AM.
Taxi to AEP is 1 hour, so you arrive at about 12:30PM at AEP ... your plane goes at 14:05PM

When you go "a couple of days" to Iguazu, you should also go to the Brazilian side and also to Itipu.

In 1982 the flood gates of the bypass canal of the Itaipu hydroelectric power station were closed and the lake began to fill up. Today it covers an area of 1350 km² and is on average 22 m deep, and 170m deep near the dam wall. 66 small islands have not been covered with water, 44 on the Brazilian side and 22 on the Paraguayan side

sargento

Jun 6, 04, 11:52 am

^

You can make it:

As soon as you exit customs, in front of you there will be an array of taxi stands (Manuel Tienda de Leon, etc..) who can offer you the transport of a Remis (taxi) for about $48 Pesos Argentine (aprox US$16) which you can pay with a credit card or in Pesos or in US$..

Though you can also go the stands next to theirs and probably pay US$2 less, but the difference is minimal.

Be careful they don't put on a bus that leaves every hour on the half.. (i.e. 11:30 and arrives @ 12:30).

And dont' take the services of any person offering you the service by word of mouth ... just go the counter in front of you.. it's located as soon as you exit and before you get to masses of people.. It's impossible to miss...

Enjoy Iguazu and be sure to stop by the Sheraton after a full day at the Argentine side of the falls for afternoon tea with fresh fruit (lots of it and it's about US$6 or US$7..)... well worth it as it's very assorted.. though it's only from 4 -6 p.m. (so don't arrive too late and be left with nothing..)... My g/f and I loved it as we were able to sit on their patio and enjoy the weather and the view of the falls ...

btw, yes.. it will be hot and humid!!
Btw2.. there is also a nature walk you can partake in (guided or alone) that takes you an hour into the tropical park area.. and if your knees are good. you can climb down at the very end of the path to the water level and suntan on the beach (but beware of mosquitoes!!)...

For the Brazilian side.. you can take a local bus that takes you accross in aproximately 1 hour (and it's FASTER because they are on a schedule and you don't really need to pay for a tour.. ask your hotel which bus to take as they come every hour if I remember correctly..

enjoy the falls and takes lots of film and a good pair of hiking shoes!! ^

Arrzee

Jun 6, 04, 7:19 pm

I guess Gaucho100K is on vacation ...

You can make it:

When your plane arrives at 10:25AM you are through customs and have your baggage at 11:30AM.
Taxi to AEP is 1 hour, so you arrive at about 12:30PM at AEP ... your plane goes at 14:05PM

When you go "a couple of days" to Iguazu, you should also go to the Brazilian side and also to Itipu.

Thansk for the feedback.... Looks like this will be doable then. ^

As to visiting the Brazilian side of the falls, how strict is border control in these parts...? In other words, would I need a Brazilian visa to cross the border? Do they even bother to check?

sargento

Jun 6, 04, 11:12 pm

As to visiting the Brazilian side of the falls, how strict is border control in these parts...? In other words, would I need a Brazilian visa to cross the border? Do they even bother to check?

It depends on the border guy.. and how friendly he is.. the visa for US citizens is US$100 and I believe it's good for 5 years.. For Canadians it's about CD$72.. though the visa needs to be stamped within 90 days of its issue...

some people take a risk and get by .. (me.. but I speak Spanish and told him I was only going to the falls side and coming back the same day..which was true).. others get hassled at the border.. The mood can also depend how busy the border is with tourists, though the early morning local buses (I took the 9 a.m. one) tend to be kind of empty so it may be easier..

It all depends on the border guy and how friendly you both are to each other.. though DON'T offer $$..it's not worth the possible legal hassles.

Gaucho100K

Jun 7, 04, 1:32 am

Gaucho,

Do you have any suggestions for minimum ground transfer times between EZE and AEP?

My partner and I are heading to Buenos Aires 03/Julio for ~10 days. flying VARIG from JFK, connecting in GRU, and arriving EZE at 1025 (booked as a US Airways *Alliance C award so can't complain about the routing)...

We'd like to head up to Iguazu for a couple of days and, for convenience, are considering doing it first thing the Sunday we arrive. The best possible (and latest) flight departs AEP at 1405, or approximately 3-1/2 hours after our arrival in EZE. Do you think that's enough time to clear immigration at EZE, transfer to AEP and check-in for the "vuelo de cabotaje" (domestic flight)? My gut tells me this is too tight a connection, in which case we'll make the trip later during our stay. Any thoughts?

PD: Gracias por esta discusión... aún estamos planeando nuestro viaje a la Argentina y la información aquí nos está ayudando bastante... Por lo que veo, vamos a tener unas vacaciones estupendas.

Arrzzee-- Sorry for the delay but Ive been away from FT for a couple of days. You are fine with your transit time, you should be able to make it to AEP with no problems at all. I suggest you just take a care from EZE, perhaps Manuel Tienda Leon or another of the authorized car service companies (use the booths that are right there as you exit customs) and you will be fine.

Have a great trip and thank you for visiting Argentina!!!! :D ^

Gaucho100K

Jun 7, 04, 1:36 am

In Canada they are also hard to find, though once I found one called Argento. don't try it!! It'll be a matter of time before the good wines make it up to this side of the hemisphere, but once they do, they will have a strong presence allowing us to savour them....

Ive also heard bad things about this stuff.... do you have details on the wine? Is it supposed to be from Mendoza?

Thanks.

sargento

Jun 7, 04, 11:52 pm

no details.. tried at a friends house and it tasted awful.. Though a winery from San Rafael area ( I think) has a wine called Tango of Essence and I'm trying to negotiate a deal to represent them in the province..

Have you heard any feedback from it? I don't remember it from when I was there.. Though I do recall the Rutini's.. those I miss..

Gaucho100K

Jun 8, 04, 6:58 pm

kitalla

Jun 16, 04, 4:32 pm

someone help! advice needed!

i arrive at EZE at 3:00am in a week! stupid airline scheduleing so it was the only flight i could take. i don't know what to do. i'm a lone female traveller and i dont want to take a taxi and def not a bus into the city. can i stay in the airport till daylight? is it well staffed in the middle of the night?? any advice is greatly appreciated!!!

mryflyer

Jun 16, 04, 11:05 pm

For those planning to visit the Mendoza wine country, here are a few recommendations based on my last visit: For lodging I highly recommend Finca Adalgisa a small (I believe about 10 rooms) bed and breakfast located about 25 kilometers south of Mendoza in an area known as Chacras de Coria. The grounds include a vineyard and a fruit orchard and the rooms are very comfortable. The owner/manager Gabriela Furlotti is well connected and will gladly arrange visits to the nearby wineries which are closer than if staying in Mendoza proper. The rates as I recall are reasonable. If more info is needed please e-mail me.

Alinlondon

Jun 18, 04, 5:44 am

Great thread, I will be in BA for 5 days - 19 -25 Aug - any one around for a drink and a bite.

Gaucho100K

Jun 21, 04, 9:03 am

Great thread, I will be in BA for 5 days - 19 -25 Aug - any one around for a drink and a bite.

I should be around..... unless Im skiing. Drop me a line closer to the dates and perhaps we can arrange.

Alinlondon

Jun 22, 04, 3:22 am

I should be around..... unless Im skiing. Drop me a line closer to the dates and perhaps we can arrange.

Gaucho, I will do. ^

sugaree1

Jun 24, 04, 9:06 pm

akhullar

Jun 25, 04, 4:29 am

Hi all,
I read the preceding message about a three and a half hour connection time from EZE-AEP and am now a bit worried about MY own connection. I get in to

Thanks for any thoughts/ideas. I hate flying Aerolineas, but neither American Falcon nor Southern Winds had options for me on the 10th.

Barring a delay in flight arrival you should be able to make it. The maximum time spent @ EZE was about one hour (without checked baggage).

sugaree1

Jun 26, 04, 11:20 am

Wish I didn't have to check luggage, but everybody in Salta NEEDS something from the States! I'm going to leave it as it stands and hope for the best. Thanks for your input.

Gaucho100K

Jun 27, 04, 10:06 am

Hi all,
I read the preceding message about a three and a half hour connection time from EZE-AEP and am now a bit worried about MY own connection. I get in to EZE at 9:15 a.m. on July 10th on UAL 847 and will have checked baggage and then have an Aerolineas flight 1452 from AEP-SLA (Salta) at 11:50 a.m. If I run through customs, grab my bags and quickly ask for a remise from Manuel Tienda Leon, do I have a chance of making my Salta flight? Should I reticket now or just take my chances? I'd hate to take that 23 hour bus ride from Bs As to Salta!

Thanks for any thoughts/ideas. I hate flying Aerolineas, but neither American Falcon nor Southern Winds had options for me on the 10th.

Dear Sugaree1-- Unless your incoming flight to EZE is late, you will be fine. AEP checkin procedures are very reasonable.... in the event that you arrive at AEP very short on time and encounter lines, just jump them and go straight to an agent and explain the situation, they will take care of you. Manuel Tienda Leon is the best choice for this transfer.

Going to Salta...? Excellent choice!!! ^

In closing, please allow me to thank you for visiting Argentina. Please be reminded that to us Argentines its not so much about you coming to our country, but more about you having a great time and returning to visit us soon.

Cordially,
Gaucho

sugaree1

Jun 27, 04, 10:17 am

Thanks Gaucho! It's because of the wonderful Argentine hospitality (and the Argentine boyfriend) that I keep going back!

I hope I make my connection and appreciate your efforts on this forum! I'll be using the food & bev ideas and have passed them along to my folks who will be visiting again this year!

Thank you again!

Gaucho100K

Jun 27, 04, 10:32 am

(and the Argentine boyfriend)

May I congratulate you on your impeccable taste....? :o ;) :D

izzik

Jun 29, 04, 7:03 pm

rjque

Jun 30, 04, 12:57 pm

fsexman

Jun 30, 04, 10:25 pm

Can someone give a reasonable run-down of which areas are completely unsafe and which are unsafe at night? This would help me decide what hotel to stay at.. as much as Recoleta sounds nice, I like having access to the subway.

If you need to be near the subway, I recommend getting a hotel along the D line, the one that goes through Palermo and Barrio Norte, preferably between Scalabrini Ortiz and 9 de Julio. Those neighborhoods are nice and reasonably safe (using common sense as in any big city). Any hotel near the Obelisco (Corrientes and 9 de Julio) would also work well, you would be close to the B, C and D lines at least. I would avoid the south and west parts of the city. Not all of those neighborhoods are necessarily unsafe, just not too interesting. La Boca/Barracas/San Telmo have touristy parts but you should know where to go, I'd rather not do much walking around there at night. Recoleta is nice but it can be a bit crowded, especially on weekends. It's convenient if you like to walk around and go to bars and coffee shops.

I would not worry too much about being close to the subway unless you have a very specific commute planned, since buses and cabs are cheap and effective.

izzik

Jul 1, 04, 7:28 am

ok, thanks for the info!

USAFAN

Jul 1, 04, 8:51 am

...This would help me decide what hotel to stay at.. as much as Recoleta sounds nice, I like having access to the subway.
Recoleta is nice and save.
I never used the subway, taxi was mostly under, around 5 ARS.
However, next time I will use the subway. Read an article .. nice, old, wooden from Siemens...

izzik

Jul 1, 04, 3:08 pm

USAFAN

Jul 1, 04, 5:51 pm

Well, I'm set for a 2-night stay at the NH City Hotel near Plaza de Mayo. ^

It's technically the furthest hotel from Recoleta among the hotels I was considering.. but maybe it's a nice break from the tourist epicenter.

Recoleta is not a tourist center. Plaza de Mayo is more touristy. Also Florida and the street where this old café is, forgot the name**). Actually, at this café we talked to tourists, who have been "attacked" with this "bird-trick"; spray some juice on you, help you cleaning it, steal something from you ...Fortunately, nothing (other then some stains) happened. Still, they were not amused.
Have a nice time - Buenos Aires is great ^

**) found it: CAFÉ TORTONI, Address: Av. De Mayo 829
Telephones: 4342-4328, Zone: Monserrat, Every days 8am to 2am

izzik

Jul 1, 04, 7:05 pm

oh i was referring to the area just southeast of recoleta as an epicenter.. around the san martin plaza.

vasantn

Jul 2, 04, 9:44 pm

Does anyone have any information on the El Conquistador or the Sheraton Libertador?

GUWonder

Jul 2, 04, 11:02 pm

Does anyone have any information on the El Conquistador or the Sheraton Libertador?

Sheraton Libertador is older and more dated than the Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel and Convention center.

I have no idea about the rooms at the El Conquistador although I can comment on the lobby area and conference rooms. Standard, but aged.

The Sheraton Libertador staff deals with more English-only speakers than the El Conquistador, if that means anything to you.

akhullar

Jul 3, 04, 4:48 am

Does anyone have any information on the El Conquistador or the Sheraton Libertador?

Sheraton Libertador is convenient location or Conferences and close b to many US based corp. lile IBM,Sun etc. They wee in the process of refurbising their rooms just before the collapse, dunno what happened. Amongst the chains, Hilton and Marriott are a much better option - and Ofcourse a hidden gem Etoile whose suites are really a good deal. Vasant you planning a trip there ?

Gaucho100K

Jul 3, 04, 8:40 am

Has anyone here dealt with any tour companies or hired a car and driver for wine tasting trips around Mendoza? I'm headed there with a few friends in September and we'd like to check out some of the better wineries - but we'd prefer not to drive ourselves ;) . Any information would be greatly appreciated.

I would suggest you book this in Mendoza directly. Once you get to your hotel, speak to the concierge, work out the itin you wish to make and have him get you a couple of options. Yes, this will be a little more expensive than booking it on your own, but its the best arrangement for someone from out of town and that doesnt speak the language (Im assuming here, please forgive me if Im mistaken).

Gaucho100K

Jul 3, 04, 8:45 am

Everyone says BA is a relatively safe city blah blah.. but every so often, there will be a footnote at the bottom of a guidebook saying "Avoid this neighborhood at night."

Can someone give a reasonable run-down of which areas are completely unsafe and which are unsafe at night? This would help me decide what hotel to stay at.. as much as Recoleta sounds nice, I like having access to the subway.

All the advice given in answer to your question has been on the spot. In case you have some other locations you wish to visit, ask your concierge and he will give you more tips. The bottom line is that as long as you are aware of your surroundings and apply the same common sense you would in any huge metropolis, you will be fine. Even places like La Boca and San Telmo are fine at night, provided you dont wander off randomly. The areas surrounding the restaurants and shops are closely guarded by both federal police and private security firms.

izzik

Jul 3, 04, 10:48 am

Gaucho100K

Jul 3, 04, 10:54 am

That's good to hear.. I mean, I know it's a bad comparison (apples and oranges, most likely).. but my first trip to South America was Sao Paulo.. and it was the first time a guidebook insisted there were areas NOT meant to be visited AT ALL. EVER. Not sure if a similar mentality may apply to BA. Guess it really doesn't - which is good. :)

Not to offend my good friends from SP, and yes, SP has some great areas and is a lovely city. But, yes, BA and SP are quite different. Also, for the record, some areas of BA are also NEVER EVER to be visited. Unfortunately, we also have some of those.

GUWonder

Jul 3, 04, 1:50 pm

Not to offend my good friends from SP, and yes, SP has some great areas and is a lovely city. But, yes, BA and SP are quite different. Also, for the record, some areas of BA are also NEVER EVER to be visited. Unfortunately, we also have some of those.

I agree. SP has far more "crime" problems than BA. But if people are aware and sensible and know a bit about where they are going and what an area is like at particular times, then the risks are manageable and nothing more than one would deal with vis-a-vis any major metropolitan area.

vasantn

Jul 3, 04, 6:27 pm

Vasant you planning a trip there ?

Yep ... 7/9-12. Couldn't resist the NetSAAver for $559.50 all in.

[Edited to add:] Got my upgrade confirmed on the outbound already; looks pretty good for the return.

rjque

Jul 4, 04, 2:08 am

I would suggest you book this in Mendoza directly. Once you get to your hotel, speak to the concierge, work out the itin you wish to make and have him get you a couple of options. Yes, this will be a little more expensive than booking it on your own, but its the best arrangement for someone from out of town and that doesnt speak the language (Im assuming here, please forgive me if Im mistaken).

Thanks for your response - it sounds like booking this through the hotel is probably the best way to go. You aren't mistaken. I don't speak the language but some of the people I will be traveling with do. I was just curious if hiring a car and driver would be more difficult than just joining one of those awful "one size fits all" group tours.

Gaucho100K

Jul 7, 04, 8:26 am

Thanks for your response - it sounds like booking this through the hotel is probably the best way to go. You aren't mistaken. I don't speak the language but some of the people I will be traveling with do. I was just curious if hiring a car and driver would be more difficult than just joining one of those awful "one size fits all" group tours.

No, it will not be difficult at all. I suggest you 'buddy up' with the concierge (ie. take care of him with a good tip) and then make sure he does some good shopping around for you to find the best and most price effective solution for transportation. How big is your party....? If you have between 4-10 people its always the best, since in this case you can hire one of the medium sized vans with a couple of rows of seats.

rjque

Jul 7, 04, 9:35 am

No, it will not be difficult at all. I suggest you 'buddy up' with the concierge (ie. take care of him with a good tip) and then make sure he does some good shopping around for you to find the best and most price effective solution for transportation. How big is your party....? If you have between 4-10 people its always the best, since in this case you can hire one of the medium sized vans with a couple of rows of seats.

There will be five of us. Thanks for your help - I'm really looking forward to this trip!

vasantn

Jul 8, 04, 7:30 am

Any tips/links for what to do on a 3-day (Sat-Mon) leisure trip in or near BA?

Any FTers in BA 7/10-12 who might like to get together for some adult beverages?

rjque

Jul 8, 04, 12:16 pm

Earlier someone mentioned the NH Florida hotel as being a good possible place to stay. It's nicely priced for my dates (U.S. $77 per night) and it looks like it's in a good location. Location is most important to me - I'd like to walk to good dining, shopping, nightlife, etc. Price, of course, is also important so this seemed like a good bet. Has anyone here ever stayed there?

Gaucho100K

Jul 14, 04, 2:51 pm

akhullar

Jul 14, 04, 4:14 pm

Dont have details on this hotel, but the location is exactly what you are looking for.

It is near Gallaria Pacifica (sp?) I know there is a really crowded pub nearby - KilKennys which gets really crowded :)

sargento

Jul 15, 04, 1:12 am

It is near Gallaria Pacifica (sp?) I know there is a really crowded pub nearby - KilKennys which gets really crowded :)

I stayed in this hotel in December 2002 and really enjoyed and it was definetly in the center of the action. You would be walking distance to all the shopping (on Florida) and restaurants... If you have some time got out for a dinner to Puerto Madero (starts behind the Casa Rosada) where there are many restaurants and if you go accross the small dykes beside the Hilton there is a fantastic Sushi place with great music and a fantastic bar at night.

Gaucho100K

Jul 15, 04, 4:21 pm

...... beside the Hilton there is a fantastic Sushi place with great music and a fantastic bar at night.

sargento-- I dont mean to sound rude or controversial... but I feel obliged to warn serious sushi fans about the overall level of japanese cuisine in EZE. I consider myself to be a serious sushi lover, and EZE has one of its very few shortcomings (in a culinary sense) in the Japanese department. Not that the stuff in not edible, but, for serious sushi in Buenos Aires, you must to go the 4-5 places that are behind the scenes (ie. in family homes, hidden in office buildings, etc.) run by the small and reclusive Japanese community (the kind of places that are basically not open to the public, you must be referred to these joints by an insider).

Then again, if its not about the food and just about ambience and having a good time, then EZE is full of places that serve 'quasi' sushi that are absolutely fine.

Again, I hope Ive been able to correctly express my ideas in the above comments, no offense or 'flame' intended to sargento. As much as I adore EZE and wish to have all FT come down here and visit, I do want to remain as objective as possible and tell things how they are. Sushi is not one of our strong-suits here, most unfortunately...

Gaucho100K

Jul 15, 04, 4:25 pm

It is near Gallaria Pacifica (sp?) I know there is a really crowded pub nearby - KilKennys which gets really crowded :)

For those looking for a more authentic Buenos Aires bar scene, I suggest checking out on of the many wine bars after office hours (around 7pm). One place to check out would be Gran Bar El Danzon.... on Libertad (almost Av. Santa Fe). I will look up the exact address and post it here later.

Gaucho100K

Jul 15, 04, 4:33 pm

El Gran Bar Danzón
Libertad 1161 (corner of Av. Sante Fe)
Tribunales (Capital Federal)
Tel: +54 (0) 11 4811-1108

A good link with decently updated information on EZE nightlife can be found here, source is one of my favorite 'newspapers' (The Economist):

http://www.economist.com/cities/findStory.cfm?city_id=BEA&folder=Night%20Spots

sargento

Jul 15, 04, 11:32 pm

rjque

Jul 15, 04, 11:51 pm

Sargento and Gaucho, thanks so much for your input on all of this. If you had to choose between Le Etoile and NH Florida, which would you choose? These are both in the same area, no?

arfgoblue

Jul 16, 04, 10:08 pm

this thread rocks!!

USAFAN

Jul 17, 04, 12:43 pm

Sargento and Gaucho, thanks so much for your input on all of this. If you had to choose between Le Etoile and NH Florida, which would you choose? These are both in the same area, no?

They are not in the same area!
I have stayed at L'Etoile ... in Recoleta, an elegant area with some nice restaurants, boutiques ...
I believe NH Florida is in the city, near "Florida", a "shopping street".

dedehans

Jul 17, 04, 3:56 pm

Dear Gaucho and everyone familiar with BA...

I am staying at the Alvear Palace.....what extraordinary shops, galleries, museums are within walking distance of the hotel? 20 minutes?

Gracias!

USAFAN

Jul 17, 04, 4:49 pm

Dear Gaucho and everyone familiar with BA...

I am staying at the Alvear Palace.....what extraordinary shops, galleries, museums are within walking distance of the hotel? 20 minutes?

Gracias!

This is a great hotel! The restaurant is very good ... Bourgogne or so ...
Nearby are plenty of upscale shops. Mrs. USAFAN purchased some nice leather items in an upscale shop opposite Alvear Palace. We filled out a form and got the tax back!
The Opera is a little far, still we walked .. nice street. They have tours. We had a Mozart concert there - great performance.
One of the big upscale shop/galleria is about 10 min. away towars a rail station .. forgot the name .. think it is on Av. Libertad .. was a slaughter-house or so(?)

dedehans

Jul 17, 04, 4:53 pm

This is a great hotel! The restaurant is very good ... Bourgogne or so ...
Nearby are plenty of upscale shops. Mrs. USAFAN purchased some nice leather items in an upscale shop opposite Alvear Palace. We filled out a form and got the tax back!
The Opera is a little far, still we walked .. nice street. They have tours. We had a Mozart concert there - great performance.
One of the big upscale shop/galleria is about 10 min. away towars a rail station .. forgot the name .. think it is on Av. Libertad .. was a slaughter-house or so(?)
Thanks, USAFAN.....next question.....how far a walk to the Recoleta area?

Wheezer

Jul 17, 04, 6:47 pm

how far a walk to the Recoleta area?

The cemetery itself? A few blocks from the Alvear Palace.

http://www.alvearpalace.com/ingles/quick_fact.htm

USAFAN

Jul 18, 04, 7:43 am

Thanks, USAFAN.....next question.....how far a walk to the Recoleta area?

The hotel is in the center of Recoleta.

Wheezer was referring to the Recoleta Cemetery with Evita's grave.
His link shows a small map...Walk down Posadas and you will see the upscale shop/galleria.
The fine leather shop is at Ayacucho and Alvear.

akhullar

Jul 18, 04, 5:36 pm

Dear Gaucho and everyone familiar with BA...

I am staying at the Alvear Palace.....what extraordinary shops, galleries, museums are within walking distance of the hotel? 20 minutes?

Gracias!

There are pretty much the same famous label stores one sees in Madison Ave. NYC, around the few blocks surrounding Alvear Palace.

akhullar

Jul 18, 04, 5:43 pm

By the end of Quintana Ave. and R. M Ortiz Av. is the cemetery where Duarte Family Masoleum (http://images4.fotki.com/v45/photos/1/159895/575841/peronfamily-vi.jpg) and Evita 's (http://images5.fotki.com/v57/photos/1/159895/575841/evitaperon-vi.jpg) plaque.

arfgoblue

Jul 18, 04, 6:49 pm

heard from rep that delta is starting nonstop from atlanta starting dec 1st

Gaucho100K

Jul 19, 04, 8:49 am

Dear Gaucho and everyone familiar with BA...

I am staying at the Alvear Palace.....what extraordinary shops, galleries, museums are within walking distance of the hotel? 20 minutes?

Gracias!

This hotel is good.... but, I would stay away from the restaurante. Overpriced, sloppy service.... and the Chef is a friggen snob/bozo. For fine dining..... go to Nectarine or Sinclair.

Gaucho100K

Jul 19, 04, 9:01 am

I think you were right Gaucho in refering to the Sushi places as more of an abmient than top cuisine.. there was another place I went to in Palermo (not Palermo Hollywood) that was a small family run sushi place that was fantastic.. (better than the one in Puerto Madero or Palermo Hollywood).. it was on a street paralel to St. Fe off Coronel Diaz.. ...

In terms of cusine.. the pasta mom & pop restaurants.. (ones inside residental areas) are fantastic and definetly worth trying a few... and don't forget to stop by the local Persicco for authentic Gelato...... it's by one of the Original Freddo founders (what used to be the bar of Gelato) until the over-franchised it... though there's also Munchi's (more expensive and overall good) and another one that opened on Avenida Libertador.. (I forgot the name but it's close the Paseo Alcorta shopping mall)...

Gaucho, by all means state your views as some of my aspects come more from socializing aspect of the 13 months I spent there.. ^

Sargento is right on. Buenos Aires is one of the world's capitals in terms of real gourmet ice-cream (or Gelato if you prefer to use the term). Some of the best places to sample this authentic Argentine delicacy, with obvious Italian roots but with many enhancements from 3rd and 4th generation Italo-Argentines are:

- Volta (Un altra Volta)
- Persicco - http://www.persicco.com/
- Chungo

Ask your hotel concierge for the nearest location.... these folks are constantly opening new outlets throughout the city.

Gaucho100K

Jul 19, 04, 9:05 am

heard from rep that delta is starting nonstop from atlanta starting dec 1st

Excellent news.... Im sure after the holiday season there will be some great fares to come down and visit... ^

sargento

Jul 19, 04, 9:25 am

The Alvear is definetely a fantastic hotel to stay in Buenos Aires.. It's close to everything and walking distance to most shopping areas.

In terms of Galleries, there is a good one on Libertador, a private one, which is a couple stories high and has a good rotation of exhibits. Be sure to ask the conceirge as I forget the exact same.

Shopping. You will have a wide variety of options, including fantastic selection of leather jackets. Though if you are serious about searching for one, take a cab or a subway to the Onze area where they have two streets full of factory stores at great prices (better than Florida street). The cost is minnimal (about 5-6 pesos)

Sightseeing, definetly take your time wallking around the cementary, though on the weekends there are a couple tour groups wandering around, and you can always tag around for a few minutes and then explore by yourself (I found this more interesting as it allowed time to actually take in the different styles of gravestones that they have).

There's also the national gallery, also on Libertador, housing a variety of art and the cost is minimal.

Cafes, there are many and definetly worth it to give your feet a break. Also in the Recoleta area (near the cementary) there are a few cafes where you can also catch a wine on their "patios" as you watch all the strollers walk by.

If you have time, try and take in an opera or a show at the Main theatre on Av 9 de Julio. It's a got fantastic acquistics and I remember being on the fifth floor (!!) and still being able to hear clearly, though I sacrificied vision.

Hope these ideas help...

sargento

Jul 19, 04, 9:27 am

Excellent news.... Im sure after the holiday season there will be some great fares to come down and visit... ^

Definetely hope so as my girlfriend and I are looking to go down early next year and travel around S.A.

USAFAN

Jul 19, 04, 12:51 pm

This hotel is good.... but, I would stay away from the restaurante. Overpriced, sloppy service.... and the Chef is a friggen snob/bozo. For fine dining..... go to Nectarine or Sinclair.

Gauch100K:
You really don't serve dedehans, other FTs well. Why do you hate Relais & Chateaux (association) Chef Jean-Paul Bondoux?
I had a business lunch at La Bourgogne, 124 pesos for two persons, wine included!
The food (fixed-price menu) was very good - at least worth one Michelin *! The service was friendly, motivated and professional; young staff.
The also have a small shop for take-away food!

From Fodors
LA BOURGOGNE

This French restaurant is generally considered the city's best -- and one of the most expensive -- restaurants in town. White tablecloths and fresh roses contribute to the elegance. A sophisticated waitstaff brings you complimentary hors d'oeuvres as you choose among the foie gras, rabbit, escargots, chateaubriand, côte de veau (veal steak), and other delicacies. The fixed-price menu is more affordable than à la carte selections. Reservations essential. Jacket and tie. AE, DC, MC, V. Subte: Line C, Estación San Martín.

BTW, I also went to Cabaña las Lilas and was not impressed.

prspad

Jul 19, 04, 9:59 pm

Wheezer

Jul 20, 04, 1:47 am

My daughter (mid-20's) is planning to visit Buenos Aires next March with a friend and was told that the Best Western Art Deco Hotel was a good, inexpensive choice for a hotel that would be good lodging for two women... Anyone have any insight into that place?

I don't know the property itself, but the area (Retiro) in the evening really struck me as being similar to the Chicago Loop--urbane high-rise living, and rather desolate at night. Radio taxi all the way.

Chicagoan

Jul 20, 04, 1:56 pm

Wheezer

Jul 20, 04, 11:04 pm

I'm traveling to BA at the end of August thru beginning of September. This will be my FIRST time out of the country. I'm travelling for business and adding some time for fun.
Can you tell me what business attire is like in BA? And "going out" attire. I don't want to stick out as a foreigner. Also -- what will the weather be like?

Chicagoan, welcome to FT. The weather should be cool and damp, occasionally chilly by Chicago standards, but still pleasant on sunny days. For a business trip, I don't think French cuffs would raise an eyebrow, if you get my drift.

Going out on the town, there's not much point in worrying about obviously being a foreigner, which will immediately be clear unless your Castellano is very well practiced. In my limited experience, the operating principle is style--Bruno Bertini and Chuck Taylor seem to be able to coexist peaceably so long as they both demonstrate panache.

Gaucho100K

Jul 21, 04, 8:18 am

Gauch100K:
You really don't serve dedehans, other FTs well. Why do you hate Relais & Chateaux (association) Chef Jean-Paul Bondoux?
I had a business lunch at La Bourgogne, 124 pesos for two persons, wine included!
The food (fixed-price menu) was very good - at least worth one Michelin *! The service was friendly, motivated and professional; young staff.
The also have a small shop for take-away food!

BTW, I also went to Cabaña las Lilas and was not impressed.

Hi USAFAN-- I dont hate R&C, quite the contrary, I greatly enjoy many of the establishments associated with this organization. I do have issues with the said chef and his joint because Ive been there various times, and have always been let down. The best meal Ive had is mediocre, maybe Ive been just plain unlucky or I need some insider to get me introduced to the Chef and that may do the trick.

As for Cabania Las Lilas, I have to say that the place is not consistent. Its a shame, because when they are firing on all cylinders, the place is excellent.

Gaucho100K

Jul 21, 04, 8:23 am

I'm traveling to BA at the end of August thru beginning of September. This will be my FIRST time out of the country. I'm travelling for business and adding some time for fun.
Can you tell me what business attire is like in BA? And "going out" attire. I don't want to stick out as a foreigner. Also -- what will the weather be like?
Thanks.

And -- thanks for all of the info I've read already on these postings.

Welcome to FT and very glad to hear you are coming to Buenos Aires. As to your questions:

1) Business attire in Buenos is quite formal. There are instances where this is relaxed, especially if you are talking about a US MNC that may have a dress-down corporate policy. Else, you will be expected to have a formal business suit.

2) As for going out attire.... it depends on the kind of crowd you will be hanging out with. A lot of the night life during the week is done in busines attire... else, EZE is like any 'other' European Capital in terms of dress code for socializing.

jfe

Jul 28, 04, 12:57 pm

Hey Gaucho, how's the weather over there in February?

akhullar

Jul 28, 04, 1:38 pm

Hey Gaucho, how's the weather over there in February?

I'm not Gaucho - But Here is the historical data for the city (http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=067578&refer=) Between 70s-80s.

rjque

Aug 1, 04, 8:40 pm

GUWonder

Aug 2, 04, 4:25 am

Hey Gaucho, how's the weather over there in February?

Buenos Aires is awfully hot in February and fairly humid. I prefer going to the beach at that time of the year and/or heading to some place cooler.

LLZ

Aug 3, 04, 11:29 am

Has anyone stayed at the Suipacha y Arroyo Suites? It looks pretty nice and isn't a bad deal. However, I haven't seen any discussion of it yet. It looks like the location is pretty good for a first-time traveler to EZE. Am I correct about that?

See: http://www.syasuites.com/eng/ubicacion.htm

The location isn't bad, per say. You are within a couple of block to Calle Florida with all its shops and walking, good place to get a snack/refreshment while you're at it....restaurants; not really any good ones, some okay ones and fast food/pizza/cafe places for a sandwich. I know there are ATMs at the end of Calle Florida just before the San Martin Plaza, but there's probably one in that hotel too.

Just a word of caution, from experience (not at this hotel, though, but in general)....the hotel pictures are a lot nicer than the hotel itself is going to be. It will be clean and reasonably decorated, but I'm just saying that the pictures probably make it seem a whole lot nicer than the reality will be. For the rates they want, I'd suggest the Claridge http://www.claridge.com.ar/ What you see on the site is pretty much what you get, although it's still not quite as exclusive and luxurious as their website would make out. Still it's a nice place, with good food, tastefully appointed and updated rooms, and closer to Calle Florida and also some good local hangouts in that area. Don't pay attention to the rates on their site (unless they're offering $95). Just email them and tell them that you are looking for a room for that much and they'll usually have one.

Just to give you an example, check out http://www.southtravels.com/america/argentina/dolmenhotel/ Looks pretty similar to the one you've picked right (and it's pretty close, actually)? Well, the room(s) had dirty/stringy carpets, were musty, had very worn couches (and nothing else) in the foyer, and the place in general was lackluster. The service was so-so, but the staff were nevertheless friendly. Food was Denny's quality. The photos really exaggerated it. But, I should also say, that in general, I prefer the Crowne Plaza (for the pts also) with the exception of the Claridge when I can get it for ~$95...just more to my liking/taste and after getting burned at the Dolmen, I don't really experiment much anymore.

syzygy8

Aug 3, 04, 4:15 pm

Don't pay attention to the rates on their site (unless they're offering $95). Just email them and tell them that you are looking for a room for that much and they'll usually have one.

Is this something specific to this hotel? Or is this something that you think is likely to be the case with others too?

LLZ

Aug 3, 04, 10:30 pm

Is this something specific to this hotel? Or is this something that you think is likely to be the case with others too?

You can always try it with others...never hurts to ask. Probably won't work with Crowne Plaza but you can just book your best rate on their site, but they are more in the $180 range unless you want a view of a building one alley width across from you, so beware the $100 rooms you may find...you won't be overlooking Avenia 9 de Julio, and it would be a shame to stay there without that!

Generally, like I said, the Claridge will accommodate you at that rate unless it's a holiday or otherwise a really busy time. All in all, it's an excellent hotel for that rate, great staff, very good food in-room and at their restaurant Full buffet breakfast (American, Continental, and European) is included in that also! The rate ($99 or $95) is on their site right now as a "promotion" but in fact they almost always have this promotion running...

http://www.claridge.com.ar/CH_HotDeals_.htm