Argentina - Buenos Aires: Hilton vs Marriott?

Has anyone here stayed at both of these hotels? I have around 150k points with both brands, as well as Diamond/Platinum status.

I figure I may as well take advantage of having the top level status since I probably won't have either of them next year.

Any thoughts/recommendations? I would prefer to be located in the middle of the action and be able to have a lot of options within walking distance.


Thanks

Hilton is located in Puerto Madero, an area full of bars and restaurants that you can walk to at night as it feels very safe. It´s a much newer hotel with a modern feeling to it.

Marriot is located in Calle Florida in Plaza San Martin. This is a really turistic area during the day and can feel not very safe at night. Be very carefull with your belongings in Calle Florida during the day. Marriot is quite a "classic" and old style hotel.

I would go for the Hilton.

Taxis are plentiful and cheap in BA, so you´ll be able to move around freely.

The Marriott is a splendid hotel and the area is centrally located.....you get to sample the real Buenos Aires by staying there.

Puerto Madero is fine if you want to walk out of the hotel at night for a bite to eat or a beer.....it's a lively area popular with young professionals. Having said that Puerto Madero could be in any city in the world which has redeveloped their docklands so you do lose that feeling of being in Buenos Aires to some extent.

Truth be told it doesn't really matter as you'll have to use taxis to some extent no matter which one you stay at although the Marriott less so.

I share pvdecastro's view. I don't know if the Marriott has undergone an extensive overhaul in recent years, but I found it in bad shape about 5 years ago. I also found the service quite poor. It was a great luxury hotel ~100 years ago (the "Plaza"). I think the Alvear Palace may retain that charm, but the Marriott doesn't -- unless something's changed recently.

As had been mentioned previously on FT, the Hilton Puerto Madero also has the distinction of featuring prominently in the film "Nueve Reinas".

HIDDY, you gotta be kidding calling the Marriot a "splendid hotel" !

HIDDY, you gotta be kidding calling the Marriot a "splendid hotel" !

I've never stayed in it.....what I should have said was it has a splendid character about it and commands a splendid location in the city. I can understand old chintzy type hotels aren't to everyones liking but I actually prefer them to these minimalistic cold modern places.

Maybe I'm just getting old? :D

Unfortunately I just realized that Hilton goes for 50k a night versus 25/30k at the Marriott. Might have to do Marriott or else im only getting 3 free nights from hilton...

I've never stayed in it.....what I should have said was it has a splendid character about it and commands a splendid location in the city. I can understand old chintzy type hotels aren't to everyones liking but I actually prefer them to these minimalistic cold modern places.

Maybe I'm just getting old? :D

:D I do tend to dine and stay at the same places over and over again in Europe, so I understand your feeling.

Since I´ve been transplanted to South America, as everything is new for me, I tend to experience more.

utl567, as miles will cover the whole stay at the Marriot that´s your best option.

Please give us a short opinion when you get back.

Has anyone here stayed at both of these hotels? I have around 150k points with both brands, as well as Diamond/Platinum status.

I figure I may as well take advantage of having the top level status since I probably won't have either of them next year.

Any thoughts/recommendations? I would prefer to be located in the middle of the action and be able to have a lot of options within walking distance.


Thanks

If you want to savor BA, stay in the Marriott at Plaza San Martin. The Hilton is in the new part of town that pretends to be a Miami style - tall apartment buildings, no character. . Very sterile area and not easily accessible on foot (you have to cross what I call the DMZ). The real BA is on the other side (west) of L. N. Alem.

--J
PS: I grew up in BA and I am there just about every 6-8 weeks.

Appreciate the insight. Looks like I'll probably lean towards the Marriott, although I just noticed how cheap apartment rentals are in BA as well, so we'll see.


Thanks

I second the apartment rental option! I'm here now renting an apt from another flyertalker.

As for hotels, I'd go with Marriott over Hilton.

How about a GLON VIP award as a Diamond at Hilton. Have an Amex? I just stayed for 4 nights on an AXON (Amex) award for 145K. I was upgraded to a suite bigger than my apartment. The service was phenomenal - especially the lounge "manager"

See Here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hhonors/1225861-making-sense-hilton-reward-options-axon-glon-everything-else.html#post16555294)

Unfortunately I just realized that Hilton goes for 50k a night versus 25/30k at the Marriott. Might have to do Marriott or else im only getting 3 free nights from hilton...

How about a GLON VIP award as a Diamond at Hilton. Have an Amex? I just stayed for 4 nights on an AXON (Amex) award for 145K. I was upgraded to a suite bigger than my apartment. The service was phenomenal - especially the lounge "manager"

See Here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hhonors/1225861-making-sense-hilton-reward-options-axon-glon-everything-else.html#post16555294)

No Amex, I think the Marriott is a good deal though, I can get 5 nights for 100K...

If you like European style, old school hotels, then go with the Marriott.

If you like the more modern hotel style, then the Hilton is the place to go.

I'll second the great opinion of the Hilton Lounge. Large, very comfy, seats and tables, sofas, big chairs, indoor and outdoor seating, lending library, even a glassed in area with a pool table. Nice breakfast, sandwiches, cakes and and snacks most of the day, open bar for tea time and happy hour, etc.