Buenos Aires - Hotel Trip Report (1 Hilton + 3 Starwoods)
Apr 21, 2006, 10:44 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: DFW (frmrly-AUS-Austin, TX)
Programs: AA(2MM)-Plt, HH-Gld, HY-Glb, ICAmb-Plt, SPG-Plt (Life), AMEX-Plt
Posts: 801
Buenos Aires - Hotel Trip Report (1 Hilton + 3 Starwoods)
Stayed 6 nights in Buenos Aires in March purposely checking out each hotel associated with the above guest programs. Wanted to briefly highlight each stay with respect to overall experience & hotel guest program experience. Sorry for being slow to post this nearly 1 month after my stay!
My status: Hilton Gold, Starwood Platinum
Leisure Travel - ie. not reimbursed by company
^ Sheraton Libertador - (1) NIGHT PRE-PAID RATE
o 1st night in Buenos Aires.
o Hotel contacted me one month prior to arrival via e-mail to confirm payment method.
o Quick e-mail responses from the hotel.
o They also offered to arrange a car to pick me up at the airport for approx. U$S 28.00. I declined but ended up paying about the same, +a little more with tip, hiring a taxi at the airport.
o Arrived at the hotel @ 11:30 am...room was not quite ready, but by 1 PM my room was ready.
o They upgraded me to the Presidential Suite - AWESOME! (There are 2 Presidential Suites)
o Presidential Suite - Spacious Suite with sitting area, dining area, large entryway, and spacious bedroom with king bed. Even better was the bathroom which contained: Finnish shower, dry sauna, jacuzzi (really enjoyed this after the 10-hour flight from Houston).
o Location (1) block off of Florida street is really not bad at all. Considering that the other two Starwood properties are about a 5-block walk (10 minutes max) from this location.
o Nice thing about this hotel too is that pool and fitness area are at the top of the hotel...kind of private and quiet.
o Enjoyed the empanadas at Il Gran Caffe at the corner of Cordoba & Florida (same block as hotel).
o Late checkout next day @ 3:30 pm.
^ Hilton Buenos Aires - (2) NIGHTS PRE-PAID RATE
o Arrived at the hotel and greeted by friendly bell hops.
o Went to front desk in lobby but immediately told that my checkin would take place on the 8th floor executive level.
o When I arrived at the 8th floor, escorted by the bellhop, all my information was in place, ready for checkin.
o Very impressed with the efficiency of this hotel.
o First impression after staying at the Libertador was that this was so "Americanized", later came to think of the Hilton as having more of a "Zen" feel
o Really enjoyed the facilities here. Fitness center, pool area outside executive lounge, free tea, appetizers, breakfast, drinks (as Gold, way to go Hilton!)
Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel & Convention Center - (1) NIGHT SPG AWARD STAY
o Arrived 4 pm.
o No one manning the SPG Gold/Platinum counter.
o Did not ask me about Platinum amenity, I had to inquire, and to this day it has still not credited to my account - time to call Customer Service.
o My profile indicates King bed; but placed in a double bed room on lowest floor of SPG executive level.
o Asked to be moved, but then cancelled my request because I would only be staying here one night. So thankful to leave.
o Bathroom was nothing fancy. Didn't even include wash cloths.
o Did have access to the club level for breakfast, but when I went at 10:30 am the next morning (Sunday), there was a line way out the door to the elevators...not worth it so I skipped breakfast.
o Never so happy to get out of this hotel. Did not feel like a preferred guest here! How run of the mill!
^ Park Tower Buenos Aires - (2) NIGHTS SPG AWARD STAY
o Great place to end the trip!
o Checkin staff very friendly and efficient.
o Inquired about upgrade. Although there were no suites available the first night, they said they could put me in a suite my last night. I declined saying I was sure I'd be happy with what they gave me (didn't want to change rooms in the middle of my stay either)...I was extremely satisfied with the room I received.
o 5 minutes after stepping into my room, there was a knock on the door. Butler was asking if there was anything he could do for me.
o Called on the butler a couple of times during my stay (questions, wine). Very friendly and efficient (although he seemed somewhat busy with other guest requests too!).
o I did make one request that was not fulfilled. I asked (since I wasn't upgraded) to see a suite. However, this was difficult because either I was not available (sightseeing) or the butler was off-duty when I was around. No biggie.
o Breakfast buffet (on 2nd floor) was by far the best compared to Hilton.
o 500 pt Platinum Amenity posted to my account shortly after stay.
o Made a "day of" request at the Concierge desk to visit Colonia, Uruguay. Concierge went down path of using a tour agent but since I was making my request the "morning of" vs. "day before", I would have to go to the travel agent office to get the tickets and then make my way to the boat docks (Buquebus). Also, said that they could only get me on the slow (3 hour) return boat at 7 pm. As it turns out, what they didn't mention was that I didn't need to do a tour and could just walk to Buquebus and buy a ticket...Decided to give that a try on my own and made a nice afternoon trip 11 am - 5 pm to Colonia, returning on the fast boat! Talked to the concierge the next day and asked why they didn't mention the non-tour option. They said that most prefer the tour...whatever.
o Overall, great stay here! Looking forward to a return.
SUMMARY
=======
1. Sheraton Libertador, although older, is not so bad. It's location (within 5 blocks of the other Starwood properties) is close to shopping, dining, and sightseeing. As a Platinum SPG, was treated fantastic with an upgrade to the Presidential Suite!
2. Sheraton Convention Center - I'd skip this hotel altogether and go to the adjoining Park Tower (unless budget is an issue). They won't see me again unless I'm looking for a stay-credit!
3. Park Tower - I'd definitely stay here again! Service was fantastic. Room was extremely comfortable. Location great. Breakfast great!
4. Hilton - As a Gold, the perks were outstanding! Location, which I didn't mention above, is great for walking to practically anywhere in the Puerto Madero area - which has lots of great restaurants.
Lastly, have to mention that the people of Buenos Aires are wonderful. Can't wait to plan a return trip here!
My status: Hilton Gold, Starwood Platinum
Leisure Travel - ie. not reimbursed by company
^ Sheraton Libertador - (1) NIGHT PRE-PAID RATE
o 1st night in Buenos Aires.
o Hotel contacted me one month prior to arrival via e-mail to confirm payment method.
o Quick e-mail responses from the hotel.
o They also offered to arrange a car to pick me up at the airport for approx. U$S 28.00. I declined but ended up paying about the same, +a little more with tip, hiring a taxi at the airport.
o Arrived at the hotel @ 11:30 am...room was not quite ready, but by 1 PM my room was ready.
o They upgraded me to the Presidential Suite - AWESOME! (There are 2 Presidential Suites)
o Presidential Suite - Spacious Suite with sitting area, dining area, large entryway, and spacious bedroom with king bed. Even better was the bathroom which contained: Finnish shower, dry sauna, jacuzzi (really enjoyed this after the 10-hour flight from Houston).
o Location (1) block off of Florida street is really not bad at all. Considering that the other two Starwood properties are about a 5-block walk (10 minutes max) from this location.
o Nice thing about this hotel too is that pool and fitness area are at the top of the hotel...kind of private and quiet.
o Enjoyed the empanadas at Il Gran Caffe at the corner of Cordoba & Florida (same block as hotel).
o Late checkout next day @ 3:30 pm.
^ Hilton Buenos Aires - (2) NIGHTS PRE-PAID RATE
o Arrived at the hotel and greeted by friendly bell hops.
o Went to front desk in lobby but immediately told that my checkin would take place on the 8th floor executive level.
o When I arrived at the 8th floor, escorted by the bellhop, all my information was in place, ready for checkin.
o Very impressed with the efficiency of this hotel.
o First impression after staying at the Libertador was that this was so "Americanized", later came to think of the Hilton as having more of a "Zen" feel
o Really enjoyed the facilities here. Fitness center, pool area outside executive lounge, free tea, appetizers, breakfast, drinks (as Gold, way to go Hilton!)
Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel & Convention Center - (1) NIGHT SPG AWARD STAYo Arrived 4 pm.
o No one manning the SPG Gold/Platinum counter.
o Did not ask me about Platinum amenity, I had to inquire, and to this day it has still not credited to my account - time to call Customer Service.
o My profile indicates King bed; but placed in a double bed room on lowest floor of SPG executive level.
o Asked to be moved, but then cancelled my request because I would only be staying here one night. So thankful to leave.
o Bathroom was nothing fancy. Didn't even include wash cloths.
o Did have access to the club level for breakfast, but when I went at 10:30 am the next morning (Sunday), there was a line way out the door to the elevators...not worth it so I skipped breakfast.
o Never so happy to get out of this hotel. Did not feel like a preferred guest here! How run of the mill!
^ Park Tower Buenos Aires - (2) NIGHTS SPG AWARD STAY
o Great place to end the trip!
o Checkin staff very friendly and efficient.
o Inquired about upgrade. Although there were no suites available the first night, they said they could put me in a suite my last night. I declined saying I was sure I'd be happy with what they gave me (didn't want to change rooms in the middle of my stay either)...I was extremely satisfied with the room I received.
o 5 minutes after stepping into my room, there was a knock on the door. Butler was asking if there was anything he could do for me.
o Called on the butler a couple of times during my stay (questions, wine). Very friendly and efficient (although he seemed somewhat busy with other guest requests too!).
o I did make one request that was not fulfilled. I asked (since I wasn't upgraded) to see a suite. However, this was difficult because either I was not available (sightseeing) or the butler was off-duty when I was around. No biggie.
o Breakfast buffet (on 2nd floor) was by far the best compared to Hilton.
o 500 pt Platinum Amenity posted to my account shortly after stay.
o Made a "day of" request at the Concierge desk to visit Colonia, Uruguay. Concierge went down path of using a tour agent but since I was making my request the "morning of" vs. "day before", I would have to go to the travel agent office to get the tickets and then make my way to the boat docks (Buquebus). Also, said that they could only get me on the slow (3 hour) return boat at 7 pm. As it turns out, what they didn't mention was that I didn't need to do a tour and could just walk to Buquebus and buy a ticket...Decided to give that a try on my own and made a nice afternoon trip 11 am - 5 pm to Colonia, returning on the fast boat! Talked to the concierge the next day and asked why they didn't mention the non-tour option. They said that most prefer the tour...whatever.
o Overall, great stay here! Looking forward to a return.
SUMMARY
=======
1. Sheraton Libertador, although older, is not so bad. It's location (within 5 blocks of the other Starwood properties) is close to shopping, dining, and sightseeing. As a Platinum SPG, was treated fantastic with an upgrade to the Presidential Suite!
2. Sheraton Convention Center - I'd skip this hotel altogether and go to the adjoining Park Tower (unless budget is an issue). They won't see me again unless I'm looking for a stay-credit!
3. Park Tower - I'd definitely stay here again! Service was fantastic. Room was extremely comfortable. Location great. Breakfast great!
4. Hilton - As a Gold, the perks were outstanding! Location, which I didn't mention above, is great for walking to practically anywhere in the Puerto Madero area - which has lots of great restaurants.
Lastly, have to mention that the people of Buenos Aires are wonderful. Can't wait to plan a return trip here!
Apr 22, 2006, 6:54 am
#2
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Wenatchee, WA
Programs: Lifetime AA Gold-1MM
Posts: 4,909
Thanks for the great information. My wife and I are thinking of a trip to Buenos Aires early next year, and this is helpful.
Did you book the pre-paid rates through the hotel web sites or through another site?
Did you book the pre-paid rates through the hotel web sites or through another site?
Apr 22, 2006, 7:09 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: DFW (frmrly-AUS-Austin, TX)
Programs: AA(2MM)-Plt, HH-Gld, HY-Glb, ICAmb-Plt, SPG-Plt (Life), AMEX-Plt
Posts: 801
Originally Posted by BLI-Flyer
Did you book the pre-paid rates through the hotel web sites or through another site?
Nov 4, 2008, 4:48 am
#6
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 106
I actually find the location of the Hilton to be a negative. It's on the other side of Puerto Madero and, while there are plenty of good restaurants in the area, it's not the best part of BsAs to do some walking. Not for safety reasons -- it's plenty safe -- I just feel there are more interesting neighborhoods elsewhere.
Unfortunately, a lot of the big hotels aren't exactly located in the "cool" areas. Fortunately, cabs are cheap.
Unfortunately, a lot of the big hotels aren't exactly located in the "cool" areas. Fortunately, cabs are cheap.