Originally Posted by
Viajero Millero
If you don't mind paying, $300 is a very nice rate for the Palacio.
You could probably have the IC for half that, but it surely won't be as nice.
Originally Posted by
craigthemif
The IC and PH are barely comparable. In all aspects the PH is the better hotel in a much nicer area that you can walk around in.
Of course you could take that $300 per night and spend it on the absolute best BA has to offer, plus taxis, etc. and just use the IC as somewhere to sleep...
Originally Posted by
boolean64
Another vote for the PH. $300 is a pretty good deal for that property, especially as you head into summer down there. The property is great. I much prefer the location too. The hardcore downtown area is just not pleasant. Traffic, urban jungle, dirty. The PH is still in more of an urban area but much nicer. BA is one of the few places where I consider boutique hotels because i love the neighborhood feel of Palermo. But if I am going to stay at a chain hotel, the PH is a phenomenal option.
Of course, $300 is $300, but to me worth the splurge.
Okay great feedback. The only cause for concern I saw were a couple of reports of strong smoke smell in the rooms coming up from the cigar bar, I'm very sensitive to smoke (due to health considerations) so would just want to make sure to avoid that.
I did call up and found out that the premium suite upgrade is Park Executive Suite which doesn't necessarily seem worth it (if it was one of the top line suites I would think differently) but it does seem like it might be worth paying an extra $10/night to bump up to the King Bed Deluxe. It's also currently available on C&P which is another reasonable option (though unfortunately due to devaluation is 10k + $175 based on 50% of the non-corporate best rate of $350).
Definitely didn't expect IC to be in the same league just gauging whether free stay at IC vs. paying for PH made more sense (and maybe using IHG points in Santiago instead of paying for Ren Santiago)