Im not completely up to date on the hotel rates, but something around US$100 for the properties you are considering would be a very good rate, I would expect you to normally have to pay around 130-140 dollars. Dont forget to check the Hilton Puerto Madero.
You will be fine with college Spanish. Regarding estancias, check out this site:
http://www.estanciasargentinas.com/eng/index.php
Regarding wines. From what you are explaining, tt seems like you would enjoy Argentine wines of older vintages, rather than some of the newer ones. Argentina´s Terroir makes a lot of big wines, with important structure, so perhaps you may not find some that appealing. Perhaps you should consider trying some of our Pinot Noirs, or some older Cabernet based blends. Please PM me for more details.
In terms of Champagne.... you will have a blast. Argentina has been producing some very good Sparkling wines, at great values for money. Dont miss out on these:
Baron B Brut Rose
Cuvee Reserve Pinot Noir from Chandon (this is a Blanc de Noirs)
Baron B Nature Milessime
and in the premium segment:
Baron B Unique
Chandon Eternum ZD
Luigi Bosca Boheme
Rosell Boher Brut
Please dont hestitate to PM me for more details.
Cheers
Alex (Gaucho100K)
Originally Posted by rkt10
My sister called me the day before yesterday and asked if I was up for going to Buenos Aires over Thanksgiving. It would be she, her boyfriend, me & my husband.
After reading this entire thread, now i know I'm going to have to go back and re-read everything.
I think I've chosen some potential hotels. The Claridge looks great as well as the park Plaza Kempinski. Someone she knows recommended the Sofitel Hotel Madero, but it doesn't appeal to me.
Gaucho, should we be asking for the $95. rate at the Kempinski still? Or is that an unreasonable rate. Also, would the Claridge be amenable to some rate discussion.
One thing that truly appeals to me is the idea of going to one or more of the Estancias. My high school and college Spanish is okay, and fortunately I'm not afraid to use it... or to be around where there is no english. I would like to find an estancia that has horses to be used by the guests. My husband would love that, and I would like it as well.
Thanks Gaucho for this incredible thread that has gone on and on. I really don't know much about Argentina and BsAs in particular, but there's certainly enough to get me going.
One question I have about wines, Gaucho: I enjoy european wines, particularly because they're not as full bodied as the American ones. I enjoy Cotes du Rhone, Chateauneuf du Pape, and the Spanish Riojas, as well as champagnes (not Dom... to rich for my palate).
Can you recommend some good reds for my tastebuds? Also, before we leave, I'll PM you to see if you're going to be around.
Thanks in advance,
Rita