Largely because of this thread (and the fact that AR is one country us Americans can actually get a deal with our $ these days) I am now booked with my GF on a trip to BsE at the end of Feb.

Two starter questions (more later!):

1) We are booked at the Sheraton Libertador (mostly because I booked a room in Dec at old Cat. 1 point rates - 17,000 total for 6 nights ). How is the location of this hotel? It seems it is not as "nice" as the other Sheraton but perhaps a bit better located? I really have no idea what area it is in nor where we would want to be except that we will be very touristy By that I mean a lot of eating, shopping, exploring and excursions. I would consider changing hotels but hope this one will work just fine. Would appreciate advice there.

2) I don't know any Spanish and my GF only barely does. I plan to take a one day course before leaving but know that won't do a heck of a lot. It sounds like we'll get by OK. But it is also my first trip to SA at all and I've heard a lot about safety issues. Does the kidnapping of North Americans go on in the city of BsE? Are there any specifics you could give on areas to avoid, behaviors to avoid, etc? I have traveled quite a bit but my lack of knowledge of SA in general gives me some pause and I'd like to be prepared. We live in NYC so we don't lack general city smarts....

Thanks!