Originally Posted by JDiver
One thing about staying in Puerto Madero - because it is originally the port area, it is the Navy port police that patrol here - a greater and more reliable presence than the Bs As city police. Puerto Madero is pretty safe. Walking back from the ferry to picturesque Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay (I highly recommend the day trip) for example, is OK. And though it appears slightly isolated, a few minutes' walk and you can be almost anywhere you want in the main area - theatre to shopping, La Recoleta to Casa Rosada.
If you need to check out some time before your flight, the Executive Lounge has a shower you will be allowed to use, and you will probably be allowed to store your luggage there (if it isn't a steamer trunk or a group load of luggage.)
The remise drivers about the hotel are quite reliable - you can easily hire one for a day tour within, or outside of, Buenos Aires. It's a great way to really see a lot, as you can be dropped off and have someone waiting for you when you are through touring an area.
I've never had a bad meal at Cabaņa Las Lilas over the years - a waiter or two are snooty, but it's easy to break the ice with them as well. (Some places people are afraid to show their ignorance of English, and just a few words of Castillian "Spanish" will help.) If you want what appears to be a touristy restaurant but is a really excellent and colorful parrilla, try Asador Criollo Las Nazarenas (Reconquista 1132 - Tel/Fax: (54-11) 4312-5559.) If you like walking, it's a nice walk, toward the Sheraton and then inland.
Excellent information from top to bottom. [About security in Puerto Madero: it was quiet there even when, to many Argentines, the country seemed to be on the edge of political collapse after the economic meltdown. Petty crime and inconveniences due to socio-political machinations/manifestations (read: strikes, protests) are generally unlikely to encroach into Puerto Madero.]
For those Hilton Buenos Aires' guests who after check-out want to shower up before an evening flight but are not entitled to Exec. Floor access -- basically non-Gold/non-Diamonds at this hotel -- the alternative is to have luggage stored in the lobby and then shower up in the gym showers on the 7th floor.