Yes, what you say is definitely the case.

Cornroaster, however, did ask about "VAT based on the rack room rate", and VAT based on the rack room rate in Buenos Aires is unusual because it's not usually VAT based on the rack rate for it's always VAT based on the actual room rate being paid for by the guest. There can be and usually is a big difference between paying 21% on rack rate and 21% on the actual rate paid for by the guest. For paid stays, fortunately it's 21% of the actual rate paid for by the guest rather than 21% of the rack room rate which may well be much more expensive than 21% of the actual room rate; and fortunately no VAT payments on award stays are due from guests staying at the mentioned hotels in Buenos Aires.

Any recommendations for traveling around Bariloche? Should we rent a car? Are there tour buses? Hire a driver/guide? We haven't secured our lodgings yet and, therefore, I can't connect with the concierge at this point.

Also, what is there to see in Salta? How many nights are recommended if we do go?

Thanks for the advice! Maybe we will try 1 night in Colonia (I need a small-town break in the middle) and 3 nights in Montevideo/surroundings, which I will research.

A couple more questions that will save us (and the unfortunate listeners to my poor Spanish) time later...how much of the "circle trip" (boat to Colonia, bus to Montevideo the next day, boat back to BA) can be bought at once in advance? Or is it a lot cheaper to get these one at a time?

Thanks.

In Bariloche, having a car is a plus... whether you will want to drive or get one with a driver is a budget issue.

In Salta, if you are wine folks there are many great wineries. If not, there are still plenty of very beautiful sites in Cafayate and also the Calchaqui Valleys, plus there are a good number of historical sites to see.

I am currently in the throes of planning a last minute trip to EZE and environs-- to use some UA VDB credit- and have been looking into a 2 week trip to Buenos Aires, Salta and Mendoza. I checked weatherunderground and the historical waether seems to be good for that time of year- but others have said to avoid July and go in spring summer or fall. I have not been to SA except for Bolivia and have wanted to visit EZE- I presume the Bariloche area is not so conducive to a July visit- but what about Valdes peninsula for whale watching?
I guess I am really askingif this were to be my only ttrip to Argentina- should I wait until a winter or fall trip?

I appreciate your help- on the ground advice is always helpful.

July is not bad for Bariloche.... its very pretty in winter with all the sights dressed in white (snow). The weather is crazy all over the globe these days, so its hard to predict. FWIW, this autumn has been nice after it stopped raining a few weeks back... its been chilly but the sun is out most of the days. For whale watching, now is the time.

can someone answer me this, i have tried searching and couldn't find anything.

will AC be offering a direct from YYZ to EZE flight soon? my friends who travel from EZE all the time told me about it, but can't verify. I am going down in January, and would like to book that flight if possible.

Have you posted this on the AC forum...? My guess is thats the best place for you to get a quick answer. I havent read anything in the local press about this flight.

For our 2 week vacation in BsAs, we are going to MVD for a weekend. We are flying. Will we be required to pay the departure tax for going to Uruguay?

Yes.

Having a difficult time finding if there will be any soccer events happening in BsAs sometime between Aug 9 and Aug 16 (or Aug 19 and 21). Can anyone help me out here? Or perhaps any other fun sporting event to watch. Thanx in advance!

Ive been exploring the web and cant seem to find the schedule for the second tournament of the year.... there is a chance your dates are smack in the middle of the winter recess, but I cant know for sure. Let me keep looking and I will revert once I have some additional information.

Cheers,
Alex

Some thoughts on nine nights in Argentina in winter - Four nights in Buenos Aires is not too much. Colonia is very pleasant and it can indeed be visited in a day. bit there are many more interesting destinations . . but FAR more interesting would be a trip to Salta and the altiplano via Movitrek or similar excursion outfit, or Salta and the Quebrada de Humahuaca, or Salta-Quebrada de las Conchas-Cafayate - and perhaps down to the ruins of Quilmes, just 54 km further. While it can be beautiful, Bariloche in August is way too cold unless you plan to go skiing. I just returned from three weeks in the country, where a colder than usual winter is projected. Buenos Aires winters are humid, increasing the sensation of cold. Nights in the Northwest (NOA as known locally) are cold, but days are very pleasant indeed and rain is very unlikely. Igauzu in this season is also a good choice. You don't need more than two nights there unless you are a fanatic bird/butterfly watcher.

Hello! I love this thread and I love BA! I was there last Dec/Jan and am returning in October. Last visit I had my apartment all taken care of for me, so I am not familiar with apartment renting. I did find a place in San Telmo for $500 per week, 3 bedrooms. The woman I am dealing with so far has been very pleasant (via e-mail). The only thing, she says there is a $600 CASH deposit required upon check-in, refundable upon check out. This seems steep, is that normal?? And is it safe and reliable?? Sorry if this has been addressed already, but this is a rather huge thread to search. Thank you!!

You really can't expect anyone to answer this question. How did you find this apartment, have you dealt with her before? Is it an agency or just some craig list add? Do you need three bedroom? How many weeks are you renting? As far as San Telmo is concerned, despite the hype, it is not the best rental area. 500 week for three bedrooms in Recoleta, Puerto Madero or Palermo might not be high ( although on the high end unless great place) In San Telmo it must be something special..