I'll note my congratulations here. ^

And ask a general EZE question; I'm planning for next July which I gather isn't the best time time visit given the winter can be cool but it's what works into my schedule. What's the EZE like in winter? I would imagine the sidewalk cafes would be closed if it's 55-60 degrees F but is it short, dark, gloomy and cool days? Also, is 7-10 nights enough to thoroughly enjoy the city at a comfortable pace? Is another few nights in MVE recommended given it's close proximity or would that be too short of a visit to do it any justice?

Any feedback would be appreciated as I start planning for what will be my first trip to S. America.

I did my first trip last month and budgeted 7 full days for Buenos Aires (the weakening dollar is steering me away from Europe, let alone Canada now), and thought I could have covered the same terrain in about 5 if I had to do it over again. Take a look at my photos and you'll get a basic idea what I did cover. If you're going for the food, though, you may never want to leave. I didn't have one bad meal there the entire time, at prices that would be 1/3 of what I would pay at home.

Many thanks, Tom911, as I very much appreciated flipping through the photo's. Man, I can hardly get them developed and you gotta 'em online. :eek: :D

I was interested to note the Ibis in your pictures as I'd already put on hold prior to my post for 7 nights next July as it was hard to pass on the CAD$62.00/night rate which was around half of the lowest tariff at other non-chain places. Yeah, it might not have lots of local character but at that rate I can spend my money on other things, such as food. I trust you found the Ibis acceptable if unspectacular but would be curious to hear some quick impressions.

Winter in EZE
 

It's not really bad. I've been there in late May and June of this year when they had a real cold snap (but before the snow came). Many of the cafe's have heaters outside, and the people deal with the weather fine. To me it's way better than NYC in the winter, or many Canadian/European cities in their winter.

I would spent the time in EZE and the surrounding area, but I hate to have short jaunts to other countries. You can take Buquebus to Colonia for a nice day trip, or stay over a night.

I stayed at the Intercontinental for $50 a night (using their 5k a night promotion, and buying points). Hopefully you didn't prepay your hotel room, as there are sometimes bargains to be had. If I go for more than a week, I usually rent an apartment.

The Ibis was fine, and I would stay there again. I slept well. The rooms are very simple, with a shower and amenities consisting of a bar of soap. Most of the TV stations are in Spanish, including CNN. There were some movie channels in English. Bring your own toiletries along, or just buy what you need when you arrive. There's some restaurants/cafes that are open late within walking distance on Avenida Correa, and Metro stations in two different directions as you walk out the door.

It may not be the ideal location if you're out late and want to be near clubs, but I'm a daytime tourist that loves to walk and explore, so it worked out well and I was generally in by 11pm. They offer wi-fi throughout the building for 4 pesos an hour (about $US1.25, which I imagine is also $C1.25 now), and there's other places in the city with free wi-fi. If you saw the photo of the National Congress, you're across the park from it. I felt very safe in that area. The breakfast they serve will wear on you after a couple days (cereal, croissants, ham, cheese, toast, juice, coffee), but it was something less than $US4. I found that if you arrived after 0930 (they serve until 10) you had a challenge finding a seat, but anytime before then there wasn't a problem. The breakfast is only added to your room charges if you go (not automatically charged each day).

I rented an apartment about two blocks away from the the Ibis (if it's the one by the park/Congresso). A decent area, some nice middle class restaurants, and no real safety problems. There were some Carteros, but not named Jaimito, on the block who seemed to be living on the corners, but I never experience any problems with them. I think I checked the Ibis out in January 2006, and their daily rate was $42 US at the time. Tax was probably added onto that.

I've found many of the Accor chain hotels outside the US to have slim picking on amenities. The AMS (Either Ibis, or the other property at the same location) and the SYD F1 were probably the most utilitarian.

tcook 052-- thanks for the kind words & well wishes. As posted above, EZE winters are nothing like what you get in the northern hemisphere... even though this last winter was colder than average, it will be a walk in the part if you compare it to NYC or Chicago winters.

Only just found this great post.

Back in 2004 I flew down to EZE from FRA no less than 12 times..... for day trips. I was working for a major European airline and initially had the choice of Osaka or Buenos Aires as my first flight. I had already been to Osaka so chose EZE. Boy, am I glad I did. I think the place is fabulous.

Stayed with the crew in the Hilton hotel (highly recommended) and spent most of my 24 hour layover walking around the city and exploring.

As has been mentioned many times on this thread, the steaks in Argentina are "to die for". My favourite place was El Establo. One of the crew members I flew with told me about El Establo and I was never disappointed.

This thread has really got me thinking of going back down there in the very near future. I think that this is what I have been saving all those miles and Hilton points for.

See you down there.

Thanks Gaucho. But my American cousins wouldn't know a real winter if it jumped up and frostbit them. :p Try -40 celcius for a few weeks and anything is warmer by comparison. :D Am looking forward to planning the trip and appreciate everyone's feedback. :)

Hold on there amigo. Some of us travellers to Argentina from the US are well exposed to Minnesota and Wisconsin. :D Either way, winter in Buenos Aires is a piece of cake.

We will arrive in Buenos Aires via cruise ship, and are looking at heading straight to AEP to catch a flight to IGR to see Iguazu Falls. We are wondering how long it takes to get from the dock area to AEP on a weekday morning so we can book an appropriate flight time.

Hi Cornroaster-- I would budget 45 minutes of travel time from the docks to AEP, just to play it safe.

Ripped Off at El Establo
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...hlight=Establo

Went to Pura Tierra again with some friends and the experience was outstanding... ^ ^ They have a new menu which is supposed to be introduced shortly.

Well.. even if it should get colder than usual, nothing beats a large steak and a couple of glasses of Malbec to kill that frostbite.... :D ^