I've been booked at all these properties -- a lot and over a good number of years. The Park Hyatt usually assigns most Diamonds to suites in the modern tower section even on points-only award stays. I've had dozens of my stays here -- way more award nights than regular paid nights -- and all of mine have been upgraded for free to suites. I would not generally recommend using a Diamond Suite Upgrade (on regular cash stays or on points+cash stays) at this property -- especially if you have any alternative use for the DSU -- since they default to suite pre-assignment/assignment for Diamonds.

The BsAs Starwood hotels are less likely to upgrade SPG Platinums to full suites than the Park Hyatt.

I'm coming down to BA in about a week and have a daft question. If I want to send myself money via Xoom, what do I need to fill out for the "recipient" section? It asks for an address in BA, do I just put my hotel's address or am I not seeing an option where I can state that I am also the recipient?

Yes, you are the recipient. Hotel address is fine. Remember to take your passport for ID at the More Money pickup location.

Thanks for the advice, SoFlyOn!

Given the spread between the official and street exchange rates, does this present an opportunity to purchase a nice timepiece in Buenos Aires? Thanks.

Given the import restrictions, if you are considering the purchase of anything that has been imported into Argentina, and can actually find it, you will not find pricing to be attractive.

Yes... and no. There are exceptions. Remember, the Devil is in the details.... :rolleyes:

So, Yes, if its a swiss timepiece then you are right... no arbitrage possible. However, you can get a good Chileno Sauvignon Blanc for a great price.... :eek:

Mmm mmm good!

http://www.fotos.org/galeria/data/71...lanco-caja.jpg

Wine Transportation
 

Hi Argentina Experts,

I'll be flying domestically from Mendoza to Buenos Aires on Aerolineas Argentinas, then switching airports and flying EZE-ATL on DL.

The Aerolineas website says it limits alcohol to 5L per person.

1)Is this limit for hard liquor? Will I have problems checking a case of wine on a domestic flight?

2)Will I get the extra baggage allowance on the domestic flight for being Skyteam Elite Plus? (I assume yes, but not familiar with the rules on this airline)

I'm a Delta Diamond traveling with a Delta gold and we each hope to bring back at least a case of wine.

Anyone familiar with the Palermo Tower hotel (Charcas 4955) and Cesar Park BA (Posadas 1232)?
Also, what hotels offer the best (strongest) WiFi signal? I have now read numerous reviews of people bitterly complaining about WiFi quality in BA.

Yes, the limit is for hard liquor (ie. stuff with high enough alcohol content to be flammable). You will have no issues with wine, first because its not flammable and second because AR is easy going with wine.... as long as its well packed and you don't have 5 cases with you, you will be perfectly fine.

Don't know the Palermo Tower property.... but I have various clients that are regulars at the Ceasar Park. They seem to treat regular guests very well, my clients that stay there have a surprising loyalty to the place. I gather its a decent option in its price/service class. Suggest you check over on Trip Advisor for the latest reviews.

Internet Speed in Argentina can be very variable, but compared to what you get in the US, Asia & Europe you will need to manage your expectations. I think its safe to sat that most 5 Star Hotels will have reasonable (again for EZE standards) speeds, but if you are going to be using specific applications that require very fast download speeds, you may not be able to get what you are looking for at all times.

Thanks for the reply, Gaucho.

I used Google Earth to look at Recoleta and Palermo, but contrary to my expectations it looked very busy with lots of trafffic on the streets and a bit run down. Not leafy, quiet and upscale. Am I missing something? I thought that especially Recoleta was like Beverly Hills, LA.
Are there no leafy, quiet streets or squares in BA with a nice hotel adjacent?
Something like Condesa in Mexico City or Miraflores in Lima.

Not sure where you are getting your comparisons from and what streets you are looking at on Google Earth. Recoleta can be quiet, depending on where you are but it also has busy areas. Upscale it is, but not in the sense of BH, think more of upscale areas of Madrid or Paris... Recoleta is clearly an Urban setting of the European sort, so its a lot more densly constructed than anything you will find in California.

Using Google Earth, it seems the area close to the cemetery is very nice. Considering staying at properties such as the Alvear, Buenos Aires Grand, Etoile, Mio, or Urban Suites.
Having looked at tons of photos, many of the properties in the Recoleta area start to look alike...lol.