No problem..... another tip: if someone does throw the book at you with this issue, they will want to see your DNI (residents ID)... if this happens, it usually means that you are out of luck because only a formal residency permit will get you a DNI.

cheers,
Gaucho

Iguaza
 

I am desperately trying to find a flight BA to Iguazu for a 2 night stay, 03 to 05 January is ideal, 02 to 04 January next best choice. I've tried each of the airline websites ( AA, SW, AF ) and they all seem to indicate sold out on the dates. As I'm coming over as a once in a lifetime trip from UK arriving in BA 31 December, I had hoped to be able to achieve this desination. Is there no hope. Will anything open up closer to departure? Anything I can do now?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

New Year's Celebrations
 

So what happens in this city? Where's the action? What can one expect? Does the South Latin temperamant like to party?

You can expect insane fireworks everywhere in the city, starting at midnight and slowly dying out until sunrise (bring earplugs). Partying happens pretty much everywhere, it's the only night of the year when it's relatively hard to get a cab. Around 3 or 4 in the morning clubs and bars start to get packed, the action goes on until around 8 am or later. I remember having a sunrise toast by the river with a group of friends a few years back.

I've been slowly working my way through this thread over the last few days. It is fantastic stuff - and all in the best Flyertalk spirit. Thanks to everyone who has supplied information - and an special thanks to Gaucho100K for being such a great ambassador! ^ The missus and I are hitting Argentina for 3 weeks next October and this has really wetted my appetite for the trip. I'm sure I will be back with questions near departure. :)

You're very welcome... please feel free to post your further questions here or else PM me.

Cheers,
Gaucho

I see availability with Aerolineas Argentinas on the dates you want, but only with the local booking engines in Argentina, not with the international ones, so I guess there's a chance you might be able to book something on arrival, or perhaps you might want to contact a local travel agent now.

OK.....I took a break for awhile... I had "hotel research burn out" :(

I have decided on Recoleta, tho I was "this close" to booking the NH Florida till someone said it's not a nice place to walk around at night :rolleyes:

In the Recoleta, I have read good things (on this thread and other places) about L'Etoile Hotel. The rate is definitely reasonable and seems an excellent location.

I only have one hesitation... Everywhere I see photos of their rooms, they look awful :mad: Esp. on the hotels own website -

http://www.etoile.com.ar/

I think if the rooms were honestly as bad as those photos, people would be mentioning it. It seems to be rated 3.5* to 5*, depending on whose star system you follow. Soooooo.....those people that have stayed there -- the rooms are MUCH NICER than the website shows....yes?

Thanks everyone!

Mrs. USAFAN & I stayed at L'Etoile:

-We had what they call an Executive Suite for less than $100.
-The room was clean, but looked a little "old fashion". Sorry Gaucho...,
but that might be the Argentinian style
-We had a room to the front, somewhat noisy (lots of restaurants) and
view of cemetery (100 yards away)
-The lobby is nice
-The personnel very friendly and helpful
-Free slow Internet
-Breakfast eatable
-? stars. The call them self "boutique hotel"
-I would go back. Why? I like the location! Lots of small shops, cafés and safe.
A little bit like Paris

If you want a better hotel, go to the Hilton in Porto Madero ... it's new(er).

Great Tip
 

Spot on - picked it up today with a BA travel agent - $300+ but I guess it could have been worse - I'm just really glad to have it. Immendely looking forward to this plus 2 nights at the Sheraton International with falls views. Muchos Gracias Amigo!

Memories
 

Sounds like a nice episode. Thanks for sharing it - I hope to be able to top it with ine of my own. New Year's Greetings!

I stayed at Etoile in September and mostly concurr with USAFAN's description. We had two suites in the rear of the building - the Diplomatic Suite was far better than the Executive suite. I would choose a suite in the front of the building if I had to do it again. The decor is also decidedly 70's/80's, but not much worse than say, the Marriott at LAX. Even with these drawbacks, the hotel represents a great deal. The rooms are huge, clean and well maintained and, most importantly, the location cannot be beat.

They also offered me a cell phone, which I didn't need, my old AT&T/Nokia worked in Buenos Aires.
And yes, the area is great. Mrs. USAFAN went to an upscale hairdresser ^ ... that would have cost a fortune in the US.
Bottom line: Buenos Aires is great!

We just returned today from a 10 day stay in Argentina and had a wonderful time, in part due to Gaucho's help and advice (and his hospitality and wines of course). BsAs is a wonderful city, made even more enjoyable as a visitor who can enjoy the highlights w/o worrying about daily routines. The falls were great, and we even made it to the Brazilian side w/o the expense of a visa.

I do feel some guilt as I am probably responsible for the demise of at least one cow, if not more, but every bite was a joy! Between the late dinners followed by Volta or Freddo ice cream, a late wake up and all the walking, I didn't use the running shoes once. My wife thinks "I'm cured", but tomorrow morning the return to reality begins.

How To Find A Person In Ba
 

Hi Gaucho!

I will be in BA this April and I have been reading your advice about everything in Argentina.

I have a problem; I will not be disappointed on you if you're not able to help me, as it is very unusual.

I visited Buenos Aires a few times as a teenager (let's say, a feeeeewwwww years ago), and befriended a couple. I even stayed in their home for a while and went to Punta del Este together. Two decades ago I moved to Canada and lost contact with them.

Is there an agency or a radio station program that would help me find my friends? I've tried to google the Greater Buenos Aires phone book but I could'n find it.

I will appreciate any suggestion. Thank you very much and keep up the good work.