Sheraton Libertador is convenient location or Conferences and close b to many US based corp. lile IBM,Sun etc. They wee in the process of refurbising their rooms just before the collapse, dunno what happened. Amongst the chains, Hilton and Marriott are a much better option - and Ofcourse a hidden gem Etoile whose suites are really a good deal. Vasant you planning a trip there ?

I would suggest you book this in Mendoza directly. Once you get to your hotel, speak to the concierge, work out the itin you wish to make and have him get you a couple of options. Yes, this will be a little more expensive than booking it on your own, but its the best arrangement for someone from out of town and that doesnt speak the language (Im assuming here, please forgive me if Im mistaken).

All the advice given in answer to your question has been on the spot. In case you have some other locations you wish to visit, ask your concierge and he will give you more tips. The bottom line is that as long as you are aware of your surroundings and apply the same common sense you would in any huge metropolis, you will be fine. Even places like La Boca and San Telmo are fine at night, provided you dont wander off randomly. The areas surrounding the restaurants and shops are closely guarded by both federal police and private security firms.

That's good to hear.. I mean, I know it's a bad comparison (apples and oranges, most likely).. but my first trip to South America was Sao Paulo.. and it was the first time a guidebook insisted there were areas NOT meant to be visited AT ALL. EVER. Not sure if a similar mentality may apply to BA. Guess it really doesn't - which is good. :)

Not to offend my good friends from SP, and yes, SP has some great areas and is a lovely city. But, yes, BA and SP are quite different. Also, for the record, some areas of BA are also NEVER EVER to be visited. Unfortunately, we also have some of those.

I agree. SP has far more "crime" problems than BA. But if people are aware and sensible and know a bit about where they are going and what an area is like at particular times, then the risks are manageable and nothing more than one would deal with vis-a-vis any major metropolitan area.

Yep ... 7/9-12. Couldn't resist the NetSAAver for $559.50 all in.

[Edited to add:] Got my upgrade confirmed on the outbound already; looks pretty good for the return.

Thanks for your response - it sounds like booking this through the hotel is probably the best way to go. You aren't mistaken. I don't speak the language but some of the people I will be traveling with do. I was just curious if hiring a car and driver would be more difficult than just joining one of those awful "one size fits all" group tours.

No, it will not be difficult at all. I suggest you 'buddy up' with the concierge (ie. take care of him with a good tip) and then make sure he does some good shopping around for you to find the best and most price effective solution for transportation. How big is your party....? If you have between 4-10 people its always the best, since in this case you can hire one of the medium sized vans with a couple of rows of seats.

There will be five of us. Thanks for your help - I'm really looking forward to this trip!

Any tips/links for what to do on a 3-day (Sat-Mon) leisure trip in or near BA?

Any FTers in BA 7/10-12 who might like to get together for some adult beverages?

NH Florida Hotel
 

Earlier someone mentioned the NH Florida hotel as being a good possible place to stay. It's nicely priced for my dates (U.S. $77 per night) and it looks like it's in a good location. Location is most important to me - I'd like to walk to good dining, shopping, nightlife, etc. Price, of course, is also important so this seemed like a good bet. Has anyone here ever stayed there?

Dont have details on this hotel, but the location is exactly what you are looking for.

It is near Gallaria Pacifica (sp?) I know there is a really crowded pub nearby - KilKennys which gets really crowded :)

I stayed in this hotel in December 2002 and really enjoyed and it was definetly in the center of the action. You would be walking distance to all the shopping (on Florida) and restaurants... If you have some time got out for a dinner to Puerto Madero (starts behind the Casa Rosada) where there are many restaurants and if you go accross the small dykes beside the Hilton there is a fantastic Sushi place with great music and a fantastic bar at night.