Buenos Aires (EZE) - the ultimate Q&A thread
Feb 12, 2006 | 2:17 am
#1381
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Which Sheraton?
Please advise which Sheraton is nicer between these 2.
1. Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel and Convention Center
2. Sheraton Libertador Hotel
I plan to stay at least a couple nights at one of these two places. Each requires the same amount of SPG points.... (3000-4000 points per night)
Also, Choice # 3, Park Tower, requires 10000 points per night. Is it worth? Or should I just stay at one of the first two choices?
Thanks,...Kiam
1. Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel and Convention Center
2. Sheraton Libertador Hotel
I plan to stay at least a couple nights at one of these two places. Each requires the same amount of SPG points.... (3000-4000 points per night)
Also, Choice # 3, Park Tower, requires 10000 points per night. Is it worth? Or should I just stay at one of the first two choices?
Thanks,...Kiam
Feb 12, 2006 | 11:28 am
#1382
formerly known as daveland
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: NY, NY, USA
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Posts: 3,002
Look back two pages to post 1363 for links 
General thought seems to be that Libertator is better located by several blocks but somewhat run-down compared to the Convention Center. Maybe a bit more local charm vs. big impersonal convention center hotel. Libertador was Cat 1 until this year though, which made it the bargain. At the same point level it's probably tougher to pick and seems like it depends on how much you want to be right in the action vs. several blocks or a quick cab away. Most do not think the Park Tower upgrade is worth all the extra points considering what a bargain the others are. This is just what I've gathered here - I don't check into the Libertador until the 27th
General thought seems to be that Libertator is better located by several blocks but somewhat run-down compared to the Convention Center. Maybe a bit more local charm vs. big impersonal convention center hotel. Libertador was Cat 1 until this year though, which made it the bargain. At the same point level it's probably tougher to pick and seems like it depends on how much you want to be right in the action vs. several blocks or a quick cab away. Most do not think the Park Tower upgrade is worth all the extra points considering what a bargain the others are. This is just what I've gathered here - I don't check into the Libertador until the 27th
Feb 12, 2006 | 6:30 pm
#1383
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 278
First let me say that I did a search of this thread and found this same question asked once before but with no response...
I am going to EZE in about two weeks, and I got the idea in my head that it might be a good place to get a quality suit for cheap (combination of low labor costs and fashion-conscious people). Am I correct? If so, does anyone have any recommendations of tailors? I would absolutely love to have a bespoke suit (one totally cut and tailored to fit me), but my budget does not permit such things in the US of A.
Thanks for the help.
I am going to EZE in about two weeks, and I got the idea in my head that it might be a good place to get a quality suit for cheap (combination of low labor costs and fashion-conscious people). Am I correct? If so, does anyone have any recommendations of tailors? I would absolutely love to have a bespoke suit (one totally cut and tailored to fit me), but my budget does not permit such things in the US of A.
Thanks for the help.
Feb 13, 2006 | 1:37 am
#1384
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: NYC, USA
Programs: UA Star Gold (lifetime)
Posts: 550
Originally Posted by bquinif
First let me say that I did a search of this thread and found this same question asked once before but with no response...
I am going to EZE in about two weeks, and I got the idea in my head that it might be a good place to get a quality suit for cheap (combination of low labor costs and fashion-conscious people). Am I correct? If so, does anyone have any recommendations of tailors? I would absolutely love to have a bespoke suit (one totally cut and tailored to fit me), but my budget does not permit such things in the US of A.
Thanks for the help.
I am going to EZE in about two weeks, and I got the idea in my head that it might be a good place to get a quality suit for cheap (combination of low labor costs and fashion-conscious people). Am I correct? If so, does anyone have any recommendations of tailors? I would absolutely love to have a bespoke suit (one totally cut and tailored to fit me), but my budget does not permit such things in the US of A.
Thanks for the help.
Feb 13, 2006 | 5:20 am
#1385
Original Poster
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Join Date: Aug 2000
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Originally Posted by kiam
Please advise which Sheraton is nicer between these 2.
1. Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel and Convention Center
2. Sheraton Libertador Hotel
I plan to stay at least a couple nights at one of these two places. Each requires the same amount of SPG points.... (3000-4000 points per night)
Also, Choice # 3, Park Tower, requires 10000 points per night. Is it worth? Or should I just stay at one of the first two choices?
Thanks,...Kiam
1. Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel and Convention Center
2. Sheraton Libertador Hotel
I plan to stay at least a couple nights at one of these two places. Each requires the same amount of SPG points.... (3000-4000 points per night)
Also, Choice # 3, Park Tower, requires 10000 points per night. Is it worth? Or should I just stay at one of the first two choices?
Thanks,...Kiam
Feb 14, 2006 | 6:04 am
#1386
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: NYC, USA
Programs: UA Star Gold (lifetime)
Posts: 550
Originally Posted by no more lurking
I got 2 suites custom made, about 2 years ago for $500. I don't remember the name of the shop, but I think I have it at home (I am work now). I'll repost later. The quality of one suite was quite good, but the other was a bit dissapointing. It required at least 5 days and I would reccomend multiple fittings to be sure they get it right. The material chosen has a lot to do with price of the suite. I was not able to afford the British cloths, and choose a more moderate Italian light weight wool.
Also while you are in the neigborhood don't miss El Ateneo Bookstore. It's around the corner (left) on Santa Fe. It's in an old renovated movie theatre and its really worth going in there for coffee or a snack, or just to look around. Have fun!!!!!!
Last edited by no more lurking; Feb 15, 2006 at 4:28 am Reason: To fix spelling mistakes
Feb 15, 2006 | 7:16 am
#1387
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: DC
Programs: AA EXP; UAMM
Posts: 1,902
BoBo near Wilton
I'm off to BsAs on March 5. I'll be in town for 2 days and wanted to try the BoBo hotel, which gets good reviews. I'm meeting a friend staying at the Wilton. Are the 2 hotels within walking distance? Would I do better to just stay at the Wilton? Not sure of prices of each but I assume they're in the same ballpark?
NOTE: Just heard back from Bo-Bo, no rooms. They suggested Malabia House, Five Buenos Aires and Home Buenos Aires. Any suggestions on these and their locations/prices vs. Wilton?
NOTE: Just heard back from Bo-Bo, no rooms. They suggested Malabia House, Five Buenos Aires and Home Buenos Aires. Any suggestions on these and their locations/prices vs. Wilton?
Last edited by nor4; Feb 15, 2006 at 7:49 am
Feb 15, 2006 | 1:51 pm
#1388
Join Date: Jan 2004
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Posts: 662
Originally Posted by nor4
I'm off to BsAs on March 5. I'll be in town for 2 days and wanted to try the BoBo hotel, which gets good reviews. I'm meeting a friend staying at the Wilton. Are the 2 hotels within walking distance? Would I do better to just stay at the Wilton? Not sure of prices of each but I assume they're in the same ballpark?
NOTE: Just heard back from Bo-Bo, no rooms. They suggested Malabia House, Five Buenos Aires and Home Buenos Aires. Any suggestions on these and their locations/prices vs. Wilton?
NOTE: Just heard back from Bo-Bo, no rooms. They suggested Malabia House, Five Buenos Aires and Home Buenos Aires. Any suggestions on these and their locations/prices vs. Wilton?
Feb 16, 2006 | 11:35 am
#1389
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Join Date: Aug 2000
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Never seen the place, but FWIW I have heard very good things about the Malabia House.
El Ateneo for books is an excellent recommendation.... ^
El Ateneo for books is an excellent recommendation.... ^
Feb 21, 2006 | 9:32 am
#1390
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Possible to get cell phone in BA for taxis, temporary use?
My wife and I will be going to Argentina very shortly on vacation. We'd like to have a cell phone with us for calling radio taxis, etc. Is it possible to get one for temporary use--ideally getting it at the airport on arrival from abroad (on United)? And if so, where? Or are we better off trying to get a chip or a suitable temporary phone before leaving the United States?
Thanks for any advice.
Thanks for any advice.
Feb 21, 2006 | 10:04 am
#1391
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Originally Posted by Thunderroad
My wife and I will be going to Argentina very shortly on vacation. We'd like to have a cell phone with us for calling radio taxis, etc. Is it possible to get one for temporary use--ideally getting it at the airport on arrival from abroad (on United)? And if so, where? Or are we better off trying to get a chip or a suitable temporary phone before leaving the United States?
Thanks for any advice.
Thanks for any advice.
Alternatively, a local SIM card for a GSM phone could work too, but I don't know if that is always worth it, especially if you don't have your own unlocked GSM phone that is compatible with the Argentine used networks.
A third option is the hotels. At least at the Hilton Buenos Aires, a cell phone is generally available for me in the rooms, and forwarding the hotel phone to the cell phone is easily done there.
Feb 21, 2006 | 11:56 am
#1392
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Buenos Aires
Posts: 10
Design Hotels / B&B in Palermo Viejo
Originally Posted by Gaucho100K
Never seen the place, but FWIW I have heard very good things about the Malabia House.
El Ateneo for books is an excellent recommendation.... ^
El Ateneo for books is an excellent recommendation.... ^
1) Home Hotel ( Brand new w/ pool).
2) BOBO Hotel , Excellent alternative to Home or vicev., GREAT restaurant and
very friendly service.
3) Malabia House. Very nice place too.
4) Five .
5) Smaller B&B for budget oriented travellers ( La Otra Orilla for example.)
There are some more good choices in the area, similar to La Otra Orilla.
Regarding El Ateneo its a must visit , but books are mainly in Spanish, for English books, KELL bookstore over M. T de Alvear and guess Talcahuano is excellent.
Feb 21, 2006 | 1:49 pm
#1393
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Seattle
Programs: AA since 1998, 1.96 M miles
Posts: 214
Originally Posted by GUWonder
Renting a cellphone on arrival at the airport is possible. Just make sure to have a credit card available. There is at least one "desk" right outside customs at EZE where this is possible.
Alternatively, a local SIM card for a GSM phone could work too, but I don't know if that is always worth it, especially if you don't have your own unlocked GSM phone that is compatible with the Argentine used networks.
A third option is the hotels. At least at the Hilton Buenos Aires, a cell phone is generally available for me in the rooms, and forwarding the hotel phone to the cell phone is easily done there.
Alternatively, a local SIM card for a GSM phone could work too, but I don't know if that is always worth it, especially if you don't have your own unlocked GSM phone that is compatible with the Argentine used networks.
A third option is the hotels. At least at the Hilton Buenos Aires, a cell phone is generally available for me in the rooms, and forwarding the hotel phone to the cell phone is easily done there.
If you don't have to do business down there you might forgo the cellphone completely, there are 'cabinas' all over Buenos Aires and every other major city where you can use their VOIP service to make very cheap calls. E.g. 5-10 cents per minute international, 2-3 per minute domestic. I have had good luck using Skyp or Vonage on my laptop computer too.
Feb 21, 2006 | 2:43 pm
#1394
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Most hotels will call a taxi for you, and so prevalent in the street that I've never called on in my half dozen trips there the last few years. Even at the airport, you will find cabinas (phone booths), that only charge .20-.25 a minute, so quite cheap.
Feb 21, 2006 | 3:37 pm
#1395
Original Poster
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
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If you have an unlocked GSM phone, Im told that the best option for a prepaid SIM card is CTI, not Telefonica or the other GSM operators. One useful trick is to ask for a prepaid SIM, and when you are given the hard sell for the whatever plan or whatever months just tell them "turist" and that will cut the sales pitch. If they have a simple SIM card they will sell, else you can save time and go elsewhere.