Trying to choose a hotel for March. Prefer chain/business hotels, but location is most important. This is our first time to BA. any recommendations?

Also, would like information about Iguazu Falls; we understand Sheraton is the best place to stay. Do we need two nights?

Thanks,

Alnola

For best location choose the Plaza Marriott. Right on Florida at Plaza San Martin. It's pretty old but well kept. The Hilton is the newest and arguably the nicest. A little out of the way but with very cheap taxis that's not a major challenge. There are two Sheratons: El Libertador nicely located within walking distance of shopping area but not spectacular. The older Sheraton Buenos Aires is down the hill from the Plaza Marriott at the other end of Plaza San Martin across from Retiro train station. All have pools.
If location is paramount I'd pick the Marriott, otherwise Hilton.

I've stayed at the Sheraton Libertador. It is a comfortable hotel, and within walking distance of most of the sights / shopping.

The Sheraton Iguazu is the only hotel on the grounds of the park. It is very convenient and the rooms are nice and comfortable enough, if a little expensive. I only stayed one night, and that was good enough for me. Missiones is not terribly interesting.

any reason why you are limiting your hotels to those three chains??
What sort of rates are you getting in March?

If you are flexible with your budget, I would suggest you consider the Alvear Palace Hotel, and/or, if its your style, the Faena Hotel & Universe.

I would recommend two nights at the Sheraton Iguazu. Especially if you want to visit the Brazilian side of the falls. There are several trips that you can book in the hotel lobby and as I recall the one I took was called the Great Adventure. A five km drive through the jungle then down a long stairs to the boat ramp where you board the fast boats for a trip up to the falls. You will get wet. If you are there over a full moon they also have night tours during this period. This is the web site for the Argentine Park http://www.iguazuargentina.com/ and this is for the Brazil park http://www.fozdoiguacu.pr.gov.br/turismo/ing/

I would recommend dining at the Iguazu Grand Hotel and Casino, had a fantastic dinner there. Much better than the Sheraton's dinner offerings.

As for Buenos Aires if you really need a chain hotel I would recommend the Sofitel here is a link http://www.sofitel.com/sofitel/fiche...he_hotel.shtml

I think it is far superior to the Marriott, Sheraton or Hilton. Another good one that is medium priced is the Melia Recoleta http://www.solmelia.com/solNew/hotel...digoHotel=5951
Just a year old and great location.

The Marriott is a wonderful hotel but I hate the location, too many tourists in the area and the people who prey on the tourists. Walking down Calle Florida is indeed an experience. You are "attacked" by every merchant along the mall. Throngs of people, but it does feature a rather nice mall, Galleries Pacifico lots of stores and a rather grand building,

Any recent input? Since I am Hilton Diamond and SPG Platinum, its a toss up between the Hilton or Sheraton Convention Center for me.

If you want a suite, then Sheraton is more likely to provide that, although the more routine upgrade is to a regular Executive Club floor room with a decent view.

If you want a more contemporary set-up, the Hilton, but don't expect a great upgrade beyond just to the 8th or 9th Executive Lounge floor rooms.

I routinely choose the Hilton over the Sheraton in such situations.

Dont forget that as a SPG Platinum, the Park Tower is also in the game..... also, in choosing between Sheraton and Hilton, remember that location is also different. Puerto Madero is a nice place but some prefer to stay closer to the Recoleta area...... it all depends on what you favour.

We stayed at the Hilton last week for five nights and liked the Puerto Madero area. We were upgraded to the Executive Floor. The Executive Lounge is good, but what they offer at various times doesn't change much. Overall we were happy with the Hilton and the location. The employees were friendly and service was good, although a little inconsistent at times.

We plan to return next year and we likely stay at the Hilton for the time in Buenos Aires.

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One drawback with the Hilton is the fact that it is in the 'new' Buenos Aires... Puerto Madero does not have the same 'feel' of say the Sofitel Arroyo, Park Hyatt or Alvear Palace.

Must admit given the choice I would choose the Hilton at the Puerto Madero area. It is that bit more 'livelier' in the evening compared to the likes of where the Park Hyatt is situated.

As first time visitors to Buenos Aires, the Hilton and Puerto Madero offered a good base for us to visit other parts of the city. The inexpensive taxis worked well and there were some good restaurants in the Puerto Madero area, although I am sure we missed a great deal by not staying in another part of this great city.

While it may be livelier, it is "new restaurant" lively, i.e., you don't have the cornucopia of cafes, shops, etc. out your door. My place is a short walk from the other (non-Hilton) end of Puerto Madero, but in the oldest part of the city, not in the newest. I'd rather be in the oldest.

The Libertador is arguably the most centrally situated for getting to all parts, but it is a fairly-worn hotel, albeit with nice staff. It is on a very congested street where you don't have time to think when you leave the building. The other hotels near the Plaza will provide a more relaxed feel when coming/going. I've never stayed at the main Sheraton. I try and avoid the mega convention and cruiseshiphell hotels when possible.

Gaucho makes some good suggestions. That is, if you are important enough for the Alvear Palace But with Starwood in the mix, definitely consider the Park Tower.

Good points... but the issue here is that the "real" Buenos Aires is outside Puerto Madero. Very few locals live in Puerto Madero... its a very new area o the city dominated by hotels, office space and now increasingly more residential buildings but that are still not popular with locals. Many expats and temporary residents have their pads there.... again, nothing wrong with staying in PM but its important that folks understand the differences.