Quick guide to BA
 

I am a mid-40's guy, planning to head to BA in late May.

Where would you suggest staying- in the city and hotels.

I am a Starwood fan, but I'm not thrilled about the offerings.

So, with that said, I'm open to your suggestions as to the "best hotels with the best value".

Mentioned on FT was Bobo, Melia Recoleta and Tryp.

I'd like to stay in the $150/night range.

Also, what areas of the city are best for sight seeing, good restaurants and bars.

Any suggestions on sights to see would be helpful.

I've got 5 days and look forward to soaking in the food, wine and culture of Argentina. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Of course, many thanks in advance.

Here is a good start in a short thread for you to check out...

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=816343

Also, in terms of bars, I suggest you consider:

- Bar Seis
- Gran Bar Danzon
- Bar Uriarte

For sightseeing... I would consider the following:

- Puerto Madero & Plaza de Mayo Area
- La Boca & Caminito
- Walk around parks of Palermo - Rosegardens
- Recoleta Cementery

Are you into Museums...? If so, dont miss:

- Museo de Arte Decorativo
- Museo Malba
- Palais de Glace
- Centro Cultural Recoleta

I think the best area of the city for a first time vistor is the Recoleta district. It is the most upscale and fashionable area of the city and much like the nicer arrondissements of Paris. But for the restaurants and clubs you will find a fantastic collection of places to eat in Palermo SoHo. Not that there are not good places in the Recoleta and other districts, but there are so many good ones in Palermo SoHo.

Have a great visit.

Sam

To Sam and Gaucho...
 

First, muchas gracias Srs!

Your wisdom and guidance is greatly appreciated. I feel as though I should hire you two as unofficial tour guides.

Can either of you recommend hotels in Recoleta? I was thinking about staying at the Sheraton Liberator on my first and last night (early check in and late check out) and Hotel Bo Bo in the middle. If you think there's something of better value, I'm all ears.

I did check out the restaurant scene in other threads- very helpful. Thanks.

Do you think it would be practical to break into 5 days the sights that were mentioned? I would like to stroll, check out the architecture, shopping, museums and the general culture.

If either of you are there... perhaps I can buy you a drink and you can really spill your guts! Just kidding.

Thanks again for your continued assistance.

Jemctag

As for walking tours the city tourism web site has some good suggestions along with a lot of other good information www.bue.gov.ar
As for hotels in the Recoleta the Art Hotel is very nice....http://www.arthotel.com.ar/ It is small, but the service is good.
The Bel Air is a nice one too here is the web address but Hotels.com have had much cheaper rates than the hotel web site so check both http://www.hotelbelair.com.ar/
Another option is the Design Suites Hotel http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/bu...tesbaires/l/en
Or if an apartment might work for you the Concord Callao at Callao 1234 has some nice studio apartments that rent for under $100 usd a night including maid and high speed internet. You can book them at http://www.temporaryapartments.com.ar/

As for the drink offer, thank you but I have returned to the US since winter is now coming on in Argentina. Last May was the coldest in 48 years so decided to avoid it this year :)

suerte
SAM

Thanks Sam.
 

Excellent advice.

I have made reservations at BoBo and Art Hotel as BoBo could not accommodate my entire stay. At least I will get the flavor of two different and apparently distinct neighborhoods.

Thanks Again.

Jemctag

You are most welcome, be sure and have at least one dinner at the BoBo restaurant...to me it is fantastic.^

SAM

Let me get this straight.
You have 5 days in Buenos Aires.
First night in Sheraton, last night in Sheraton and then 2 other hotels in between?
Unless you are there to write about hotels (a la Rick Steves or Samantha Brown) that is crazy talk.

Forget the hotel and enjoy the city. Stay in the same place.

Buenos Aires is amazing. Incredible street life, comparable only to Paris, amazing food, the people are wonderful, great architecture and the best Gelato west of Nice (France).
By the way, I really like La Borgougne. It is classical French food in the Alvear Palace Hotel. Arguably, named the best restaurant in South America. You should also hang out in the bar at Alvear. Very classy place.

Ok... got the reservations made... first night and last at Sheraton. I know it might sound crazy, but Plat status gives me early check in (I arrive at 9am) and late check out (9:30 flight Sunday). Plus I admit, I'm a points whore. LOL

In between, it's Art Hotel. So, I figure downtown and Recolata should be a good blend. Seems like I can always go to Palermo to check out the sights.

Again, thanks all for helping me on this trip. I'm very much looking forward to exploring BA/EZE.

By the way, I've also reserved Dante for EZE transfers for $25USD each way. Reasonable?

If anyone has "local's" restaurants, ie. great food, great price, please post of private mail me.

Thanks again.

jemctag.

USD25 por EZE transfers is indeed reasonable. What sort of vehicle does Dante offer?

Can't quite make out the exact model on his website, but it looks like a clean station wagon. Hey, it's only me and a carry-on, and for $25usd? Why not? He's been very responsive and helpful with advice on BA. Here's his web address:

http://www.dantesairporttransfers.hazedaze.com/

Hope this helps.

Yes, I agree its reasonable... and considering the recent inflation, for a private and pre-booked transfer its actually a good deal.

Just as a point of comparison, I paid 90 pesos (+10 peso tip) for a taxi from EZE to my apartment in Palermo three weeks ago. For the return journey last Friday, I paid 74 pesos for a local remise.

John

Insight has a particularly nice city guide to BA. It gave my visit there a lot more depth and understanding.

Romelle

keisari,

Thanks for your advice... I will certainly take you up on your idea of the Hotel Avealar. Great advice.

Again, thanks.

interesting,,, You are considering dinner, drinks etc at the Alvealar and are concerned at what Dante charges,,
Also the idea of many different hotels in 5 days is crazy...

Gee Tango... I think you misunderstand. I shouldn't appear defensive, but I don't believe I've ever expressed concern over Dante's very reasonable fares to/from EZE. While I am staying in two hotels during my stay (which I'm doing so strategically), does it really matter if I stayed in a different hotel every night? I've been around many a block in my lifetime, just not any of the blocks in BA and appreciate the constructive advice from our fellow FT'ers. And, while we all like a good deal, I feel very fortunate to be retired at 46. :-)

Retired or not, a drink at the Alvear and if you can afford it dinner at La Borgougne is a great - very classy - experience which is timeless.
I would love to be retired at my age (46+1).

So is it cheaper to take a regular taxi from Recoleta area to EZE or Dante's service? Also, does anyone know of any affordable tango/dinner shows that are less than $100? or are there any that are less than $100 that just have the show without dinner?

This thread is a little 'old' so I would caution folks on taking fares quoted here at face value, especially given the recent inflation. I suggest contacting Dante before making any quick conclusions.

From what I understand, a standard car service (not a taxi) is asking for between AR$90 to AR$130 for a service from the city to EZE (including all tolls). The price difference will depend on the type of car.

Luxury Car Services will usually cost between US$60-150 or even more if you contract them through one of the large 5 star hotels.

For those wanting a luxury car service that offers the best value for money.... PM me and I will put you in contact with Fred who owns one of these car service companies.

It appears that taxis charge a flat $120 peso fee to EZE; that's what I was told from the hotel front desk anyways.

Depends on what type of taxi you are talking about? The likes of Radio Taxis are metered so that just isn't possible.

Nope..... sorry but thats simply not accurate.

While its true that normally Radio Taxis do charge by the meter, but this does not mean that some trips are not offered on a flat/fixed rate basis. Service to Airports is one instance where many Radio Taxi Companies do indeed offer a flat rate.

I bow to your superior knowledge oh master. http://www.theabeforum.com/images/emoticons/New/bow.gif

I shall keep that in mind, never had it before although it has been a long time since I used one. How does the price compare to the metered charge?

Your bow is accepted... :rolleyes: Please get on shining my shoes with that Reserva San Juan ASAP !!!!

:p :D ;)

On a more serious note and to answer your question... Its kinda' a lottery of sorts.... as it will depend on actual traffic and other intangibles that could swing the metered fare either way. Flat fares are usually calculated by adding a security 'coverage' of 10-15% of what an "average" metered fare would be.... but for the cab companies, this is a large number of trips play... so the analysis from a consumers point of view vs. the way the companies look at this is different.

I got charged a flat fee of 110 pesos from the Hilton to Eze last Mon. I asked about the meter but he said it was a flat fee.

$110 is about right, I called a Radio Taxi company for a client yesterday and was quoted that same amount.

Sounds okay to me as well. ^

I have to say that we found the BsAs taxi drivers to be very honest, helpful and took the direct route as far as we could gather^. We were prime targets for being ripped off as we didn't speak a word of Spanish, and most of the time had no clue where we were or how to get to our destination. We just pointed to the map, or gave an address eg the name of the restaurant (and address) we were going to. We used the taxis alot, and did not even bother about using the subway which is my norm when taxis are expensive and take tourists for a ride, pardon the pun. Of course someone will now chime in about a bad apple...;)

Another + for the BA Taxi Drivers. We also speak no spsanish to speak of, and read in multiple places of the dangers, etc.......

110 pesos FROM EZE to palermo soho - fixed price from the large radio taxi booth in the center island of Imigration. There was a note at hte bottom of the receipt- 88 pesos for the return, both including the tolls. They showed up early. No problem either way.

For our local trips around town, meters were always on and no problem. As a matter of fact, on our way out to Pura Tierra, the driver got a little turned around and had to go around the block or so. 20 on the meter, but told me only 15 - his error.

Thanks for your report... ^

Bump !!! this thread has some great info.... ^