Hilton Buenos Aires {ARG}

I've always wondered what it will be like 1000 years in the future.

I guess it improves with age... ROFL!

Good catch! ^ I wonder how that 2009 Malbec would age. Now edited from back to the future.

Update: We just returned from breakfast, and found it not spectacular but improved over last year's (2010!) offerings. We were surprised to see a lack of yogurt and cheeses, and the mini-buffet is a little heavy on breads and sweetened pastries for our tastes. Just before we left, a supervisor swept in and inspected the buffet as well as the tables to make sure dirty plates had been cleared. He immediately sent one employee scurrying off to replenish the butter patties and circled the buffet quite attentively, looking everything over. He went over to the side where the scrambled eggs and bacon are. We'd checked that out but the bacon was gone by 9:30 a.m. and the eggs looked watery. The supervisor called an employee over and was clearly expressing his displeasure. As he left, suddenly there were three employees rather than two standing at attention waiting to swoop in and clear plates. Their body language was revealing.

We're pleased to see that Hilton is putting some effort into improving their standards. ^

Thanks for the updates, Fredd! It seems there is some MBWA going on - not necessarily typical in Latin America, unfortunately - and it may have been needed.

We just returned from a 2 week trip to South America, the last 4 nights in BA at the Hilton.

We found that Hilton treated Diamonds very well. They were extreemly attentive and provided excellent service at the lounge. The selection of appetizers in the evening was typically very good. Lot's of different seafood items, little salads, little sandwiches, and some lovely desserts.

Breakfast was the same everyday. It was good, not great, but did provide enough fruit and protein for my tastes. We were definately satisfied and enjoyed our stay at the BA Hilton.

Booked one night followed a few days later (after a trip to Mendoza) with a 4 night AXON in late May. Using points, we were only allowed to book a room with a queen bed. As a diamond at this property, will we likely be upgraded to a king room, or will be be stuck in a queen?

Regular rooms and Exec rooms have queen beds. Only the suites have king beds.

The Argentine equivalent of the Emmys is being held here tonight. Most of the lobby has been roped off for this event, and all guests must show room keys in order to enter the hotel.

The action won't begin until about 10:00 p.m., but people are arriving and being interviewed in the lobby.

I last stayed at this hotel three years ago and loved it. FTalk posts implied that service has gone downhill and then there were reports of some improvement. I am happy to report that the service is still fabulous and that this is still one of my favorite Hilton hotels.

Our rate included breakfast, so we ate at the restaurant each morning. The main difference is that the restaurant offers cooked to order eggs, whereas the Exec Lounge does not.

The evening lounge offerings were substantial. After breakfast, we would have a late lunch (around 3:00). The lounge offerings made a wonderful light supper for us before our bedtime, which was the typical Argentine dinner hour.

We first checked in for three nights at the beginning of our trip. Then after a jaunt through Mendoza, SCL, Punta del Este, MVD, and Colonia, we returned for two more nights.

Shortly after checking in this second time, we requested a bucket of ice and two flutes for the bottle of Medio & Medio that we had purchased in Colonia. The bucket arrived with a bottle of sparkling wine, plus some chocolate strawberries. Upon checking, I was told that there was no misunderstanding and that the sparkling wine was complimentary. An hour later, another knock on the door - this time, a half bottle of white wine and bottled water. I protested, but room service wouldn't take it back.

The next day (Sunday), we decided to go to the Feria de Mataderos. The hotel concierge tried to talk us out of going by saying it was unsafe. Then he strongly encouraged us to take a taxi. We opted for Bus 126 (with a stop a few blocks from the hotel) and which costs only 1.25 pesos each. It was an interesting 50-minute bus ride through various neighborhoods. In short, a wonderful experience and a wonderful feria with true artisan crafts that are not available at San Telmo. We also dancers, both on a stage and in the streets. The atmosphere was festive and safe.

We took a different bus back from the feria so that we would go to Calle Florida. We got off near the Sheraton and I immediately became a "stink bomb" victim - where I got sprayed with simulated bird poop. Thanks to FTalk, I knew about this scam and kept walking into the Sheraton to get cleaned up. Then I took a taxi back to the Hilton for a shower and to change clothes. I was able to clean my skirt in the sink. I gave my fleece jacket to the Exec Lounge attendant (Julio) who sent it to the cleaners. I got my jacket back the next morning and Hilton did not bill me for the cleaning.

Julio was very concerned about the scam incident, but I reassured him that it could have happened in any major city. He offered us a bottle of Malbec, which we accepted because it is one of my husband's favorite wine. In return, we gave him the bottle of sparkling wine that we didn't have time to drink.

All in all, we had another wonderful time at this Hilton and in this city.

Excellent! Yes, things seemed to have improved also on our most recent visit there in March. Thanks for sharing a report of such positive experiences. ^

This is really a great hotel. Nice location with a ringside view of Casa Rosada (and a quick walk to downtown). We've seen Cristina's helicopter coming and going - nothing compares to US "Royalty", but still neat. Staff is wonderful/amazing/great and the executive lounge is pretty nice. Fernet con Coca is freely flowing!!!!

I should note...I'm not the type that likes attention and being fussed over. BA Hilton was perfect because they didn't ever intrude, but seemed more than willing to help whenever I asked. Just excellent all around.

I need to laugh at some of the previous posts about breakfasts. Realize that this Argentina...ALL meals are BEEF, PORK, and (hopefully) Chivito....soooo yummy!!! It's pathetic if you expect veggies or dairy. Damn, I'm hungry now. Where's my Fernet???

Just returned from 7 nights (2 separate stays) at this property. Customer service was excellent, room was excellent, hotel was excellent. I thoroughly read both Flyertalk threads on the hotel prior to our trip and found everything to be on par with the positive reviews and saw none of the negatives people encountered last year. They were very nice about letting us extend our stay when the airport was closed due to volcanic ash and very flexible about late checkout (numerous times because of multiple flight cancellations). We were told that they would accommodate us in every way necessary. Would definitely stay at the Hilton on a return to Buenos Aires, and truly hope to return!

What type of room did you receive and was it a good upgrade?

Heading down to Buenos Aires in less than a month's time taking family members who've never been to South America before. Does anyone have an e- mail address for the concierge desk at the Buenos Aires Hilton? I've been looking on the web but can't seem to find one.

Thought I'd give this forum a shot.

Thanks in advance!