I like to go to B.A. for (US) Thanksgiving week. The Marriott on the Plaza San Martin is a convenient location. La Recoleta is a bit posher, and there are some lovely restaurants (I'd recommend Munich in Recoleta for its history) and shops near both locations.

If anyone is looking for hotel specials in BA, check this website (BTW, its in spanish though)

http://www.buenosaires.com

then go to Hoteleria

There's specials for Argentines, quoted in pesos and foreigners, which are quoted in dollares- but generally the rates for visitors are really great.

Another useful website for english speaking visitors is

http://www.travelnow.com/hotels/sear...idateCity=true

Earlier this month I stayed at http://www.etoile.com.ar/ The diplomatic suite was 225 pesos + tax. If you are not tall, then the beds will be fine

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Given the currency situation, is it advisable to use credit cards or is it better to use US dollars? I do not like carrying lots of cash. Are ATMs available? Is the exchange rate at ATMs good?

The quote I get is $180/night for the 10/11-13 when I'll be in town. $105 is the quote I found for the Claridge.

Yes, most places in Argentina do take dollars. What you do is ask for the exchange rate and if you agree with the rate, hand them the dollars and your change will be in pesos.

Yes, there are many ATMs in BA. You have two options of withdrawals - Dollars or pesos. Don't choose dollars, because that option is not available.

The exchange rate is ok, it's better than the foreign exchange offices in the airport.
As far as using credit cards. Most places do take credit cards, but be warned that certain shop owners(very few) will tell you they prefer cash, as collecting the payment from the bank will take more than a month.

Don't worry. If you're carring dollars, that's enough.. As I said in my post above, most shops do take dollars and the exchange rate is good.

[This message has been edited by eperaltaotero (edited 09-20-2002).]

Hey all - need some advice. Should I jump on a fare from DFW>EZE for $545 (incl. taxes) - or will it drop a few more dollars in the coming months?

Go if it appeals to you. 545 is a good value.

BUE is a great place for a run!

FYI - prices from IAD post-Oct 29 are now as low as $463.90 on UA incl taxes. This is when UA will have non-stops on a 763.

http://www.buenosaires.com is THE place to find a hotel -- you won't pay an inflated, dollar-denominated rate that they charge most foreigners.

About a month ago, I stayed at the Hotel Dolmen http://www.hoteldolmen.com.ar/principal.htm right near Manuel Tienda Leon's downtown terminal ... in an executive suite for something like US$40/night -- with breakfast and dinner included! I highly recommend this hotel, it is very nice. You won't find many deals like this in American hotels.

Enjoy Buenos Aires, but be aware it is NOT as safe as it used to be. Still, you need to just use common sense, but remember that with so many more people out of work, street crime is inevitable.

List and links for restaurants:

http://ccs.sabre.com/SVT/Templates/S...es&p_CityLabel =Overview&p_InterestName=Dining%2C+Drinking+%26+En tertainment&p_SubInterestName=Restaurants&p_Langua geCd=en&adtags=&destCity=&pnr=&name=&language=0&st yle=&host=1W&Int=

I hope that the html address is not too long.
Else you find it here
https://www.virtuallythere.com/new/h...error=&nosub=N

I was in Buenos Aires about a month ago. Yes, Manuel Tienda Leon takes US dollars, but the lady at the counter refused to give me change in pesos.

tmorse6750, for your return trip, since you're staying at the Marriott I recommend you just walk to MTL's office on Santa Fe (other side of Plaza San Martin; about a 3-minute walk). Departures are every half hour. For some reason the trip back to the airport costs more than the trip into BA.

Edit:
How silly I feel now, not having looked at the dates on the previous posts! Well, the advice still applies.

[This message has been edited by Factotum (edited 11-20-2002).]

There is no reason to feel silly. Thanks for the information.