2002-2004 WSG Reports

I checked in the Dazzler yesterday, and the first room I got had a moderately lumpy and super soft bed. Maybe some people like these kind of beds, but not me.

They were pretty quick about getting me a new room, with a decent bed. I did have to have an employee come up and show me the magic place on the headboard that you have to push to have the tv work.

Someone mentioned that the Dazzler has the worst breakfast. I´d disagree with that by far. While it´s nothing I´d pay more than $5 US for, it´s leaps and bounds better than you get at most US hotels.

Like most US hotels, they've taken the "lets make our profit by charging way too much for all phone calls". 40 cents a minute for local, and $1 a minute cell phone calls.

Other than that, everything is good so far.

I stayed for 2 days in the Lancaster hotel, and then moved to an apartment.

Lancaster hotel: It's rated 4* hotel, but it shouldn't be more than 3*. I can't say it's a bad hotel, but it's nothing more than ok. The price is 145 AR$ for a double room (In www.terramagica.com, its only 32 US$). I didn't invite girls to my room, but I don't think it will be a problem in this hotel. The rooms are quite small, and the stuff doesn't speak good English. Breakfast is ok, but it's not a buffet, you get everything to yout table.

I can't recommend this hotel, although it's not bad. If you are looking for a hotel, I think you better compare Lancaster's price with 3* hotel prices, and don't consider it as a cheap 4* hotel.

Apartment: My apartment was in Viamonte and Suipacha (Viamonte 845). The good thing about it was the price: 210 AR$ for one week (30 AR$ for a day). The place itself is secured, and you can rent a tv for 6AR$ a day. The place is clean, but most of the apartment looks old, and the place in general doesn't look impressive. The location is ok, near the city centre, and a very short taxi drive to Recoleta. they have an internet site: www.departour.com.ar

Hi,

I have been in contact with Art Suites recently for my upcoming B.A trip and have just got an email from them saying that all guest have to be registered. Does anyone know if Art Suites has recently changed their guest policy? I had assumed from past posts that Art Suites had a hassle-free guest policy with no chica registration of any kind.

DB

A couple of notes about the Dazzler. Overall, I'd rate them as good. However, as others have noted, they may charge extra for some stuff.

When I checked in, I asked about a late checkout on Tuesday. The lady said no problem. The day before I leave, they call and ask what time I'm checking out. They then insist on 1/2 days payment for staying until 3pm. No thanks.

They also give you a bad exchange rate for the room. Quoted in dollars, but converted to pesos at about an 8-10% loss.

No guest charges, and they were always polite when the girls came up. (They always asked for ID, even when I tried to slip them into the elevator).

I'd recommend getting a higher room to keep some of the traffic noise away. If your door is right next to the elevator, you'll hear it every time it opens on your floor.

I only ate breakfast one time, so I wouldn't book a double for chicas unless you know you'll be up while they're serving.

If you need clothes cleaned, there's a good place one block away (800 block of Libertad), same side of street. 7 pesos for a basket load, wash, dry and fold. It's just before the market right on the corner. (Lavaya or something, I think it's called). 2 hour service, no extra charge.

An Alternative for you to check out:

GrandBoulevardHotel.com

Only 1 year old excellent hotel w/ Great Beds (sorry Etoile) & all ameneties; Taxi is 4 pesos to Recoleta; 3 pesos to Puerta Madera
Corparate: rate (they will give it to you)
Standard Room: 113 pesos incl. all taxes & Breakfast
Suite w/ jacuzzi: 199 pesos incl. all taxes & breakfast
Let me know if you need a reference

Is the Grand Boulevard Hotel chica friendly?

BA_ROBERT

[b]Dazzler Report[/b]

Dazzler is still my preferred place to stay in Buenos Aires. I suggest booking a room on the 10th floor (or higher), facing the park. This reduces street noise and gives you a spectacular view of the Buenos Aires skyline.

Price was the same as has been for a while, US$35, plus 21% tax, total about US$42. Late checkout was $12.50 extra, but would have been a bargain even if they charged the full day's rate, as there are few international flights leaving EZE early in the day. Bed normal, room spotlessly clean, out the door occasionally a little noisy, walls a tad thin, free tasty breakfast. No real worries for me.

As always I booked through Mayra at www.argentinago.com. She got me in even though it was full.

-Uncle Otto

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Balul
[i]Apartment: My apartment was in Viamonte and Suipacha (Viamonte 845). The good thing about it was the price: 210 AR$ for one week (30 AR$ for a day). The place itself is secured, and you can rent a tv for 6AR$ a day. The place is clean, but most of the apartment looks old, and the place in general doesn't look impressive. The location is ok, near the city centre, and a very short taxi drive to Recoleta. they have an internet site: www.departour.com.ar [/i][/QUOTE]

That is not the right web address.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Dickhead
[i]That is not the right web address. [/i][/QUOTE]
Yes, I checked it not and it doesn´t work. But this is the site they wrote on their prospect.

Their e-mail suppose to be [email]departour@ciudad.com.ar[/email] , but I didn´t try it either.

Anyway the apartment you found in Avenida De Mayo sounds better. If it won´t be available in the end, you can just go to Viamonte 845, 4 floor, and ask for Marcela (the office is, strangely, inside the gym).

Maybe you´ll meet me there, as I´m going to be there from tomorrow :) Only thing that worries me there is that there is no heating system, so it might be too cold now.

Upon checking out of the Marbella, I give it high marks for value if you beleive as I do that value is quality divided by price. A single is 42 pesos and add 12 pesos for each additional person. Breakfast is pretty minimal, medialunas, toast, and coffee. The room doors don't have any type of dead bolt. Internet is free but I wasn't able to log into anything, only surf. Staff is very friendly. I don't know WTF that stuff about backpackers was; I didn't see any. Lots of Argentinians staying there. Cable TV with many channels and the bed was excellent.

I will be in Brazil for the month of September and plan to take a week to visit Buenos Aires from there. I have two questions: One, is a week a good time for a first time? And two, any recommendations for a hotel in the less-than-$90 range for a first-timer? I've heard Recoleta is the place to stay, and one peson recommended the Etoile Hotel. Thanks!

DocBill,

There are tons of choices in the under 90dollar a night category...ranging from 10 dollar a night clean sheets and hotwater specials to some really special aparthotels and trendy hotels at the upper end of the range.....

My personal choices:

NH City or Jousten (under 75 plus tax) http://www.nh-hoteles.com

Belair. (under 50)http://www.hotelbelair.com.ar/

NH Hotels are the W hotels of South America...stylish...

BelAir is in a good location near Plaza Vincinte Lopez....and is newly refurbished.....

Other very good choices include:

http://www.artsuites.com.ar
http://www.designsuites.com
http://www.mayla.com.ar
http://www.hojoar.com/hoteles/florida/reservas.htm
http://www.dazzlerhotel.com/
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/hd/BUEPT?_franchisee=BUEPT&currentBrandId=EX;jsessionid=PR44WKMN4QH5JJICRZLSHPVFAKHDGIY4

All are located either in Recoleta or downtown, the two primary areas for hobbyists. None are more than a 3-4peso cab ride away from the night time action....

You mentioned the Etoile..the primary advantage of the Etoile is location, right in the heart of Recoleta's restuarant row and less than a five minute walk from half a dozen of the chica clubs....on the downside the beds are lousy and the whole place needs to be refurbished.....

Register as a double to avoid hassles bringing in chicas.

You might also consider using Mayra www.argentinago.com to help with your reservations. She can save you time and normally she can save you money as well. She can also take care of nagging little details such as airport transportation and cell phone rental or a city tour....for your mongering needs, use Roxanne...she will set you up with chicas for a fee of 10dollars....very useful for first timers and those who speak minimal Spanish.

Thank you so much, MGB! Do you guys think a week is a good length of time for a first visit? I also see that many of you do use Roxanne for hobbying. I do speak Spanish, and I'm wondering if other than the language there would be any advantage to using her. In general I prefer to find my own. Please advise, and thanks!

Doc,

My first trip to BA was 1 month, and my second was only 10 days. I don't think 1 week is long enough. If you can fit in another week I would do so. If you read so of the old posts you'll find that alot of guys would plan on staying a week and when they arrive and see how great it is they do everything they can to extend their vacation.

Doc,
I have been to BsAs 10 times in two years. My first few trips were measured in days.....now they are measured in months....3 months on my last trip was not nearly enough......

BsAs is a wonderful city and Argentina is a wonderful country...though it should be said that the appeal here is more to hobbyists who like getting laid while on vacation than to hobbyists who vacation to get laid.

The quisissental trip to Argentina is more than sex alone. It is as much aesthetic as sensual; as much gastronomic as prurient. Pack your bags for a long stay if catching vibrant nonhobbying nightlife and exploring the charms of daytime Buenos Aires in between sessions with chicas appeals to you....and do take a couple of extra days to visit the Argentine countryside, whether to the ski slopes, Patagonia, Iguazu Falls, or simply a day trip to an estancia near Buenos Aires.....

I just stayed at the LoiSuites in Recoletta for 10 days. Strongly recommended. I stayed in one of their suites. Got a got a good rate through Mayri. The suites are not huge, but nicely decorated and very comfortable. It was quiet. No noise from neighbors or the outside. Large bed. Conveniently located, 3 blocks from Madahos, and 4 blocks from Black. More generally close to all nightly action. They are exceptionally girl-friendly. When I brought girls in at night, they didn't even have to register. I brought in three girls at a time, two girls, one girl, no objections. During the night the doorman and the receptionist can help you communiate with girls, they even showed me pictures of girls they offered to call for me. Very friendly crowed. In general an excellent place (though, not for those on a tight budget).

I've been in touch with Mayra, and she strongly recommends LoiSuites Recoleta. Does anyone have any experience with this hotel? Thanks!

Doc,

First of all you can't go wrong with Mayra, she's the best at helping with all of your travel needs. Secondly I stayed at LoiSuites on my first visit to BA for a couple of nites. It is a very nice hotel and in a great location. It is a little more pricey than most hotels but I'm sure Mayra is getting you a good deal. The other great thing about this place is they are very open minded when it comes to girls visiting your room. Infact they have an older gray haired gentleman that well help set you up with girls if you tell him waht your looking for. I don't remember his name since I did not use his service but I think others have mentioned him before. IF you do stay at this place don't be suprised when you get the key to your room and you don't know how to use it. Sorry but I had never seen keys like this before. They will give you an odd shaped object and all you do is place it in front of the door and the door will open. For me it was very different. The good thing is the key that I had was like a money clip so it came in handy.

Thanks for the input, guys! How does Art Suites compare with LoiSuites, or does it?

Doc,

Another thing to keep in mind about LuiSuites: The Asian guy at the reception desk in the evening speaks English (the old gray haired guy: minimal English) and has extensive knowledge of the escort scene. He showed me pictures of girls and offered to make phone calls for me. No doubt hoping to get a tip. One of the girls he suggested was Andrea. I had already met her at Black and seen her a couple of times.

Thanks Fedora, and others! Do you know about any other hotels in Recoleta (where I was told I should stay?). How about ArtSuites? Is that in Recoleta? I've heard of the Etoile but it sounds like a dump.

"I've heard of the Etoile but it sounds like a dump."
DocBill, The Etoile is not a dump, but is in high need of a reno in the rooms to get out of the 70's decor; you might think you are at the Formans'. It is very nicely situated in Recoleta, looks good to walk in, I'm sure any other hotelier would love to have its' location.
For all these places, including ArtSuites, look at the web sites. They all look bettter on the web but they are true and give you an idea.
On BA site, Andrea, thanks for the tip on the Pacifico; I have been there after 6 a couple times but I guess my eyes were not open.
MAG

Doc,

About ArtSuites vs LuiSuites: I haven't stayed at ArtSuites, but asked Mayri this very question a month ago. According to her, LuiSuites is in a different league from ArtSuites, ie LS is MUCH better than AS. But that's second hand info.

Doc,

Loisuites vs Artsuites....Loisuites is more like a botique hotel...artsuites an aparthotel....
Loisuites advantages...

location....just around the corner from the village of recoleta...Artsuites is 5-6 blocks away...

services...loisuites is more of a full service hotel

Age...Artsuites is nearly new, but Loisuites is even newer....

Advantages of Artsuites...

price....about 30 per night less expensive

size...a true one bedroom, vs a "jr" suite at LoiSuites...

both are good choices IMO

GRAN HOTEL ARGENTINO?

Anybody familiar with the Gran Hotel Argentino? I looked at their web site, and they are right on the Avenida de Mayo. Very attractive rates at USD20/night for single/double. Seems very convenient. But the flip side is that, being right on the Avenida, the noise levels can be pretty terrible.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Novio
[i]GRAN HOTEL ARGENTINO?

Anybody familiar with the Gran Hotel Argentino? I looked at their web site, and they are right on the Avenida de Mayo. Very attractive rates at USD20/night for single/double. Seems very convenient. But the flip side is that, being right on the Avenida, the noise levels can be pretty terrible. [/i][/QUOTE]

Assuming you mean the Gran Hotel Vedra, Avenida de Mayo 1350, it is very close to my apt so I checked it out for you. I was favorably impressed. Actually for single there are three rates: 38 pesos faces the Avenida = noisy. 50 pesos interior room with TV (fairly small) and music (stereo speakers in the walls, and I think it is digitl radio or something like that). 55 pesos gets you a bathtub in addition to a shower. I looked at a 50 peso room with twin beds. They also have some with double beds. The double price is a bit more, I forget, but CHEAP. The place was squeaky clean and has a nice lobby. Check in at 1 PM, check out at noon. Credit cards accepted at no extra charge. 20% discount if you stay 4 nights or more. Very nice desk clerks (guys though). Price includes tax and continental breakfast (7 AM to 11 AM). Snack bar until 11:30PM but 24 horu room service. Menu prices: Beer 2.20 pesos, ham and cheese sandwich 2.70 or 3.20, chicken 4.20, lomo completo 6.20.

Drawback was the beds were very soft and squishy, although one less so than the other.

Hope this helps. Seems like a great deal to me and maybe the double beds are firmer or maybe you are one of those who likes a soft bed. I can't stand 'em for more than one night.

Dickhead,

Thanks for the reply. The hotel you describe sounds OK, and might be worth checking out, but the one I was asking about is indeed called Gran Hotel Argentino, address is Carlos Pellegrini 37.

It's web page is www.hotel-argentino.com.ar

I haven't decided where I'll stay yet. I have had similar price quotes from the Hotel Marbella, and Hotel Hispan, as well as an apartment possibility.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Novio
[i]Dickhead,

Thanks for the reply. The hotel you describe sounds OK, and might be worth checking out, but the one I was asking about is indeed called Gran Hotel Argentino, address is Carlos Pellegrini 37.

It's web page is www.hotel-argentino.com.ar

I haven't decided where I'll stay yet. I have had similar price quotes from the Hotel Marbella, and Hotel Hispan, as well as an apartment possibility. [/i][/QUOTE]

Well, that is also right in the "hood" so I will check it out on my way to the gym tomorrow. PS I think Gran Hotel Vedra is much nicer than the Marbella.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by DocBill449
[i]Thanks Fedora, and others! Do you know about any other hotels in Recoleta (where I was told I should stay?). How about ArtSuites? Is that in Recoleta? I've heard of the Etoile but it sounds like a dump. [/i][/QUOTE]

I've stayed in one of the Diplomatic Suites at the Etoile and I was very satisfied with the suite, especially the large whirpool tub, big enough for a duplas or festa. While the wall decorations aren't hip like a primo Miami Beach or NYC hotel. Where in those cities could you get a 900 sq. ft. suite with Whirlpool tub, three rooms, a "Central park" type view, with Swimming pool for, at the time, $65 a night? More like $5-600+ a night, I suspect.

Gran Hotel Argentino on C. Pelligrini is run down. There is heavy building construction next door with metal fabrication, etc. Beds were lumpy. Menu is fixed rather than a la carte and at 10 pesos without drink is not competitive. Staff unfriendly. Not recommended.

Dickhead,

Thanks for the scouting report. Looks like a pass on Gran Hotel Argentino.

Hi Guys,

Just thought I'd offer a brief report on the Four Seasons, formerly the Hyatt. Five blocks frrom Blacks, and close to almost everything you might need or want. They have a very nice bar, a great place to enjoy a scotch and a cuban cigar.

Like almost all Four Seasons, their trademark is service; you want something, just ask and chances are they will deliver.

Got a great 1 bedroom king suite, with a sitting room, dining table for 4, good size work desk and a bathroom with separate shower as well as a jacuzzi tub for 2. I got a good rate, 3 nights for the price of two, about $1100 including taxes, with Mayra's help. Included was round-trip transportation from the airport, breakfast each day and a couple of other things I didn't use.

They also offer wireless, high-speed internet access in the room at $10/day, very convienent.

As far as the ladies, the must sign in downstairs, but just let one of the doorman know who's coming and he will take care of it and escort the lady to your room.

For those of you on an expense account, I think it's the best in town. It isn't for everyone, but you only live once, so live a little guys and treat yourself right every once in awhile. Of course, you may disagree, but hey, to each, his own.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lotsafun
[i]I've stayed in one of the Diplomatic Suites at the Etoile .......you get a 900 sq. ft. suite with Whirlpool tub, three rooms, a "Central park" type view, with Swimming pool for, at the time, $65 a night? ....... [/i][/QUOTE]
With the exchange rate @2.7 Peso per dollar during June, it was more like $90 a night inclusive of all taxes. This is my favorite place to stay in Recoleta, not only because of its location but mainly because of the avaiability of the Jacuzi in the Diplomatic Suite (other suites at Etoile don't have this). It can accommodate 3 persons easily and that's speaking from experience. Chicas love it.

Bandy

Yankee Trader,

You're absolutely right. The Four Seasons is one of the best hotels in Buenos Aires. It's perfect for those that are in BA for business and their companies are paying for their stays. For all others it probably doesn't make sense. It along with the Alvear Palace are the two poshest hotels in BA, IMHO. Both are not cheap though. Also, although as you mentioned the door men can arrange a relatively hassleless trip for the chica to come to your room, you do have to be discreet and it helps to arrange it ahead of time. I know some guys that stayed here and they always had to grease the front doormen pretty good. I was in Buenos Aires when they had the South American Summit and this is the hotel that Fidel Castro and many of the presidents of the South American countries stayed.

This hotel is right around the corner from my apartment so I can vouch for how great the location is. It's nice to hear reports about the cheap and the expensive places in BA.

Have fun all.

Could anyone offer any updated comments on the Hilton? The only entry I read on the forum was a brief one on November 2002.

Thanks to all in advance.

Has anyone stayed at the BEST WESTERN COMFORT HOTEL on Viamonte or the SARMIENTO PALACE HOTEL. Both are in the $25 range and I was wondering if they are guest friendly.

I stayed at the Murano last weekend as suggested by Mayra. It's a nice, new hotel located on Carlos Pellegrini right by Cafe Excedra. The staff was friendly and the rooms were good sized. A standard room with a view of Av 9 de Julio as U$ 83 including breakfast and a free high speed Internet connection. I had a 2 room suite with a balcony for U$ 135. There was a problem with the reservation when we checked in (they had me down for a regular room) but a quick phone call to Mayra and things got fixed in a hurry. I'd rate it somewhere between a Marriott and a Hyatt in the U.S.

Girls has to register and they wouldn't let me take two up at once but other than that, no problems.

Arranged an escorted trip to the football game on Sunday through the hotel. That was an interesting experience and I recommend it.

I was quite happy with the work that Mayra did and highly recommend using her for your travel arrangements.

As an aside, I stayed at four hotels in South America and all four had free high speed Internet access. US hotels are getting their butts kicked in this area.

I'm making my first visit to BA in January for nine nights. I'd appreciate some help from the experienced BA crowd as I try to decide whether to stay in an apartment vs. a hotel.

In Moscow, an apartment makes the hobby much easier because of the strict security in many of the hotels. Plus, the hotels are much more expensive.

I have located a girl-friendly hotel that I thought was reasonably priced, UNTIL I realized how inexpensive the apartments are.

So, if anyone out there has some insight into this situation I would appreciate your thoughts.

CA traveler,

Sir Jackson has the best apt in town...Check his website..

Have fun,
MRLA

CA Traveler.....

Apartments have advantages and disadvantages....

Advantages....cost per day is generally much lower than for a hotel. Space....usually an apartment lets you spread out more....Kitchen....you can store things in your refrigerator and cook, if only in your microwave.....

Disadvantatages...daily maid service generally is not included....no breakfast buffet....no restaurant or room service....and the other ammenties associated with a hotel....security deposits are sometimes required and a bit of a hassle....cancellations can create more problems than with a hotel....etc....

The issue of chica friendliness is a wash....most hotels in BA are chica friendly, especially if you register as a double.

Personally, I prefer apartments or aparthotels such as Art Suites over a hotel....and I would say that if you have a fair command of Spanish, the advantages of an apartment outweigh the disadvantages.....but it depends on what you want...more space/lowercost or more services/fewer hassles....

A word to the wise....whichever you choose, get a place with good air conditioning...BA is warm and humid in January.....