Art Suites problem/Design Suites solution?
Apr 6th, 2005, 07:22 PM
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Art Suites problem/Design Suites solution?
Art Suites canceled my reservation with only a few days' notice, saying that they have to make repairs. I don't know the extent of the repairs or how many others are affected, but I'm disappointed that it didn't work out, especially after reading the glowing reviews here. They did make a reservation at Design Suites for $80 +IVA for a standard room, no cash discount, compared to $90 total, with cash discount, for an Art Suite. DS looks nice, but I've read here and elsewhere can be noisy and is in need of repairs/updating. Well, I'm hoping for the best and will post further later.
Apr 7th, 2005, 03:04 AM
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Hi I heard good things about Art Suites on the other hand I stayed at Design Suites near Avenida Callao and thought walls were too thing. Noisy rooms. And as you said the picture might look fine but they are not well kept. I would try to find another place. There is plenty of information in Fodors, last time I stayed at America Towers Hotel in calle Uruguay near Santa Febetter location than Design suites and the room was very nice, also had a fantastic outdoor pool, good of course only with hot
sweather but it was a nice hotel.
sweather but it was a nice hotel.
Apr 12th, 2005, 06:31 PM
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I have stayed at both places (along with many other places in Buenos Aires). The people at the Art Suites are good people. I work with them often and they are good, honest people which is tough to find sometimes in South America. If they said they had to cancel it for repairs I always have found that it is better for a company to think of your comfort and cancel and give up money then try to make money and have problems while you are there.
The Design Suites is in a decent location (I like Art Suites better). The problem I had at the Design Suites is that many rooms are noisy. The walls are paper thin. I remember I stayed here before I moved to Buenos Aires as a tourist. I would stay out late and party all night and then I would wake up to the sounds of the person next door on the telephone. A simple phone conversation I could hear through the walls.
There are better alternatives then both these places. You just have to do some research. Good luck.
The Design Suites is in a decent location (I like Art Suites better). The problem I had at the Design Suites is that many rooms are noisy. The walls are paper thin. I remember I stayed here before I moved to Buenos Aires as a tourist. I would stay out late and party all night and then I would wake up to the sounds of the person next door on the telephone. A simple phone conversation I could hear through the walls.
There are better alternatives then both these places. You just have to do some research. Good luck.
Apr 17th, 2005, 05:26 PM
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Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. Due to problems getting online and/or posting, I was unable to respond earlier.
Anyway, I had very few days to try for something else, but I did try the Art Hotel, which was booked up, as were NH Jousten and Florida. Once in BsAs, I tried Bobo (too expensive) and Bel Air (booked up). I looked at Argenta Towers, but I liked the location and rooms of Design Suites better, so I ended up staying there. I'll write more about it in my trip report.
As for Art Suites, it turns out I was the only one affected. I'm a bit disconcerted and disgruntled that they decided that it was "my" room that had to be painted on such short notice, but no one else has to worry. I'm not sure if I'd try there again after this experience, as the staff did not seem very friendly or forthcoming. The location and lobby looked nice, though.
Anyway, I had very few days to try for something else, but I did try the Art Hotel, which was booked up, as were NH Jousten and Florida. Once in BsAs, I tried Bobo (too expensive) and Bel Air (booked up). I looked at Argenta Towers, but I liked the location and rooms of Design Suites better, so I ended up staying there. I'll write more about it in my trip report.
As for Art Suites, it turns out I was the only one affected. I'm a bit disconcerted and disgruntled that they decided that it was "my" room that had to be painted on such short notice, but no one else has to worry. I'm not sure if I'd try there again after this experience, as the staff did not seem very friendly or forthcoming. The location and lobby looked nice, though.
Apr 18th, 2005, 03:01 AM
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Sorry to hear you had a problem with the staff at ARt Suites.
Since I first stayed there in 2001, I have referred lots of guests to them and yours is the first complaint I have heard about the staff....complaints, if there are any, are usually more along the lines of....the breakfast is too small or I didn't like the location, etc.....staff helpfulness is almost always listed as a plus.....
What rate were you quoted at the Hotel Bobo? I just sent two people there who were quoted a rate of $80-90 depending on the room selected....or roughly the same price as the rate you listed at Design Suites.......(Maybe they were almost full or only had a large room available?).
Since I first stayed there in 2001, I have referred lots of guests to them and yours is the first complaint I have heard about the staff....complaints, if there are any, are usually more along the lines of....the breakfast is too small or I didn't like the location, etc.....staff helpfulness is almost always listed as a plus.....
What rate were you quoted at the Hotel Bobo? I just sent two people there who were quoted a rate of $80-90 depending on the room selected....or roughly the same price as the rate you listed at Design Suites.......(Maybe they were almost full or only had a large room available?).
Apr 18th, 2005, 10:06 PM
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dr dawggy,
An agent at the airport quoted Bobo at over $150US. Other hotels (such as Art Suites) were listed for the same prices that I'd found independently, so I thought that the quote was the norm. I hope your friends like it.
As for Art Suites, my experience does seem to be out of the ordinary, judging by all the rave reviews (one of the reasons I wanted to stay there). If they hadn't canceled my reservation, I might have been perfectly pleased with the hotel. However, they did, and at extremely short notice.
They basically washed their hands of the whole thing after making the reservation at Design Suites (in the same email that they canceled the Art Suites reservation). They would give no other assistance, just a token (even impatient) apology. Honestly, if they'd been more helpful and apologetic, I might have even commended them for handling the problem well and having a good attitude.
The whole experience just left me with bad feelings and stress. Art Suites did nothing to encourage me to try again, and everything to discourage me.
An agent at the airport quoted Bobo at over $150US. Other hotels (such as Art Suites) were listed for the same prices that I'd found independently, so I thought that the quote was the norm. I hope your friends like it.
As for Art Suites, my experience does seem to be out of the ordinary, judging by all the rave reviews (one of the reasons I wanted to stay there). If they hadn't canceled my reservation, I might have been perfectly pleased with the hotel. However, they did, and at extremely short notice.
They basically washed their hands of the whole thing after making the reservation at Design Suites (in the same email that they canceled the Art Suites reservation). They would give no other assistance, just a token (even impatient) apology. Honestly, if they'd been more helpful and apologetic, I might have even commended them for handling the problem well and having a good attitude.
The whole experience just left me with bad feelings and stress. Art Suites did nothing to encourage me to try again, and everything to discourage me.
Apr 20th, 2005, 07:02 PM
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Somebody is complaining about sth that happened to her. And she was right. There is nothing to say now, only accept they were wrong. Nobody would have liked that to happen. It does happen everywhere, that doesnt mean it is right.It is no use trying to justify what happened or why it happened. This is a forum for travellers not for providers and it is the tourists the ones who are supposed to write about their good or bad experience
somebody remarked sthing i didnt like, and as an Argentine i will answer.
......honest people which is tough to find sometimes in South America......
Dont know exactly where this person is from, lives but it is obvious he works for South America and precisely in Argentina.
It is not that tough to find honest people in Argentina and there are so many dishonest ones in Argentina as anywhere else.
There are many who work many many good hours to provide a good service to tourists trying to find good prices though they are not always interested in them, giving them an unbiased opinion about places, trying to guide them with the only intention of making their trip more enjoyable
There are many people in Argentina and in South America i guess, who work like this. This person hasnt found them dont know why.
To GEMS I am sorry this happened in my country.
somebody remarked sthing i didnt like, and as an Argentine i will answer.
......honest people which is tough to find sometimes in South America......
Dont know exactly where this person is from, lives but it is obvious he works for South America and precisely in Argentina.
It is not that tough to find honest people in Argentina and there are so many dishonest ones in Argentina as anywhere else.
There are many who work many many good hours to provide a good service to tourists trying to find good prices though they are not always interested in them, giving them an unbiased opinion about places, trying to guide them with the only intention of making their trip more enjoyable
There are many people in Argentina and in South America i guess, who work like this. This person hasnt found them dont know why.
To GEMS I am sorry this happened in my country.
Apr 20th, 2005, 07:41 PM
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Milla,
I'm not sure I understand your post completely, but thank you for your sympathy. There is no need for you to apologize. Even though the trip started off on the wrong note, I found that the people of Buenos Aires were generally very friendly and helpful.
Gems
I'm not sure I understand your post completely, but thank you for your sympathy. There is no need for you to apologize. Even though the trip started off on the wrong note, I found that the people of Buenos Aires were generally very friendly and helpful.
Gems
Apr 22nd, 2005, 05:51 PM
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Milla makes many good points. Trust me, as an American that moved from a US corporate environment to Argentina, it is a CULTURE SHOCK the way these people conduct themselves. I have lived here full-time 9 months now and started a corporation here. I think I can accurately describe the business atmosphere here better than most people since I've started a business here and interact on a daily basis with many people, companies, etc.
It's sad to say but I have actually encountered more dishonest or shady people, businesses-wise than honest people. It has been a real struggle finding ethical people and businesses. Many business people here don't think about loyalty and long-term relationships. They try to make as much as they can on the first transaction and don't think about making money for many years with an honest, mutually beneficial relationship.
I'm thinking about writing a book based on my experience of starting a successful business in South America. I can tell you horror stories. The best advice is to do research and follow advice of people over a longer pattern of time.
Still, things happen and I think this might be an isolated incident. I'm glad you had fun and enjoyed Buenos Aires. Although it's tough doing business here, I really enjoy living here more than the USA. Good luck.
It's sad to say but I have actually encountered more dishonest or shady people, businesses-wise than honest people. It has been a real struggle finding ethical people and businesses. Many business people here don't think about loyalty and long-term relationships. They try to make as much as they can on the first transaction and don't think about making money for many years with an honest, mutually beneficial relationship.
I'm thinking about writing a book based on my experience of starting a successful business in South America. I can tell you horror stories. The best advice is to do research and follow advice of people over a longer pattern of time.
Still, things happen and I think this might be an isolated incident. I'm glad you had fun and enjoyed Buenos Aires. Although it's tough doing business here, I really enjoy living here more than the USA. Good luck.
Apr 24th, 2005, 12:25 PM
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Milla,
No, unfortunately I am not joking. Several people know me on this forum and know I am very serious.
The reality is that many locals have a distorted sense of what is normal business. Many people in the business community have grown up with this type of atmosphere all their lives so many things are normal to them. It is all relative.
As mentioned, I worked in a corporate "Fortune 500" type of environment for the past decade. The way we do business in the USA and the way business is done here are two totally different worlds. I could tell story after story of everyday examples if you don't believe me. It is like night and day.
Still, I love Argentina and I love living here. The people are friendly and it's a safe city. I'm only talking about the business side of things. This subject has gotten totally off topic so I won't post anymore on this matter. (Milla, you can email me privately if you want).
Good luck.
No, unfortunately I am not joking. Several people know me on this forum and know I am very serious.
The reality is that many locals have a distorted sense of what is normal business. Many people in the business community have grown up with this type of atmosphere all their lives so many things are normal to them. It is all relative.
As mentioned, I worked in a corporate "Fortune 500" type of environment for the past decade. The way we do business in the USA and the way business is done here are two totally different worlds. I could tell story after story of everyday examples if you don't believe me. It is like night and day.
Still, I love Argentina and I love living here. The people are friendly and it's a safe city. I'm only talking about the business side of things. This subject has gotten totally off topic so I won't post anymore on this matter. (Milla, you can email me privately if you want).
Good luck.
Apr 28th, 2005, 03:00 AM
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Milla,
We don't have to agree but the simple fact remains that the majority of businesses here in Argentina couldn't last more than a year doing business in the USA/UK/etc.
That's ok too. I'm not complaining. The system here is what it is. We can agree to disagree. Keep this in mind though, there is a reason that Argentina is rated as one of the most corrupt cities in the world to be business in. Take a look at respected organizations like Transparency International.
Argentina is ranked as one of the most corrupt cities in the world. Only lower are places like:
Zimbabwie, Hait, Nigeria, Congo, Sudan, Haiti, Bangladesh. (Even rated higher than Argentina is Zambia, Uganda, Nicaragua, etc).
I love Argentina a whole lot. I left my life to live here but I accept realities that many locals are unwilling to face about their country.
Mill, you don't have to "accept" my opinion but you'll find that I'm a straight shooter and tell it like it is. Every country has their own problems. The USA is full of them but I don't shut my eyes and not "accept certain problems" about my country.
The business community here is plagued with problems and I reiterate that the vast majority of them would go bankrupt after only a few months if they operated the way they do here in Buenos Aires. Good luck.
We don't have to agree but the simple fact remains that the majority of businesses here in Argentina couldn't last more than a year doing business in the USA/UK/etc.
That's ok too. I'm not complaining. The system here is what it is. We can agree to disagree. Keep this in mind though, there is a reason that Argentina is rated as one of the most corrupt cities in the world to be business in. Take a look at respected organizations like Transparency International.
Argentina is ranked as one of the most corrupt cities in the world. Only lower are places like:
Zimbabwie, Hait, Nigeria, Congo, Sudan, Haiti, Bangladesh. (Even rated higher than Argentina is Zambia, Uganda, Nicaragua, etc).
I love Argentina a whole lot. I left my life to live here but I accept realities that many locals are unwilling to face about their country.
Mill, you don't have to "accept" my opinion but you'll find that I'm a straight shooter and tell it like it is. Every country has their own problems. The USA is full of them but I don't shut my eyes and not "accept certain problems" about my country.
The business community here is plagued with problems and I reiterate that the vast majority of them would go bankrupt after only a few months if they operated the way they do here in Buenos Aires. Good luck.
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