Help me plan Argentina
Jun 25th, 2006, 01:34 AM
#21
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About Hotels...Mayra offers a good rate at the Regal Pacific, which is an excellent hotel in the same part of town as the Marriott and Sheraton...I prefer it over the Sheraton Libertador or the Sheraton Retiro or the Marriott, since it is newer and has excellent service in my experience. Some of the other hotels I recommended are in other parts of town, which may also have advantages.
Jun 25th, 2006, 04:17 AM
#22
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drdawggy - thank you again for all the suggestions. It hardly seems like we could run out of things to do. I would love to stay at the Regal Pacific and didn't consider it when I saw how much the prices jumped up. I will contact Mayra and let her know that would be my hotel of choice.
And yes, we do enjoy cities - we love to walk and explore new cities.
Many thanks
Pat
And yes, we do enjoy cities - we love to walk and explore new cities.
Many thanks
Pat
Jun 25th, 2006, 04:37 AM
#23
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I stayed at The Claridge Hotel in May. It is 5 stars in Buenos Aires which would be 4 stars in the states. I really loved it and thought the service was excellent. At one time it was considered the best hotel in Buenos Aires. It is old world elegance. Because you mentioned you want to be in the center of everything, this would be a good choice. It is off Avenida Florida on Tucuman. I selected it because I go to the YMCA every day to work out and swim. The hotel is close to the Y. My rate was $120 US per night without tax. Another nice hotel in that same vicinity is the Amerian Hotel on Avenida Reconquista. I have stayed there many times. It is close to Avenida Florida, too. It is 4 stars in Bs. As. Staff are all very helpful.
I enjoyed reading all drdawggy's suggestions. They are all great ideas and I've been to them all but for the Chinatown in Belgrano. Surprisingly, my son lived in Belgrano but never mentioned it.
I enjoyed reading all drdawggy's suggestions. They are all great ideas and I've been to them all but for the Chinatown in Belgrano. Surprisingly, my son lived in Belgrano but never mentioned it.
Jun 25th, 2006, 09:02 PM
#27
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Pat: You have received a wealth of information, particularly Dr. Dawggy's list of things to do and see. I have a long file that I compiled when planning our first visit to BsAs last November, butit basically covers our time there, an afternoon in Tigre, two nights in Puerto Iguazu to see the incredible falls and a day trip to Colonia. I'll be happy to e-mail it to you if you like. Just e-mail me and let me know.
The others are right about not missing Iguazu. It was an experience we'll never forget.
We stayed in what we considered a great hotel in Recoleta: Hotel Plaza Francia. We had a lovely jr. suite (room 90) for $120 US w/included breakfast.
The others are right about not missing Iguazu. It was an experience we'll never forget.
We stayed in what we considered a great hotel in Recoleta: Hotel Plaza Francia. We had a lovely jr. suite (room 90) for $120 US w/included breakfast.
Jun 25th, 2006, 09:40 PM
#28
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I wrote WOW Argentina and got a prompt reply from Cintia. But it was loaded with a lot of legal giberish talking about the $100 up front fee.
Since I had asked them to book about $1,000 of plane tckets to Bariloche in my first e-mail - I felt they were far more interested in the fee and a lot less interested in booking me two plane seats roundtrip.
I wrote them back promptly about 10 days ago clarifying and have heard nothing! That usually signifies to me that they are pissed off and are nt really interested in user friendly held. Too often I hear of a great start with a travel agent and then things fall apart. Beter to get it straight in the start.
So I have moved over to another Argentina travel service and that's the end of WOW Argentina.
We'll see what happens there....
There are so many good travel agencies in this world. Why put up with something less/mediocre?
Since I had asked them to book about $1,000 of plane tckets to Bariloche in my first e-mail - I felt they were far more interested in the fee and a lot less interested in booking me two plane seats roundtrip.
I wrote them back promptly about 10 days ago clarifying and have heard nothing! That usually signifies to me that they are pissed off and are nt really interested in user friendly held. Too often I hear of a great start with a travel agent and then things fall apart. Beter to get it straight in the start.
So I have moved over to another Argentina travel service and that's the end of WOW Argentina.
We'll see what happens there....
There are so many good travel agencies in this world. Why put up with something less/mediocre?
Jun 26th, 2006, 02:52 AM
#29
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Good point numbers. It is your vacation. As a paying customer you should work with providers that are helpful and responsive.
If you don't click with a travel agent, cut your losses and move on! Cintia has a very good reputation, but as you note she can be moody and unpredictable. If you are on her bad side already, find an agent with whom you feel comfortable.
Argentina is a great country. The effort you put into planning now will pay great dividends when you arrive.
If you don't click with a travel agent, cut your losses and move on! Cintia has a very good reputation, but as you note she can be moody and unpredictable. If you are on her bad side already, find an agent with whom you feel comfortable.
Argentina is a great country. The effort you put into planning now will pay great dividends when you arrive.
Jun 26th, 2006, 08:07 AM
#33
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Marcia,both are travel agents in Argentina with whom a number of posters have worked.
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Jun 26th, 2006, 05:04 PM
#36
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The point with WOW Argentina is that if you have a travel agent that holds out their hand first for the dollars - what confidence can you have that they ARE ACTING IN YOUR BEHALF. I know the money is refundable - but that is asking for return of money before you know if you will be given proper bookings. Next it is a poor hotel room booked with a larger commission to the agent. And then it is more of this sugestion with all the other bookings just because they happen to fit into their profit schedule. WE HAD THIS EXACT SCENARIO HAPPEN IN ISREAL A FEW YEARS AGO. Last year in Egypt we took the recommendation of this Board and hired Diana and she never appeared. In her place was anEgyptian driver in a broken down auto who took us to a camel ride that set us back over $100 to see pyramids that should have been a lot less costly. Then he steered us into other places and we stoped him. The experience traveler steps back at first and looks closely at who is on the other end. It can be a disaster.
Jun 27th, 2006, 09:17 AM
#37
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drdawggy - doubt Mayra will give me the dawggy discount! I congratulated her on the recent birth of the twins - she thanked me but the twins aren't born yet! LOL - she is due in July or August. She seems like an absolute treasure and she is getting the Regal Pacific for me. What an absolute pleasure dealing with Mayra. Thanks to everyone who recommended Mayra Brill.
Pat
PS..she can even get me better prices in Santiago
Pat
PS..she can even get me better prices in Santiago
Jul 11th, 2006, 06:29 AM
#38
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Hi
I used WOW Argentina a few years ago when it was just Cintia and her husband. It makes me happy to see that they have built up such a thriving business and now have many other people working for them. I had an amazing trip to Argentina, largely thanks to them.
I wouldn´t be concerned if I had to pay a fee, after all it seems pretty reasonable to me
I used WOW Argentina a few years ago when it was just Cintia and her husband. It makes me happy to see that they have built up such a thriving business and now have many other people working for them. I had an amazing trip to Argentina, largely thanks to them.
I wouldn´t be concerned if I had to pay a fee, after all it seems pretty reasonable to me
