Kimluvs2travel

We landed in Buenos Aires early morning and headed to the Art Hotel. Since it was very early our room wasn't ready, but the charming staff took our bags and let us freshen up and off we went to explore. We walked down to La Biela a local coffee shop had breakfast, marveled at the biggest rubber tree, I've ever seen in my entire life and then headed to Recoleta Cemetary. What an amazing place, we spent what was probably several hours there and then headed thru the market that was going on and bought a few lovely glass objects and then went to the park to look at the large flower sculpture which opens during the day and closes at nite. Went to a very late lunch at Rodi bar, more walking in the park went back to the hotel, where our luggage was already in the room, got freshed up went to Milleon bar for drinks, then off to Sotto voce for dinner around 9:00. By the way the staff at Art hotel made all of our arrangements the entire week!
Next day started the day at Olsens for brunch....very young very hip and very good food, went to LaBoca very colorful and interesting, I liked it alot. Then to San Telmo to wander thru the markets. The best part was observing people and checking out the architecture. Left there went to Cafe Tortoni for snacks and coffees walked to the Casa Rosada and thru the parks. Later went to Bar Granzon for Drinks (very cool bar) Then to Casa Cruz for dinner.
Monday took the Buquebus to Colonia and wandered around the charming little town taking pics and relaxing. Met some very nice people and felt like we got a fairly good feeling for the place. That evening we went to Tango Madero in Puerto Madero for a really great meal and tango show. We sat with a bunch of fun rowdy new Zealanders which made the evening even more fun.
Tues. We went to lots of parks, the conservatories, the zoo, hit some of the pedestrian mall areas. Came back and had a wonderful massage with Rober at Aqua Med Spa a few blocks from the Art Hotel. Later went to Bar Uriarte for drinks and then back to Sotto Voce. Had a blast with our waiter! Loved the food there and the fact that 90% of the people there are obviously locals and well loved by the staff.
Wed. we left for Iguazu Falls. Had the 2nd to the worst flight I've ever had. 2nd was the return back from Iguazu. Not so much the flights, but Areonlinas Argentinas does not run on time whatsoever. Actually the flight was fine the wait times were horrible - i think 5 hours in the airport at iguazu on the return. But...Iguazu was fantastic and I loved being there. The sheraton is perfect location since all you have to do is get up and go walk the trails that start right outside the door. It was nice to swim and have a drink at the end of the day and watch as nightfall darkened the falls. We hired a drive 90 pesos ($30 us) to take us into town for dinner. He drove us to a spot where we could sit and look at the lights of Paraguay, Brazil across the river and showed us around. We ate at La Rueda. We didn't care for it as much as other posters here have.
If I had it to do again, I would have spent one more day at Iguazu, lounging down on the San Martin Island swimming and watching the scenery and the people. But I'd rather be outside then anywhere, so Iguazu falls was the ultimate in beauty and being outside. Only thing I didn't like was all the 3 foot lizards that seemed to show up by my foot to scare me half to death. Not really scared...but they were just soooo big.
Friday we returned to BA took a cab to the Art Hotel to pick up our luggage that they kept for us and then headed to the the Sheraton using points I wish I had stayed again at the Art Hotel, I missed the friendly staff and the attention and special touches they did as opposed being just another guest in a big hotel.

Hubby wanted thai food for dinner so we went to Empire Thai for dinner. It was good, not excellent, but we enjoyed it.
Saturday was our last day and we went to the Japanese Garden and then went to the park nearby and walked thru the rose garden and then out to the outer park to walk and watch the locals playing street hockey, riding in paddle boats on the lagoon, riding bikes, walking dogs and enjoying the beautiful spring day. Went back to Rodi bar for a last lunch, then to Florida street and the mall and then went back to the hotel to check out and head to the airport. Sat in the airport drank one last bottle of Malbec (they didn't have my favorite which is Atchabal Ferrera) and had an uneventful and on time flight back to Atlanta.

My thoughts on BA, great value for the money, the City reminds me of Chicago, even the layout somewhat. The food fantastic, price fantastic, the people reminded me of new yorkers a little standoffish at first, but over the top friendly once they were engaged. Most spoke at least a little english and with my tiny bit of spanish I had fun sharing stories with the people we met. The Architecture very beautiful. I will return one of these days to BA on my way to Patagonia...that's a definite! ONe bad thing was that it's so cheap down there we took Radio taxi's alot (by the way most of the drivers were very friendly and fun to talk to) and I didn't walk as much as I usually do such as when I go to Europe, so all that rich food and wine gave me a few lbs ss a souvenir to bring back with me. I never felt unsafe, but then again, I have lived in big cities like Chicago and am a bit street smart from that and know not to give people an opportunity to harm me here or there.

It was a very wonderful vacation.

AndrewDavid

dear kim, thanks for your great report. I will be in Bs As for my honeymoon 30 Dec. We spend 8 nights in an apartment and then head to Calafate 2 nights there and 3 nights at Chalten (Los Cerros all incl) and then back to Bs As to drop stuff and on to 2 nights at the Sheraton Iguazu. What do you think Aerolineas problem is . Sorry you got stuck. We too will aspend 3 nights at Art Hotel (cozy room for US$65 incredible bargain methinks from your glowing reports). I will note your bar and restaurant choices

cheers
AndrewDavid

Kimluvs2travel

Not sure what the problem is with aerolinas but I would fly Lan to Iguazu all their flights seem to run on time.

Also not sure about the cozy rooms, but our room was lovely and it was a king for $130. I think we may have been upgraded as we had a balcony as well.

The folks at Art Hotel will arrange all your restaurant, tango show, massage needs. I was happy there, but then again I prefer boutique hotels to the bigger chains. Although I did love the Sheraton at Iguazu. Then again, how much time do you really spend in the hotel anyway!

Scarlett

Great report, Kim, thank you!
Boy, you really did a lot and saw a lot..that is wonderful!
I love Rodi Bar, we are having dinner there tonight lol..
Your trip report is excellent for anyone coming here for the first time..thanks for writing!

claire_david2

Kim - Thank you for this great report. We leave next week and also are staying at the Sheraton in Iguazu. Really appreciate your general comments at the end - very helpful to us first-timers! Claire

Weekender

Kim:

Thanks for posting! I will be in B.A. for Thanksgiving and have copied this for restaurant and bar ideas. Would also like to do the Colonia trip as well if time allows.

I live on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago so will be curious to compare cities....

bkk95

Kim -- Great trip report! I did a lot of the stuff you did when I was in BA so great to relive that. I even went to Empire Thai which my friends thought was strange when there's such good steak. The owner, I think, is from the States.

Weekender -- I too live on LSD. BA is a beautiful city. I thought it had more of a NY/Paris feel. I want to go back.

jcasale

Thanks for your report, Kim. Looks like you did almost the exact trip we are going to be doing - including going over to Colonia for the day. Glad to hear you were able to do that and then come back and do a tango show as that's what we are considering. I'm a little worried now about the flights to Iguazu but since we are already booked, I guess we have no choice. We'll just hope the flights are on time. Our travel agent gave us plenty of leeway - maybe he knows that the flights are often delayed. I can't wait to see Iguazu! I suspect that will be our favorite part of the trip, but I am also really lookign forward to BA.