strauss2

My mother and I are had our trip to thailand all set...but now she can't go anywhere where she needs immunizations.

Trying now to plan a trip to Buenos Aires (we think) in late Jan/early Feb. Our focus would be cooking (thinking of classes with Therisita at try2cook.com) and exploring. I love anything food-related (shops, markets, classes). We would like to explore but also relax (for my mother this means some spa time).

Do you think Buenos Aires is a good place for us? If so, where should we stay that is nice enough for her tastes but interesting (meaning, I don't want to be isolated) for me.
So...we need hotel recs, a day trip or two (could be overnight if worth the trip), and any food-related suggestions including classes or shops. Specifics 9as in how to get to side trips) greatly appreciated.
Any help would be great!

Thanks.

yestravel

Perhaps additional info would help with responses -- how long will u be there? what's your budget? Outside of food related activities and a spa, what else would u like to do/see?
I haven't been to BA in the Jan/Feb timeframe, but from what I've read it will likely be very hot and humid. BA is a huge city with lots to see and do. Lots of nice hotels in Recoleta or Palmero depending upon your price range and your preference for a large or small hotel. If you want a great overnight trip, look into Iguazu Falls...absolutely spectacular. Lots of people do day trips to Colonia or the Tigre Delta. We enjoyed a stay at an Estancia outside of BA. U also might try doing some searches on this site looking for some trip reports on BA and specific info on hotels and restaurants.

avrooster

I agree with yestravel. We need more info to reply properly.

strauss2

We have about 7-10 days (I have 4 kids and can't leave for much longer...). Aside from cooking, we're game to see anything - my mother loves fabrics/antiques and shopping in general, and I like soaking up local atmosphere. My mother generally likes Four Seasons-type places while I enjoy local color. While with her I am aware that she might not enjoy eating tons of street food, but I'm hoping to find a balance of food/activities/shopping/culture. Budget will be higher end though not exorbitant. Does this help?

avrooster

OK, strauss2, let's see what we can do for you.

You have already been told it will be warm and maybe humid, as it's our midsummer.

Of course I think BA is a good place for you, but, then, I'm biased.

Your focus is cooking and, being a guy I don't know much about that.

But, I DO know that Teresita's cooking lessons are WAY out of town. Were you aware of that?

I suggest you stay in the Recoleta area at http://www.alvearpalace.com/v2/home.php which is definitely high-end.

You could also stay in the Palermo area, where you can find many boutique hotels. I recently started a thread on the subject titled: About boutique hotels in Buenos Aires

Day trips: Tigre (our Delta)?

An estancia?http://tinyurl.com/3xna57

You should not miss San Telmo on Sunday. http://tinyurl.com/2af6cq

I'll try to think of other suggestions, but, anyway, you'll have a great time in our town with your mother, strauss2.

teach2travel

I would suggest the following restaurants:
Sotto Vocce (Fabulous Italian)
El SanJuanino (Empanads, humitas and othe NW Argentinian specialties)
Cafe Tortoni (Touristy, but great atmosphere)

These are well known so I haven't included addresses.

I have to say I didn't have a bad meal in Argentina in 2 weeks there.