John

I was in BA Dec. 2001, before the devaluation and rioting began, and simply fell in love with this city and people. However, I'm just checking a few things like:<BR><BR>1) Hilton in Puerto Madero vs. Four Seasons?<BR>I stayed at the Four Seasons last time but they haven't come down in their room rates. However, I was able to get a great deal on two rooms with cocktails and breakfast at the Hilton. Has anyone stayed in both who can compare the properties?<BR><BR>2) Safety. While I plan on staying in the tourist-friendly areas of San Telma, La Boca, Recoleta, Retiro, Belgrano, & Palermo, is it still safe to go to the Microcenter areas of Plaza de Mayo and Congresso areas? I heard the protests only occur on certain days and weekends are peaceful.<BR><BR>3. Cash. I plan on taking a minimal amount of cash, having the hotel exchange it, and mostly using my credit cards. Sounds like a safe plan?<BR><BR>Please feel free to e-mail me direct. I also enjoy sharing pictures of my last visit and enjoy hearing your thoughts of this great town.<BR><BR>Also, any Argentine nationals or American ex-pats in Argentina, would like to know where your favorite spots for having a beer or a glass of champagne!<BR> <BR><BR>

Merriem

We stayed at the Park Hyatt now the Four Seasons, and got a decent rate. I am not finding them to be very good now. I have made reservations at the Intercontinental and they were quite reasonable. I was interested in the Hilton, but could find nothing less than $200 US per night. Feel free to e-mail me.

John

Merriem:<BR><BR>Try the Hilton.com website. They still have executive king rooms for $169 a night which includes continental breakfast and afternoon cocktails and snacks.<BR><BR>My travel buddy on this trip insists on staying at a hotel with an outdoor pool, so that ruled the Intercontinental out, but, I've had friends who stayed there who just raved about. Apparently the gym was designed by a famous Argentine tennis or polo player, and has a nice indoor pool. Depending on what room type you book (I always go for the room rates that include breakfast and cocktails) it's close to Plaza de Mayo/Congress and San Telmo area, so it's very historic, and safe.

Merriem

We are going in March, and I have checked their website again, just now, and there is nothing lower than $200. We prefer the executive floor, but I cannot get that rate for that Month.

paul

Merriem:<BR><BR>try:<BR> http://www.travelbuzz.net/hotel.htm<BR><BR>I was not sure of the type of room you wanted or the exact date, but I tried a double for the night of March 7, and received a quote of $128, including tax (no small thing, with a 21% vat in Argentina)<BR><BR>Hope this helps

lenny

san telmo could be a bit unconfortable at night and there are lots of poor people everywhere going through garbage bags. at day time it is quite safe. i only use my debit card to withdraw money. credit cards charge fees and you also don't get good rates with hotels. your bank would give you the best rate when you use atm. there are plenty of atm around...<BR>