We deliberated for some time, having read these reviews and listened to our Travel Agent, over whether to stay here or at the shiny Sheraton on the Argentine side.
We decided to risk the Tropical based on it's location and the fact that I stay in Sheratons, Hiltons, Radissons, etc. for business. They are all the same all over the world and I wanted to feel as if I was on holiday, not at work.
I am pleased to report that we survived the experience!
If you demand faultless service and a sleek, modern room, stay at the boring Sheraton. If you want a bit of character, a great location and are prepared to chill out a bit when the service grinds to a halt and your room reminds you of The Shining, stay at the Tropical.
Fortunately, you only need two nights here to see both sides of the falls and maybe also take in an activity such as a boat ride or helicopter trip. That should be enough to keep you out of your room for all but sleeping!
Speaking of the rooms, there is apparently a great deal of variation from downright dreadful upto merely poor. Our Guide swiftly had us moved to a less bad room when she recognised from our initial room number that we could do better. Make sure you ask for a room change if your initial allocation really is intolerable.
The Tropical does have colonial charm, although it is certainly faded and I was expecting to see Jack Nicholson chasing somebody down the corridor with an axe at every turn.
Apparently, the problem is that the Government owns the hotel and leases it to the management company. The lease is only for a year or two so the management don't want to invest any money in case they lose the lease and don't get a return on their investment.
There are some good points about the Tropical. The aforementioned character, certainly the location, a great pool and the evening buffet is good - if a little repetitive after two nights.
Overall, we're glad we stayed here - but two nights was enough.
