My husband and I stayed at the Faena last year in June. I felt compelled to write after reading some of the negative reviews. A similar thread seems to be the bad service and the wear and tear at the hotel. we got one of the cheapest rooms and as I recall it was quite big and the bathroom was enormous. It was also brand spanking new. Our experience mangager was very helpful and contacted me before the trip to know about what restaurant reservations I might want (she also e-mailed me a list of restaurants i might be interested in which I could google and find out more about them.) Of course things will be smoother if you plan ahead. they also made some last minute arrangments. (The show at the Cabaret was great) If someone had a problem with one of the managers the answer would be to complain about that particular person. we found all of the staff there to be very nice. (do not get room service, very expensive in dollars, prices downstairs are in pesos and a fraction of the price)

The Portenos have the reputation of the Parisians for their deamenor but I have to say that I love them both. I am quite a picky person and for those who recommend the Four Seasons, they just don't understand that some of us enjoy staying at places that have oringinality and young energy regardless of our age. I would never stay at a Four Seasons if there were a choice like the Faena. It is true this type of hotel is not for everyone, especially for those who are not interested in seeing the trendy part of B.A which by the way is great for those people who enjoy the trendy parts of N.Y, Paris, Tokyo or any other major city. By the way, In their business office they had computers with free internet access, unlike the Four Seasons in Cairo (the best choice there it seems) where they would charge you by the minute.

My initial reaction to the first 4 hours was a bit conflicting. My wife and I are in our late 40s. There is no front desk or concierge. You are given a cell phone with experience managers extention and escorted to your room. We opted for the large room in advance. The white leather funiture and Red velvet curtains were a bit much at first glance. The hotel breaks all the fules of conventional hospitality. It took me a day to figure out it was up to me to get with it. Once I did the place is like no other. The staff will respond to kindness and enthusiasm. The Hotel was full. Those we met who did not enjoy it either seemed intimidated or somewhat simple minded. The breakfast area and pool/bar are incredible. I discovered that what was missing in the hotel was not the hotel but me...my youth has slipped away and with it some of the need for stimulation. We moved to the Four seasons for second half of the stay. I felt immediate relief being in familiar territory (conventional). Both are great places. I would say Faena was more memorable. Young hip staff and guests, I would advise most of my conteporary friends to go to 4 seasons. However I do not feel that it is better...two different universes. BTW cabs are requred everywhere. 15 minutes in a cab is $3 so that is not an issue. The area is quite and and somwhat secluded but I dis not consider that a negative. 5 minute walk to City Centre. The staff in front (captain etc) are super friendly and cool if you take the time to get to know them.

A note of warning on this hotel -- I had a reservation for January 2006. I had to cancel my trip to BA and cancelled the reservation via the hotel's website more than two weeks before the date of my reservation. The rate had a 72 hour cancellation policy, so I was well outside the penalty window. I subsequently discovered that the hotel charged more than $500 to my American Express card on the date I was scheduled to check in. Despite emailing the hotel and faxing them a copy of the cancellation confirmation, they have failed to issue a credit, or even respond. I would be very cautious about dealing with these unscrupulous characters.

We stayed at Faena from 25 Dec until 1 Jan as part of our honeymoon.

Our stay started poorly as we received a small room on the first floor on the Eastern side of the Hotel with no view. However, a quick hissy fit from my wife who pointed out our relatively long stay, amongst other things, saw us moved to a great room on the 5th floor, above the pool, with a wondeful view out over town.

The Experience Manager concept worked well for us. We found it much easier than talking to the desks of any of the large Hiltonesque style hotels. The lights / blinds in the room really do suck and their placement on the back of your bed-head defies belief. Also, the water pressure in the showers was very depressing. The food was great, though quite expensive. The staff all seemed keen to make sure things were sorted out for us, although our lack of Spanish saw a few things ordered 2 or 3 times before they arrived. The location is definitely the Shelbyville of BA at the moment, which is as good (quiet, close to reserve) as bad (long walks or taxi to get anywhere).

As for the inability of some other reviewers to get a bed by the pool, I guess its just a function of there being 15 or so beds and 200+ guests. If you want one, you evidently have to get in early and dump a shirt and a book on a bed then go back a few hours later. It worked for us, but I can see what a pain it would be if you were only there a few days and didnt know the deal. The New Years Eve party was fabulous but way too expensive at $300 each. It was however, well worth it after we heard the horror stories of other guests who tried to get home later.

Overall, Faena is rather expensive, it wasnt perfect but we had loads of fun.