After researching Buenos Aires hotels on tripadvisor and through contacts, I selected the Hilton for several reasons based on the recommendations of many coworkers who've stayed there. The hotel is new, in a modern style that you'd expect in the U.S. Both the room and bathroom were large, with a walk-in shower and separate tub. We booked the less expensive twin room, but it was very nice and spacious--even better than expected.
The Hilton staff were exceptionally friendly, from the concierges, bellmen, front desk, cocktail lounge staff, cleaning people and telephone receptionists. We asked a lot of questions, and they cheerfully made dinner and tango reservations for us, recommended shopping malls, and called taxis for us. Plus most spoke English, and if they didn't they called someone over to assist. The business center offers 15-30 (?) minutes of free internet access per day, which was very convenient to confirm flights and check e-mail.
The hotel is located in Puerto Madero, the trendy new area in Buenos Aires. The area was very safe, with Navy guards and police positioned all over the area esp. at night. I agree with another member that the area is "newer" than what you might look for when visiting Buenos Aires, but this upscale location is a $2-$4 cab ride from almost anywhere in BA, and most people take taxis at night anyhow. Calle Florida was within walking distance during the day, and one of the best Argentine beef restaurants in BA (Cabana las Lilas) is only a few blocks away.
The hotel was clean, new, and quiet (unlike soome of the reviews I've read at some other hotels), plus has a beautiful rooftop deck and pool even late in the day.
For tango shows, we went to Esquina Carlos Gardel. The venue was very traditional and it was a good show, but we ate our only bad meal in BA there. For 70 USD per person (steep for BA), you get transportation to/from the hotel, unlimited wine and coffee, appetizer, entree, and dessert. (Only caveat is the main course was terrible, and reserving through the concierge didn't get us preferred seating--we sat at the back of a room of 450 people although we could still see fine.) A show "Tango Para Dos" was recommended by a professional tango couple and another European couple that we met (google Tango X 2.) The show's performed in a theater; they raved about it and said there were few tourists and many portenos. The website doesn't list a show schedule, but I would definitely try to see this based on the feedback.
Airport - the security line at EZE airport is loooong, allow plenty of time to get through security and immigration (45 minutes to an hour, plus check-in.)
Currency/Counterfiet money - thanks for the advice on using peso coins to pay cab drivers. This worked well for us, as well as holding up the paper money up to show watermark before we paid to confirm it's not counterfeit. Get your money from the ATM at the airport, then go the small bank branch in the airport to get smaller coins and denominations at no charge (the bank staff were very friendly and gave us a printout re: counterfeit bills.)
It's very helpful to know some Spanish in BA. It wasn't like going to Europe where many speak English, but almost everyone we met was extremely friendly and helpful to tourists, for which we are grateful!










