If you consider that after the devaluation of the argentine Peso, Buenos Aires has become one of the cheapest capitals to stay in on the entire planet, hotels (in contrast to everything else which is VERY cheap in this city) continue to charge very high prices....the holiday inn is no exception to this BUT you can get good deals on their website or even by calling them. Speaking gaucho Spanish on the phone may (or may not) help you get a cheaper rate as residents of Argentina pay less for flights and hotels....

That said, this is really good hotel for the following reasons.

QUALITY OF HOTEL AND ROOMS:

Unlike most other holiday inn express hotels this place seemed slighty more upmarket in terms of location, size and style....it is a 14 storey building which is modern in style and decor with over 100 rooms. Reception staff, were friendly and helpful and provided free maps and guides.

Our room was large in size, clean with 2 double beds, a nice bathroom with bath and shower and a window that opened for fresh air. If you can't find the bathroom at first glance it's probably because it has an entrance that looks like a closet door - but don't let that worry you. Only small complaint here is that the shower sometimes made the bathroom floor slightly wet as the glass barrier didn't really do what it was built for...

You can chose between "river view" rooms which have views onto the ocean or "city view" rooms. The second is a VERY misleading description as the only city view you will have is of another high rise building and a side street behind the hotel.....the only way to get a real city view if you've got a room on one of the top floors. However, even without the view, the "city-building view" rooms are very quiet.... but you may have to draw your curtains often for privacy.

Breakfast is always free for everyone at the hotel....but as its just cold continental basics (bread, croissants, jam, butter, fruits, yogurts, etc) nothing more....don't expect anything warm apart from hot water for tea and coffee and don't expect to order anything like eggs and bacon....

In the basement there are various computers with free internet access...definitely a welcome bonus !

Ice machines are also available if you want to have some cold drinks in your room.


LOCATION:

This is THE main selling point for this hotel.

-Hotel is close to 2 subte (subway, metro) stops....one called "Leandro N. Alem" on the red B line, about a 3 minute walk away and the second metro station close by is called "General San Martin" on the blue C line, about a 6 minute walk away.

-Unless you're taking a taxi or a car, the best way to get to AND from the international "Ezeiza - Ministro Pistarini" airport is using the very good bus service run by "Manuel Tienda Leon ". Its drop off and pick up point is at "Av. Madero esq. San Martín" which is a 6 minute walk from the hotel ! However, make sure you are on the correct side of the road when walking between the hotel and bus station as it is a VERY busy, LONG road with few pedestrian crossings.

-Hotel is a 6 minute walk away from the "Buquebus" boat terminal. Here you can get boats to Montevideo and Colonia in Uruguay either returning within a day or for longer stays...but be aware that the town of Colonia is a VERY small place and despite its UNESCO status you may be disappointed...will have seen everything there within 2 to 3 hours....

-Hotel is a 5 minute walk away from the "Puerto Madero" renovated modern port area with bars and restaurants...try the "La Caballeriza" for excellent argentine grilled meat in a rustic style restaurant at cheap prices !

-Hotel is a 5 minute walk away from massive "Galerias Pacifico" shopping complex where you can do all your tax free shopping

-Hotel is a 5 minute walk away from the city's main post office called "Correo Central" (a word of warning however - make sure you put the stamps on your own post yourself or see the staff member do it in front of you...5 postcards we paid for never arrived even a year later).

-There are cash machines (ATM's), a pharmacy, a gas (petrol) station, and a small supermarket within 5 minutes walking of the hotel.

-Hotel is a 10 minute walk away from the famous "Casa Rosada" walking along Avenida Leandro N Alem.

(Be aware that "Avenida Leandro N Alem" where the hotel is located, is a long street and is where many of Argentina's government ministries have their headquarters)...including the ministry of Labour (Workers)...so do not be surprised if you see a typical Argentinean "cacerolazo" protest with locals making lots of noise by banging pots, pans and other objects to annoy government officials....this isn't really anything to worry about as a tourist unless they start fighting with the police which is rare...

....also many people from other south American countries (Bolivians, Peruvians, etc) sleep outside the entrance of many the government ministries due to poverty and/or or as a form of silent protest. Don't let this put you off though ...during our 5 days there not one of them ever asked us for anything or bothered us....any donation (financial or foodwise, if you want to make one) will be appreciated though....


CONCLUSION:

The hotel has in my opinion, one of the best locations in the city for tourists in terms of local and international transport connections, shopping, restaurants, and sight-seeing. The hotel itself is clean, spacious, modern and quiet. Highly Recommended ! Make sure you search online and/or try phoning to get a good rate !


General info about Buenos Aires:

-The metro (subway) still uses some carriages from the 1920's -1940's (which is very characteristic and interesting) BUT its trains and underground corridors can be very crowded, hot and without much air (we were there in March and it was like a sauna down there) - bring water with you and a mini fan...be prepared to get off early if you feel unwell.

-Streets and distances in this city are huge...your feet will get tired of walking around....luckily this city has some of the world's cheapest taxi's so you can get where you want quickly....we crossed half the city at 10:30 in the evening for less than 4 US dollars ! Also....don't worry if your driver doesn't turn into the first street available to your destination....most of the time this is because most streets in the city have traffic moving only in one direction and he/she needs to get the next road going your way.