Buenos Aires Apartmento or Hotel Stay?????

[+ Axiom2001]

In September of this year, I've made plans to go to Buenos Aires before continuing my journey to RIo and Sao Paulo and a few other Brasilian towns/cities. While in Buenos Aires, I'd anticipated staying at the Howard Johnson's Florida facility but have second thoughts based on what I read at an excellent website yesterday. (TheGayGuide.com.ar)

 

The webmaster contrasted one's staying at a hotel downtown to that of living in an apartment within one of the popular and most convenient communities or residential areas of the city. I liked what I read which enticed me to email for information. Well, I can't download the material because the downloade material is too large.

 

Well, gentlemen, this is the question: To you who have visited the 'Paris of the South"-- would you advise me to keep with my initial plan or stay in an apartment in one of those toney neighborhoods. (I gave the same daily rate that I would be paying at the hotel as my rate for an apartment--$70.

 

I've already contacted Roberto to inquire about his availability and have received my affirmative answer of which I am quite pleased!)

[Guest painai2]

HELP! I just arrived in BA , am staying at Marriot Plaza. Would I have any trouble bringing up someone I meet, using one of the services advertised in Ratones (the insert from Imperio magazine). Or would it be better to meet a trick at a Privado and have fun there? Also, any input as to which advertised service is best would be appreciated. Ratones is full of adds! I just came from Rio, had wild time at Club 117. I speak Spanish pretty well, which helped with the Club 117 tricks!

[imrthr]

no message - answered below by Axiom

[+ Axiom2001]

Honey, I wish you would have started a different thread!! I am not furious! I can't answer the first part of your question, but you might want to check out these websites which have the most gorgeous escorts who work independently in Buenos Aires.

Also check out "Escort Reviews" (South America/Mexico). You might want to contact some of these guys who've been reviewed.

 

- soytuyo.com

 

- leonos.com

 

- bairesescorts.com

 

- sensualbaires.com.ar

 

You can contact any of these guys and use your expertise in Spanish in setting up sessions. Perhaps they can come freely to your hotel, ring your room, and you and they can go from there.

Hope this helps you!

[trilingual]

Ax, as far as staying in an apartment I think it depends on the amount of time you plan to spend in B.A. and whether you like to cook for yourself, etc. The HoJo is very nice, centrally located and, if it's the same rate, has the advantage of providing daily maid service and a complete breakfast buffet (not always the case in Argentina). Speaking of their breakfast buffet, they will bring you eggs made to order if you ask, at no extra charge. There's no steam tray full of reconstituted scrambled eggs!

 

If you're staying for more than 10 days or so, I think an apartment might be a more appealing alternative. For much longer stays (like at least a month) an apartment will undoubtedly be the better choice because the montly rates are usually cheaper than a hotel.

[sergebrazil]

Please do tell a bit more about your trip. Was it easy exiting the airport? For a while that was not safe. A few gipsy cabdrivers were actually robbing the tourists. I almost made it there from Uruguay, but saw a few reports on TV that prevented me from doing so.

 

Serge

[vers7]

I came across this website about a gay B&B in BA. I'm planning a trip there in the fall and was thinking of trying this place. Any one with information would be helpful.

 

http://www.bayresbnb.com/

[Mouth]

If you've never been to Buenos Aires before, I think staying at the Howard Johnson's on the Avenida Florida is an excellent hotel to stay during a first visit. First of all, it is excellenty located downtown and close to other areas you'd want to visit (Recoleta, etc.). Roberto can collect you at your hotel and walk you through a few neighborhoods to get you acclimated. Even if you do speak Spanish, the city is large and always confusing at first for any newcomer. HoJos has good-sized rooms with roomy bathrooms, and you don't nobody bothered me about having guests to my room. It is a gay-friendly place and they treat all their guests with respect. The downtown area is never deserted and so I found it safe to walk at night back from restaurants to my hotel. And remember, taxis are very, very reasonable. I don't think I spent more than $3.50 per any taxi during the eight days I stayed there.

 

I'm hoping to revisit the city in 2006 and may well rent an apartment for my stay. I like the idea of getting my own breakfast, and even making some meals there. Or I might try staying at a gay friendly B&B in the Palermo Veijo district.

 

But I can't think of a better way to introduce yourself to Buenos Aries than to stay at this very good hotel.

 

Someone asked about troubles with taxis at the airport--I didn't have any problems, and nobody was rolling tourists when I was there (late April 2004). There is a bus company that charges reasonable rates to the city and the taxi ride was equally reasonable.

 

Enjoy your stay in Buenos Aires--one of the loveliest cities I've ever encountered. Great culture, great food, great bargains, and great looking men.

[+ Axiom2001]

Thanks very much, Tri and Mouth. After reading your suggestions, you've encouraged me to go the hotel route as a first timer. Also, since I will not be there for more than eight days, this is a better route to go, too!

 

I was slightly in a quandry after reading the material at TheGayGuide.com.ar site. More than likely I'll use their services after Roberto can no longer assist/accompany/guide.

[+ Axiom2001]

>Please do tell a bit more about your trip. Was it easy

>exiting the airport? For a while that was not safe. A few

>gipsy cabdrivers were actually robbing the tourists. I almost

>made it there from Uruguay, but saw a few reports on TV that

>prevented me from doing so.

>

>Serge

 

 

 

At the GayGuide.com.ar site, the moderator states that one should always hail a "radio" taxi which supposedly is everywhere. At the airport, do as we've done in RIo-- go to a counter and purchase your voucher or ticket at a fixed price, and off you go SAFELY!

 

This site is loaded with other relevant pointers, too! On the "home page" are eleven categories that are addressed at this website which I obtained by doing a google search for gayargentina... Axiom

[daniel]

Axiom,

I'll also stay at the HoJo.

You need to beware not to be accomodated in a ..01 room because these are interior rooms (only a big window to an interior patio).

 

Enjoy your trip to BA!!

[+ Billsboy4]

I stayed at HoJo in January and while it is a great location, I wasn't crazy about the hotel itself. The rooms are large, but not the cleanest. The elevator was broken most of the time. The air conditioning broke and the breakfast was okay but I've had better in both BA and Brazil. This was my second trip to BA and the first time I stayed at the Sofitel, so maybe I'm spoiled....I would have stayed there again but their rates have tripled since their opening special rate. Also, Daniel (whose English is limited) who is the gay contact there is only available in the evening at a certain time but he's no substitute for Roberto, who is the best.

 

Just thought I'd offer a different perspective on the hotel.

[Mouth]

There is no excuse for a badly cleaned hotel room, or other services that do not work. I've stayed in hotels where the elevator(s) don't work properly and there's little you can do about that. It wasn't a problem when I stayed at HoJos. But you can complain (and should ) to management when you've got a dirty room. I wasn't happy with the shower head when I was there. I complained. They came up and fixed it. You should also complain about the air conditioner or insist that you be moved to another room.

 

I didn't realize I could order eggs for a few days because the staff didn't tell me that. I thought the European-style continental breakfast was it. As it was, it is a thoroughly satisifying breakfast that can be found at any number of hotels--cereal, juice, ham, cheese, rolls, yogurt, toast, fresh fruit, etc. But a more attentive waiter told me of the other choices, and I ordered that as well.

 

Just because you're in a foreign country doesn' mean you lose your voice as a consumer. Most hotels are accomodating. Just ask.

 

I agree about Daniel. He's a real sweetheart in his limited English, but I wouldn't count on him being a very effective guide unless you do speak English. In any case, I was a bit surprised that Daniel was looking at porno websites on the lobby computer (he could have been a bit more discreet as the computer screen is rather publicly visible). You can't wrong with Roberto whose understanding of the city is superb and who goes out of his way to find out information on things that interest you. Roberto is a mature man, and can give you the latest info on gay bars and clubs, but he's not going to be out boogeying at 3:00 AM. But for all your interests, ask Roberto. For instance, I was curious about going to a day-long cooking class. He found the information for me. Wanna take a gay tango class. Call Roberto.

[MscleLovr]

Buenos Aires

 

I just returned from a second visit to Argentina, and on my first visit, in April, I stayed at the Howard Johnson Florida. So perhaps I can add to the information here.

 

1. THE HOTEL

As I requested in advance, the bedroom was large and the bed kingsize. The bathroom was also large and the shower efficient (by Buenos Aires standards). The rate was good - fixed directly by me, after an introduction by Roberto.

Four small things were wrong or broken in my room on checking-in. I told Housekeeping, and all were promptly remedied.

It's only my opinion but I stayed there for 2 weeks...and I thought breakfast was terrible. I like good food enormously, and I think the best Argentine produce is all exported. The staff were kind and each day made me a strong coffee especially, but it was still poor by my standards. However, it costs very little to go out for a snack after breakfast in the hotel, and I would do that daily.

 

2. THE MANAGER

The gay manager, Daniel, was friendly and helpful (I spoke to him and all the staff in Spanish). He even gave me a copy of the local gay magazine, Imperio.

I'm surprised about the comment on his use of the PC in the reception area. I used it often, including checking escort sites and my gaydar messages - I guess heterosexual guests may have considered that I was viewing "pornography"

 

3. SECURITY

The lifts are meant to go only to the floor above ground level, where reception is located, and then with key access to the residential floors. In my time there, one of the lifts always functioned WITHOUT key access; the other did so from time to time.

So security could be an issue. But I never had any problems. When I had a visitor, he went to Reception and they called me to ask if they should give him a key. The staff were entirely gay-friendly.

 

4. LOCATION

As has been described, the location in the main shopping area is good and totally safe during the day. There are lots of police and private security guards on the shops and public buildings. If you leave the hotel and turn left, cross the square (Plaza St Martin), you are very quickly (within 10 minutes walk) in the smart area of Recoleta.

HOWEVER, as three sensible,young Argentines separately told me, if at night you were to turn right on leaving the hotel, you would ina couple of blocks be in what they say is known to be a dangerous area for robbery at knifepoint. (The shops etc close at 9pm and there is much less visible security then)

I still think it's a good choice for a first visit. But on my second trip, I stayed further in Recoleta itself and paid more for my hotel room

Taxis are easy to get, even though Florida is a pedestrianized street. If you walk out, turn left and go outside by the Marriott, flag down any Radio Taxi with its light (Libre) on, then a fare to the heart of Recoleta for instance is Pesos 5 or less than $2

 

5. TIPPING & PRICES

A tip of 10% is normal in Argentina for service in cafes and restaurants; bad service is NOT rewarded. Argentines do NOT give tips to taxi-drivers: I sometimes did, if the driver was courteous and helpful (most are not).

3 course meals with a bottle of wine, water, and coffee averaged Pesos 100-220 for 2 guys, or about $17-35 per head (but I like to eat well, in smart places). Lunch in a smart cafe would average about Pesos 25 or $8 per head.

POSSIBLE CONFUSION: prices are expressed in Pesos generally and written as eg $5. This does NOT mean 5 Dollars. This means 5 Pesos. If 5 Dollars were meant, it would be written U$S 5

 

6. AIRPORT CARS

As has been written elsewhere, pay at a booth before leaving the secure area after collecting your bags. There are various firms; the main one seems to be Manuel Leon. These cars are known as "remise" and are not radio taxis.

From Ezeiza (international) airport to the central area or Recoleta, the price is Pesos 55 (including the highway tolls). I gave the driver ("remisero") Pesos 60 each time and they were delighted.

From Aeroparque (domestic) airport to the central area or Recoleta, the price is Pesos 19.

 

7. SAFETY

You just have to be careful, as Argentines are. It is a big city but if you stay in the smart areas (and why go elsewhere?), you will be safe. There is not the sense of having to stay on alert that you have in African cities, and I felt more secure and saw less crime in Buenos Aires than I do in major European cities.

Try to blend in though: I speak Spanish, and I dressed smartly as Argentines do. If you walk out in American-casual clothes, you will very obviously stand out as a foreigner and be hassled by street vendors, street-kids etc

Do not get into taxis at a taxi-rank, except at the major and very smart shopping malls like Patio Bullrich and Alcorta: flag down one on the street as described above. If leaving a restaurant late at night, ask the manager to call a Radio Taxi for you: locals always do. I know of some guys who were robbed at gunpoint in Palermo Viejo after leaving a popular restaurant and getting into a cab on the street (robbers some times steal taxis and then drive around Palermo, knowing that for tourists it's a popular place to visit)

 

I hope this helps the various posters with their questions but feel free to email me if you have other specific queries

[+ Axiom2001]

RE: Buenos Aires

 

Muchas gracias to all fellow m4mers who responded here. I have decided to print the info., file it, and use it to my advantage.

 

Axiom/Edd :-) :* :-)

[+ Axiom2001]

>>Please do tell a bit more about your trip. Was it easy

>>exiting the airport? For a while that was not safe. A few

>>gipsy cabdrivers were actually robbing the tourists. I

>almost

>>made it there from Uruguay, but saw a few reports on TV that

>>prevented me from doing so.

>>

>>Serge

>

>

>

>At the GayGuide.com.ar site, the moderator states that one

>should always hail a "radio" taxi which supposedly are

>everywhere. At the aeroport, do as we've done in RIo-- go to

>a counter and purchase your voucher or ticket at a fixed

>price, and off you go SAFELY!

>

>This site is loaded with other relevant pointers, too! On the

>"home page" are eleven categories that are addressed at this

>website which I obtained by doing a google search for

>gayargentina... Axiom

 

 

 

Do a http://www.gayguideargentina.com scroll. The webmaster no longer guides, but he still has up the website with its pertinent and very useful information.

:-)

[+ Lucky]

RE: Buenos Aires Airport Taxi????

 

I paid 79 pesos for the Manuel Leon taxi upon arrival at EZE last month. The driver declined a tip at my hotel as he said it was included.

 

Unfortunately, I had to go right back to the hotel to pick up a missed bag. The hotel called a radio taxi and, for 56 pesos each way, he took us to the airport, waited for us, and returned us to the hotel.

[trilingual]

RE: Buenos Aires Airport Taxi????

 

There's really no need to pay so much if you're traveling alone. The Manuel Tienda León express bus is much cheaper, and once you arrive in town they will shuttle you for FREE to just about anywhere downtown or Barrio Norte. The cabs are a good deal if you're traveling with a companion; sharing the fare brings the price down and then you're delivered directly where you're going.

 

By using Manuel Tienda León or similar services you're paying for reliability and SAFETY. There are cheaper cabs at the airport, but you have no guarantees that they aren't gypsies or part of the taxi mafia who could hold you up or worse. Unfortunately, this exists in Argentina as well as in other countries, where arriving tourists are obvious targets and easy pickings.

[+ Axiom2001]

>If you've never been to Buenos Aires before, I think staying

>at the Howard Johnson's on the Avenida Florida is an excellent

>hotel to stay during a first visit. First of all, it is

>excellenty located downtown and close to other areas you'd

>want to visit (Recoleta, etc.). Roberto can collect you at

>your hotel and walk you through a few neighborhoods to get you

>acclimated. Even if you do speak Spanish, the city is large

>and always confusing at first for any newcomer. HoJos has

>good-sized rooms with roomy bathrooms, and you don't nobody

>bothered me about having guests to my room. It is a

>gay-friendly place and they treat all their guests with

>respect. The downtown area is never deserted and so I found

>it safe to walk at night back from restaurants to my hotel.

>And remember, taxis are very, very reasonable. I don't think

>I spent more than $3.50 per any taxi during the eight days I

>stayed there.

>

>I'm hoping to revisit the city in 2006 and may well rent an

>apartment for my stay. I like the idea of getting my own

>breakfast, and even making some meals there. Or I might try

>staying at a gay friendly B&B in the Palermo Veijo district.

 

 

 

 

This is 2006; the rates at this hotel have gone up quite a bit. Daniel no longer works for this particular venue, but he does have his own site on which other HJs are available for you as well as your guests. My friend stayed at the HJ Florida in 2005, and had no difficulties; I stayed at the HJDaVinci and found this to be a very, very pleasant experience; it's centrally located, and I received a special rate of $68 per night. This year Daniel has quoted me the rate of $75 per night.

 

I liked everything about this hotel except for its complimentary breakfast, thus be prepared to eat in as well as out if this meal is important to you! 08/14/06 axiom

>

>

>But I can't think of a better way to introduce yourself to

>Buenos Aries than to stay at this very good hotel.

>

>Someone asked about troubles with taxis at the airport--I

>didn't have any problems, and nobody was rolling tourists when

>I was there (late April 2004). There is a bus company that

>charges reasonable rates to the city and the taxi ride was

>equally reasonable.

>

>Enjoy your stay in Buenos Aires--one of the loveliest cities

>I've ever encountered. Great culture, great food, great

>bargains, and great looking men.

>

>

:-)

[+ Axiom2001]

>Honey, I wish you would have started a different thread!! I

>am not furious! I can't answer the first part of your

>question, but you might want to check out these websites which

>have the most gorgeous escorts who work independently in

>Buenos Aires.

>Also check out "Escort Reviews" (South America/Mexico). You

>might want to contact some of these guys who've been

>reviewed.

>

>- soytuyo.com

>

>- leonos.com

>

>- bairesescorts.com

>

>- sensualbaires.com.ar

>

>You can contact any of these guys and use your expertise in

>Spanish in setting up sessions. Perhaps they can come freely

>to your hotel, ring your room, and you and they can go from

>there.

>Hope this helps you!

 

Lets update: wwwsoytuyo.com (superhot men galore)

http://www.sensualbaires.com.ar (another site of many gorgeous

ones)

http://www.bairesescorts.com

http://www.leonos.com (a small number of guys, mature looking)

[+ Lucky]

RE: Buenos Aires Airport Taxi????

 

But I wasn't alone. Didn't you read my post about the trip...the one where I paid you a particular compliment?

[+ Axiom2001]

Within the next fifteen days, my friend and I will be in Buenos Aires, staying in an apartmento in the Recoleta area. Afterwards, when we return from this anticipated trip, either he or I will write about our experience/s at this forum as well as at http://www.gaytravelargentina.com.

[ncc1701d]

Hey Axiom....Going to BA in a few months and starting to plan..would love to read that report!!Thanks

[Mouth]

I'm still recommending the first stay in BA should be in a hotel and preferably in the Recoleta district. I've not been to BA twice. The first time I stayed at the Howard Johnson's on the pedestrian walkway, Avenida Florida. It's very busy during the day as it is a major shopping district in the city. Good restaurants abound, but there is much less foot traffic at night when the offices and shops close, so you may feel a bit out of the way. Also from the reports I'm hearing the Howard Johnson's there has lost some amenities, is not as clean at is should be and the prices have gone up.

 

For my second trip, I stayed at the B&B Bayres, which has a following, but which I found left a lot to be desired. First of all, it's not in the Palermo district as advertised. It is in the ajoining neighborhood of Characarita, which is a poorer working-class neighborhood which is a bit scary at night. We never walked around it after dark, preferring to take taxis instead. It's a good 20-minute walk to one of the major restaurants areas of Palermo.

 

While the owners of B&B Bayres are nice, this is not the cleanest B&B. Upon arrival my bathroom was shockingly dirty and I had to ask that it be cleaned. The owners have allowed one of their dogs to poop on the balcony of my room and left it unclean. They have two computers in the lobby, but it's not ¨nusual for one or the other to be inoperable. Coffee is instant in an otherwise, acceptable breakfast of cereal, fruit, toast, and/or pastry, rather puzzling in a city full of excellent cafes serving outstanding coffee. You cannot have a guest in your room, which is a bit disconcerting at a gay B&B. Apparently one guest invited someone into his room, and was robbed, hence the new rule.

 

I would think this B&B more appropriate to younger travelers who don't mind a more casual, youth hostel atmosphere. But if you have stayed at B&B's in Europe, this one will be a distinct letdown.

 

Surprisingly, I just saw a LOGO-TV travel show and this B&B was profiled. I was mystified about this. Neither the neighborhood, the facility nor the food was really accceptable, so I'm surprised this program decided to profile this place. Perhaps because there are only two or three gay B&Bs in Buenos Aires, the producers of this program thought this would be okay. For me it simply wasn't.

 

I've rented apartments in good neighborhoods in some of the best European cities, and found them to be an excellent way to live like a local. Apartment rentals either through an agency or through private owners, are most often a bargain, compared to hotels. There are a number of excellent apartments for rent in the Recoleta district of Buenos Aires. If you don't speak Spanish, I think this is probably the best neighborhood to stay in Buenos Aires.

[+ Axiom2001]

My friend and I spent a year in planning this trip. We spent seven (few days) in Buenos Aires at the Callao Apartments (2 bdroom) located in Recoleta. He and I would highly recommend, but don't let Santiago take advantage of you in terms of price. He did that to us. We paid $800 for just this short time and during "low season" although Santiaqo stated that it was the beginning of "high!" The liar...

 

We would have made other arrangements, but it was getting closer to our departure, so Barr and I just paid, sharing the costs.

 

During our short stay, we did a lot of cultural things during the day as well as at night; in addition, he and I saw some gorgeous escorts from http://www.soytuyo.com. on three or four occasions, too.

Of the men that we saw, Esteban Leon was "the greatest" from my vantage point. He was the consummate lover, superb kisser, and a "power fuck!" Oh, yes, I saw him twice. If he's still escorting during the latter part of this year, I yearn to see him again, too!

 

On the second night that I saw him, he'd really worked my nips as other areas of my body. His friend Chorch (our guide for six days) took us to a restaurant called "Inside!" We had a table in the front of this gay venue right by a large window. At one point a waiter went from table to table massaging the nips of some of the men who had assembled for dinner. I did not want this attention as I was already nicely tender. Well, this cutie did not accept this from me and reached into my shirt and gave the twins a soothing addition. Later on some super-hot strippers came out and meandered down the aisles and to some selected tables. One came to me and let me discreetly have my way with him. I enjoyed the moment!

 

The Argentines were pleasant but somewhat more serious than the Brasilians; I plan to return this October/November (tour and solo venture). If you'd like more specifics-- send me a private email, please!

 

Right now my mind is not up for a detailed accounting of the trip, but I'd recommend Buenos Aires for its culture, beauty, and yes, its men!

 

 

(My friend and I went to Tom's; he liked it, I just took it in stride and just viewed the scene that was before me.)