In BA for several days. Having worked down here for a decade I know most of the big hotels but this trip decided to compare this small boutique quality hotel with a quite different number just around the corner. This last, a Hyatt of "Palacio" level of ostentation err uhh luxury. I suppose I knew in advance which I'd prefer, and to make things easier I won't bother reviewing Mr bigshot because this is where I'd come back again.
Maybe it's me, no make that without a doubt it's me, I just don't like big hotels. Especially I don't like ones that drip all over you with pointless European touches everywhere , and needless complications. The German bathroom hardware is an example. Club Frances has perfectly simple controls in the shower whether you prefer wand, fixed spray or rain. I won't embarrass myself to explain about the palace German techie fixtures, although that would be easier than figuring the contraption at the site.
The front desk people of the Frances Hotel were responsive and even walked outside with me to be sure I was headed in the right direction. I tried to explain I'd been in town before, and when that didn't work I explained how I really like getting lost, and that really didn't work. So the front desk people were more than helpful and quick about it, too.
The restaurant is quite fine, typical Argentina breakfast which tends to be a kind of dessert given that they don't eat dinner until late and then they really EAT dinner. Juice, coffee, fruit, yogurt and about a dozen choices for pastry. I asked for bacon and eggs which added about $3 to the bill. I liked the room, very large and the window opened onto a nice view of a typical residential street in the Recoleta. A few blocks away was the cemetery plus any number of restaurants and bars. The Hyatt was so palacial it was kinda difficult for this poor boy to find a way out. For a minute or two I thought I was in Caesar's Palace. read more