Once again, Argentina graces the pages of Travel + Leisure magazine (Feb 2010 issue). Amidst a luxurious list of 30 Romantic Dream Trips, Buenos Aires is featured with its "French-colonial buildings" that populate the "posh Recoleta neighborhood". In fact, the new
Algodon Mansion has just opened its doors to world travelers seeking wine-inspired spa treatments and rooftop tango lessons at sunset. Romantic indeed.
Just one month prior (Jan 2010 issue), T+L released its list of the World's 500 Best Hotels. To no surprise, 8 of Argentina's most distinguished properties were featured. Our personal pick in Buenos Aires would have to be the luxurious
Alvear Palace. As for Patagonia,
Llao Llao Resort continues to be the landmark gem in Bariloche. These deluxe 5-star properties range from $250 to more than $1000 per night.
As for the negative news, Argentina now requires a $131 tourism tax for all American travelers arriving into Buenos Aires through Ezeiza International Airport. Following months of government discussion - and debate - this tax went into effect on December 20th, 2009. The tax (termed a "reciprocity fee") is equal to the visa processing fee Argentines have paid since 2002 before traveling to the United States. It seems fair...but is it the right time considering the global economic situation? Time will tell.
On a lighter note, there's a little something on the eastern side of the Andes that makes the tourism tax a little easier to handle. So...sit back, relax, and let Imagine Argentina Travel handle all the details.
