We just finished an 8 night stay at the FS BA.I will start off by saying we have a strong preference for the FS chain. The main building of this property is not gorgeous by FS standards but the rooms are quite luxurious with nice details. We had a one bedroom suite which also had a large jacuzzi. It is important in this hotel to request a view of the mansion or you are facing a freeway. There did not seem to be any noice in the building. Service was great, especiallly housekeeping, but the concierges were either a little weak on their knowledge or just didn't take much ownership in terms of making sure that what they planned worked out. (i.e. arranging an excursion and then not telling the person who they planned to pick you up the correct train station, or sending you to a part of the city for shopping on a federal holiday when the shopping was closed. On one excursion we paid for lunch for four people and the restaurant was closed so they gave us one cheese and cracker plate and when we told the concierge they agreed that was not right but did not do anything such as call the company.) The overall location within the city is very good in what is considered the best neighborhood ( Recoleta). That said, my husband and I were both warned on several occasions by both concierges and hotel managers to take off our name brand stainless steel watches b/c they were definitely a target for thieves. One of the largest "villas", Villa 31, which are slums or shantytowns, 4 blocks from the hotel. Oddly enough, despite this, when you are walking around you feel completely safe, so it is a bit deceptive. We visited both the Alvear Palace and Palacio Dahau Hyatt. The Alvear was not fresh enough for us and we would not stay there. The Hyatt is definitely the most beautiful of the three. I cannot speak for their service, but at meals we had there it was excellent. The food at the FS was excellent but the restaurant feels like a coffee shop in terms of ambiance b/c it is the same for dinner as it is for breakfast. All of the restaurants we were sent to by the hotel were great. The gym/ spa in the hotel were small but certainly adequate. It was perfect weather when we were there to go to the pool, but we just found the city a bit more interesting. There were always a few people at the pool and it's nice to have the option. One thing we ended up doing worked out beautifully for us. We kept trying to go to an estancia and the concierges just couldn't quite make that happen. We were losing days and not planning other things b/c of their futile attempts. Primarily we wanted to relax on a ranch in the country and go horseback riding. We decided to go to the FS property in Carmelo, Uruguay which was a treat and perfect after a long stay in the city...easy to get to, relaxing, amazing rooms, great spa and service. It's in the middle of nowhere but very luxurious and a great place to unwind. we definitely enjoyed our stay here but if we go to BA again we would try the Hyatt for at least part of the triip.









