¡Dazzler Buenos Aires: ¡El hotel que te dejará sin aliento!
¡Ay, Dios mío! Let me tell you about my recent adventure at ¡Dazzler Buenos Aires: ¡El hotel que te dejará sin aliento! - or at least, that's what they say. Let's see if it actually delivered, shall we? This review is going to be messy, honest, and full of me, okay? Because isn't that what we actually want from these things?
¡Dazzler Buenos Aires: The Good, the Bad, and the Empanadas
First things first: Buenos Aires. Absolutely gorgeous city! The energy just hits you the minute you step out of the airport - assuming you're finally allowed to step out after the usual South American airport drama (seriously, why are customs ALWAYS an adventure?). Dazzler Buenos Aires is… smack dab in the middle of it all. Which, generally, is good.
The Room – My Sanctuary (or Not?)
Okay, the Available in all rooms section is, well, everything. You get your basic comforts: Air conditioning (a MUST in Buenos Aires heat!), Alarm clock (I, personally, rely on the horrific sound of my own phone, though), Bathrobes (fancy!), Hair dryer, Ironing facilities (because looking disheveled is part of my travel aesthetic, but you might be different). I appreciated the Free bottled water because hydration is key when you're running around town fueled by coffee and sheer willpower. And… the Wi-Fi [free] worked, most of the time. Sometimes, though, it was slower than a tango lesson for a centipede. Don't get me started on the Internet access – LAN… I mean, who uses that anymore? Unless you're secretly a computer from the 90's.
The Non-smoking policy is fantastic. My lungs thank them! There are Non-smoking rooms, and a Smoking area for the smokers. It's a considerate touch for all guests.
Now, the bathroom. Let's just say I had a moment with the Separate shower/bathtub. I'd rather take a shower, because baths never feel clean. And the Toiletries were… okay. Nothing to write home about, but hey, they're there.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag
Let's tackle the big stuff. Wheelchair accessible? Technically, yes. But, and it's a BIG but, sometimes the ramps are a little steep, and the elevators… well, let's just say I didn't personally test them while in a wheelchair, but I suspect getting around might require a little patience. The hotel scores with the Facilities for disabled guests, but things could always be better. The Elevator is there…yay! Internet Access:
- Internet: Yes
- Internet [LAN]: Available in rooms (if you like living in the 90s)
- Internet services: Good!
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Hooray!
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Yes, but sometimes spotty.
Food, Glorious Food (and Drinks!)
Listen, Buenos Aires is a gastronomic paradise. The Restaurants at Dazzler… eh. They're there. The Breakfast [buffet] was standard, with the usual suspects: eggs, bacon, cereal, and that slightly sad-looking fruit salad that's been sitting out since the dawn of time. I had some Asian cuisine in restaurant on one night, but I'm not sure if that was the best of choices since I was in Buenos Aires. They have some decent Coffee/tea in restaurant. And, of course, the Coffee shop… for a good shot of caffeine to start the day, or a midday pick-me-up.
The Poolside bar was a blessing. Sipping a Fernet con Coca (the national drink, practically!) while watching the sunset? Magnífico. The A la carte in restaurant was okay. I'm just saying, Argentina has some of the best meat on the planet. I didn't even try the steak there. What was I thinking?!
Relaxation: Did it Deliver on the "Dazzler"?
Okay, the "¡El hotel que te dejará sin aliento!" bit. The Spa was… there. I had a Massage, which was nice, but not life-changing. The Pool with view was lovely, though. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was great, so sunny, and I wish there were a bit more space. I didn't try the Sauna, Steamroom, Body scrub or body wrap. But, honestly, after a long day of wandering the city, just lounging by the pool was the best way to recharge.
Cleanliness and Safety – The Covid Tango
The hotel takes things seriously in this period. They've got the usual suspects like Hand sanitizer stations, Staff trained in safety protocol, and rooms are sanitized between stays (Rooms sanitized between stays) They have Anti-viral cleaning products, and Daily disinfection in common areas, which is reassuring. And they offer Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, which is good. Now, the Room sanitization opt-out available aspect? Interesting, but I think it's a good system. Other Things?
- Check-in/out [express]: Nice, if you're in a rush.
- Check-in/out [private]: More my vibe.
- Cashless payment service: So convenient!
- Doctor/nurse on call: Always good to know, just in case.
- First aid kit: Check.
- Safe dining setup: Good to see.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes.
- Elevator: Yes!
- Facilities for disabled guests: Partially, see above.
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always a good idea.
- Safety/security feature: Yes.
- Security [24-hour]: And that's a relief.
- Smoke alarms: Yes.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Excellent!
- Concierge: Super helpful, especially for getting restaurant recommendations.
- Laundry service: Essential.
- Dry cleaning: Ditto.
- Car park [free of charge]: Nice bonus!
Getting Around: The Buenos Aires Shuffle
Airport transfer: Yes, and it was very welcome after that (insert sigh) airport experience! Taxi service: Easy to find. Car park [on-site]: Yes. Valet parking: If you're feeling fancy.
The Verdict:
¡Dazzler Buenos Aires: ¡El hotel que te dejará sin aliento! … Well, it’s not quite the life-altering experience they brag about, but it's a solid choice. It's clean, comfortable, in a great location, and the staff are generally friendly. The food is decent, the pool is lovely, and the free Wi-Fi (when it works) is a lifesaver.
My Emotional Rollercoaster:
- Annoyance: Wi-Fi intermittency. Like, seriously, get it together!
- Joy: The poolside bar!
- Slight Disappointment: The room - a bit basic.
My Final Recommendation:
¡Dazzler Buenos Aires is absolutely worth considering, particularly if you want a central location and a decent pool. It’s not perfect, but hey, nothing in life is!
¡OFERTA ESPECIAL!
¡Reserva ahora y disfruta de un 15% de descuento en tu estancia en el Dazzler Buenos Aires! ¡Además, recibe un cóctel de bienvenida gratuito en el bar de la piscina y desayuno buffet incluido! ¡No te pierdas la oportunidad de vivir la magia de Buenos Aires! ¡Reserva ahora! ¡Haz clic aquí!
¡Descubre el Paraíso Perdido de Francia: L'Auberge Basque!
¡Ay, Buenos Aires! Let's see if I can survive this trip. This itinerary? More like a desperate prayer to the travel gods. I booked Dazzler by Wyndham Maipu – looks fancy, hopefully it's not too much "fancy" and too little "comfy".
Buenos Aires: My Attempt at Domination (or at Least, Existing) - A Messy Itinerary
Day 1: Landing and Labyrinth of Luggage
- Morning (And by "morning" I mean… whenever the hell the plane lands): Touchdown Aeroparque! Oh boy, a little bit of a mess from the beginning because the flight was delayed, good start! Immigration… prayed to every deity imaginable that they'd let me in. Didn't speak the language, barely knew any basic stuff. My Spanish is rusty, to say the least. Found the "Bienvenidos a Buenos Aires" sign!
- Afternoon: Taxi to Dazzler Maipu. Prayed to the taxi gods too. The driver, bless his heart, seemed to be enjoying the ride more than me. Buenos Aires is HUGE! Did I mention I don't speak Spanish? The hotel is much nicer than I remembered in the pictures, I really forgot how good I looked in the pictures. Check-in. Breathe. Unpack. I swear, there was more stuff crammed in that suitcase than I thought. Already regretting that extra pair of shoes.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The room! Nice and comfy, just what the doctor told me to order. I would've liked a balcony, what the heck, I'm in Buenos Aires! The plan was to wander around the area, get some food and soak up the atmosphere, that was the plan. But, uh… jet lag. I took a nap. A REALLY long nap. Woke up disoriented, starving, and slightly grumpy. Decided to forgo the original plan of having a fancy dinner (way to go, me). Found a little parrilla around the corner. Ate some chorizo and empanadas that were surprisingly delicious.
Day 2: Tango Troubles and Tourist Traps (Mostly the Latter)
- Morning: Breakfast in the hotel. The breakfast buffet was pretty standard-ish. Okay, I'm not going to lie, it was amazing! Fresh fruit, pastries, and decent coffee. Fueling up for the day.
- Mid-morning: Attempting the "Recoleta Cemetery" thing. The thing is, it's a cemetery, I don't like cemeteries, they give me the creeps. But I heard it was a must do. Lost myself, both literally and figuratively, among the mausoleums. Some are beautiful, some are spooky. The whole graveyard is the mausoleums and the rich families that are very proud of them. Found Evita’s grave. Everyone else was there. Saw a lot of people taking photos and smiling… I don't smile at cemeteries. It was all a bit overwhelming. Very touristy, but… okay, I guess it's worth it.
- Lunch: After the Recoleta, I was STARVING again. Found this trendy cafe near the cemetery (yes, after the graveyard, I feel bad for them). The avocado toast? Overpriced. The coffee? Cold. The people? Pretend to be very elegant and cultured. I think I should take some lessons, or maybe not, I don't have the time, I'm on vacations.
- Afternoon: Learned a bit tango. A friend of a friend, said it was "unmissable". Let's just say my tango skills are… nonexistent. I was a walking, clumsy disaster. Tripped over my own feet, my partner (bless his patience) kept laughing. I think he was laughing at me, but it was a good laugh. I think he was a little bit too sexy in real life.
- Evening: Tango lesson, and dinner with a bit of a mix of everything near the hotel. The tango show was at El Viejo Almacén, It was a little too touristy for my liking, the dancers were amazing, and the music was beautiful, but the whole thing felt a little… staged. The food was okay, but I didn't care for it much. I'm going to be honest, felt a little bit like being scammed. I wouldn't go back, but I'm glad I did it.
Day 3: The Madness of Markets and Meat Overload
- Morning: San Telmo Market! Now this is more like it. The market was amazing, really full of people. The scent of antiques, leather, spices… everything that Buenos Aires smells like. I got lost amongst the stalls of antiques and the bustling crowds. Bought a random trinket I have no use for, but I loved it. Bargaining is an art, but I'm a beginner.
- Afternoon: Meat, meat, glorious meat. I ate it all, and it was amazing. Went to a parrilla called Don Julio (recommended by almost everyone to the point where I think some of them were just telling me to go). I had a steak that literally melted in my mouth. Worth the wait (and the inevitable food coma). So much meat. I'm pretty sure I'm like 90% Argentinian beef now.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Tried to walk off the meat coma with a stroll through the colorful streets of La Boca. Beautiful, sure, but also a little too "performative". Everyone wants to take a photo. I'm very happy I was there. The colorful buildings are very beautiful. Took a lot of photos. Then I went back to Dazzler, had a bath, and passed out. Today I have no regrets.
Day 4: River Rambles and Regret (A Little Bit)
- Morning: Today I was planning a day trip. Tried to book a day trip. It got complicated, so I decided to go to the area of Puerto Madero. Walked around the docks along the river, taking in the (somewhat bland) architecture. Did a bit of shopping in the Puerto Madero. Ended up feeling a bit disappointed. Too modern, too sterile. Beautiful to see the boats on the river.
- Afternoon: Cafe. I have too many bad memories with the Puerto Madero area. Found a cute cafe, had a drink, a chat with the guy next to me, who was very kind. I don't think I will visit again.
- Evening: Packing for the airport. Feeling a little bit sad that my trip is ending, It's a shame. I wish I could stay a little bit more. Checked out of Dazzler. The staff was amazing! The hotel was amazing.
- Night: Plane and home.
Final Thoughts (and a Few Tears)
Buenos Aires… you crazy, beautiful, confusing place. I loved the chaos, the food, the tango (even though I'm terrible at it), the people, the meat, the history. I'm sure I missed stuff, got lost, made a fool of myself a few times. But that’s the point, right? You can't capture a city like this in a perfectly polished itinerary. You just have to dive in, get messy, and let Buenos Aires work its magic.
I'm already planning my return. Next time, I'm bringing a dictionary (and tango lessons).
And maybe, just maybe, I’ll pack those extra shoes. (Okay, probably not.)
¡Bora Bora en Albania? ¡El Hotel que te dejará sin aliento!
¡Ay, Dios Mío! ¿De verdad el Dazzler Buenos Aires es "el hotel que te dejará sin aliento"? ¿No es un poco exagerado? Vamos...
¡Ja! ¡Hasta que lo ves! Mira, la publicidad es publicidad, ¿verdad? Pero, loco, te juro que… casi me quedo sin aliento… *literalmente*… por un motivo que te cuento más abajo. Pero sí, la vista desde algunas habitaciones… ¡ufff! Es como que te quitan el aire. No es solo el hotel, es… Buenos Aires. Es como que te abraza la ciudad (o te asfixia, depende de tu estado de ánimo). ¿Exagerado? Quizás un poco, pero… ¡merece estar en tu lista! Sobre todo, no te lo pierdas si te gusta la arquitectura porteña, esa mezcla de Europa y Sudamérica que te parte la cabeza (en el buen sentido, claro).
¿Qué onda con la ubicación? ¿Es un buen lugar para moverse por la ciudad? Porque, ¿sabés? A veces me pierdo hasta en mi propio barrio...
¡Uf! La ubicación… es clave, che. Está en San Telmo, que es… ¡un barrio con alma! Es como viajar en el tiempo, con esas calles adoquinadas, los tangueros en la plaza… ¡una locura! Literalmente, una locura. Yo me perdí. La primera vez que fui, salí del hotel y… ¡ploff! Absorbió. Pero, bueno, después te acostumbras. Estás cerca de todo: el Obelisco, la Casa Rosada, Puerto Madero… todo a mano. Lo mejor, ¡el Mercado de San Telmo! ¡Ahí te comes unos sándwiches de bondiola que te mandan a la gloria! Lo malo… a veces hay mucho ruido, ¡San Telmo es un hervidero! Pero, ¿sabes?, es el encanto, ¿no?
¿Y las habitaciones? ¿Son cómodas? ¿Hay problemas con el ruido? Me da pánico no poder dormir…
¡Las habitaciones! ¡Depende! Yo, la primera vez, me dieron una… ¡caja de fósforos! Literalmente. Pequeña, oscura… ¡casi lloro! Pedí que me cambiasen, y después… ¡una maravilla! Amplia, con vistas… ¡el paraíso! Así que… si te toca una mala, *insiste*. El ruido… sí, a veces hay ruido. Pero, ¿sabes?, si tienes una habitación que da a la calle, es el ruido de Buenos Aires. A mí me gusta. Me recuerda que estoy vivo, en una ciudad vibrante. Ahora, si eres de los que necesitan silencio sepulcral para dormir… ¡pide una habitación interior o llévate tapones! Y por si acaso, un bate de béisbol para hacer dormir al vecino ruidoso, jajaja. No, mentira… pero sí, tapones.
¿Tienen desayuno? ¿Es bueno? Soy de los que se atiborran en el desayuno…
¡El desayuno! ¡Importante! Es… bueno. No es el desayuno de un Ritz, pero cumple. Hay fruta, medialunas (¡imprescindibles!), huevos revueltos, jamón, queso… Todo lo básico. La clave, para mí, es el café. ¡El café argentino! ¡Un manjar! ¡Me tomo como tres tazas! Ahora, si eres un *foodie* extremo… quizás te decepcione un poco. Pero, insisto, cumple. Y sí, te puedes atiborrar, ¡yo lo hago! ¡Me preparo para un día de caminata por Buenos Aires! Y a veces… vuelvo por un segundo desayuno. ¡Soy así!
¿Algo para destacar del personal del hotel? ¿Son amables? Los odiosos me dan mucha fiaca.
¡El personal! ¡Importante! En general, son amables. ¡Muy amables! Siempre dispuestos a ayudarte, a darte consejos… ¡Son la onda! Recuerdo una vez que me perdí (¡sí, otra vez!) y no tenía idea de cómo volver al hotel. ¡Me ayudaron! ¡Me tradujeron! ¡Me dieron indicaciones claras! ¡Me salvaron la vida! Bueno, la exageración… pero sí, me ayudaron un montón. Siempre puedes encontrar a alguien un poco… "distante", pero en general, la gente es muy simpática. Y si no, ¡sé amable tú! ¡Eso siempre funciona!
¿Qué hay de la limpieza? ¿Es un hotel pulcro o te da cosa tocar las cosas? Soy un poco maniático…
¡La limpieza! ¡Fundamental! Yo… no soy precisamente un obsesivo compulsivo, pero… me gusta la limpieza. El hotel está… limpio. ¡Muy limpio! Las habitaciones, los baños… todo impecable. No vas a encontrar pelos en la ducha ni nada por el estilo, ¡tranquilo! Ahora, si eres *super* maniático… quizás encuentres alguna pequeña imperfección, pero nada grave. En general, la limpieza es excelente. Y no te preocupes, no te va a dar cosa tocar las cosas. ¡Salvo quizás el picaporte de la puerta después de la maratón de tango en la plaza!
¿Tienen piscina? ¿Y gimnasio? Soy de los que necesitan actividad, aunque sea mínima.
¡Piscina y gimnasio! ¡Sí, tienen! La piscina… no es enorme, pero está bien para un chapuzón después de un día de caminata. Y el gimnasio… es pequeño, pero tiene lo básico. Si eres un fanático del fitness, quizás te decepcione un poco. Pero, para mantenerte activo… ¡cumple! Yo, a veces, voy. Aunque, admito, prefiero perderme por las calles de Buenos Aires. ¡Es más ejercicio! Y más divertido. Y te encuentras con cosas que … ¡ahí va la anécdota de la falta de aliento! Una vez… ¡caminé por una cuadra! La más linda de Buenos Aires… ¡por lo menos para mí! Pasé por la puerta de un restaurante, y el aroma… ¡a carne asada! ¡A chimichurri! ¡A felicidad! Me quedé… hipnotizado. Entonces, ¡alguien salió con una bandeja de… empanadas! ¡Calientes, recién hechas! ¡Y me las regalaron! ¡Y eran las mejores empanadas de mi vida! Y… ¡me atraganté de la emoción! ¡Casi me quedo sin aliento! Por la alegría, por el sabor, ¡por Buenos Aires! ¡Por eso digo que te dejará sin aliento! Y por las empanadas, obvio.
¿Recomendarías el Dazzler Buenos Aires? ¿Volverías? Necesito opiniones sinceras…
¡Absolutamente! Sí, lo recomiendo. Sí, volvería. ¿Por qué? Por la ubicación, por el ambiente, por la buena onda… Por Buenos Aires, sobre todo. Y por las empanadas. Ya te dije, ¡me marcarHotel Al Instante
