Escape to Paradise: Icaro Suites Hotel, Buenos Aires Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Icaro Suites Hotel, Buenos Aires Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Icaro Suites Hotel - Buenos Aires, My Chaotic Love Affair! (And It Still Awaits…)
Alright, buckle up, because I’m about to spill the beans on Icaro Suites Hotel in Buenos Aires. Forget the neatly packaged hotel reviews; we're diving headfirst into the gloriously messy truth. This isn't just a review; it's therapy, a love letter, and a confession all rolled into one.
Why Buenos Aires? Why Icaro? A Rambling Prelude…
I'm not gonna lie, the initial draw to Buenos Aires was pure wanderlust fueled by a slightly obsessive tango documentary. And Icaro Suites? Well, the photos were pretty. And the price… let’s just say my budget wasn’t exactly brimming with gold doubloons. But look, even broke wanderers deserve a little… something, right? So, I clicked "book," crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best. This isn't going to be smooth, but hey, Argentina isn't known for being smooth either.
First Impressions: Arrival and the Glorious Chaos of Argentina
Accessibility: Okay, let's get the serious stuff over with. Icaro Suites claims to be accessible. (Accessibility, Facilities for disabled guests): I'm not in a wheelchair, but I had a friend who is and was concerned, and I definitely noticed an elevator. However, I'd advise contacting them directly if specific accessibility needs are a must. The spirit seemed willing; the Buenos Aires infrastructure, well… that’s another story, folks.
Check-in/out [express, private], Front desk [24-hour], Concierge, Doorman, Luggage storage: This is where things got… colorful. The doorman? Charming. Fluent in smiles, less so in English, which led to some fantastic, hilarious hand gestures. The check-in was anything but express. Let's just say I had ample time to admire the lobby while they sorted out my reservation. (They have a great gift shop though, great for souvenirs!). Luggage storage was a lifesaver, especially given my flight's insane schedule.
The Room: My Tiny, Glorious Kingdom
Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
My room? Small, yes. But with a view that nearly made me weep. The blackout curtains were a godsend; I needed them after some late nights fueled by Malbec and impromptu tango lessons (another story!). The bed was ridiculously comfortable. And the free Wi-Fi? Absolute hero. It was a decent-sized room for one person, for sure. I also appreciated the mini-bar!
Internet - Wi-Fi in all rooms! Okay, okay, the Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas: connection wasn't always lightning-fast, but hey, I was on vacation. It worked well enough for my social media stalking and frantic Google Maps searches. They definitely emphasize the importance of the internet. This is good.
Cleanliness and Safety (A Sigh of Relief During a Pandemic!)
Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment
I was genuinely impressed. Especially given the chaotic nature I'd experienced in the real Buenos Aires. They took the pandemic seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff masked up. And the daily disinfection? It felt like I was living in a slightly less stressful (but still delightfully messy) bubble. Okay, maybe the doctor/nurse on call was a bit too serious.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Adventures in Argentinian Gastronomy (and My Digestive System)
Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant
I spent more time eating in Buenos Aires than I did sleeping (probably). Icaro's breakfast buffet? Solid. They offer the standard western and international options, and you can eat in your room. I did miss some of the local color, but it was perfectly fine. The coffee shop was a godsend. I am happy to say that their Poolside bar was closed during my visit. I would have been too tempted!
My Biggest Obsession: The Spa/Sauna/Steamroom (Worth the Price of Admission!)
Ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]
Okay, here’s the juicy bit. The spa. The Spa/sauna/steamroom…oh my god. After a whirlwind day of exploring, (and probably losing a few pesos to a tango instructor with a dazzling smile), I’d head straight for the sauna. The pool with a view was incredible, and if someone could follow me around the world with a masseuse, a body scrub, and a spa, I'd be a considerably happier person. The gym? I didn't go. I was far too busy eating empanadas and practicing my (very questionable) tango. Forget the fitness center! The real exercise was trying not to spill my red wine!
Things to do: Adventures (and Misadventures) in Buenos Aires
Things to do: Audio-visual equipment for special events, Babysitting service, Bicycle parking, Business facilities, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Couple's room, Elevator, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Laundry service, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Non-smoking rooms, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center
Icaro's location was ideal. Close enough to the main attractions (Recoleta, San Telmo, all that jazz!) but nestled in a quieter neighborhood. The airport transfer made arriving and leaving a breeze (after the initial chaos of finding them, of course!). They did offer all sorts of services, but this is Buenos Aires! You're supposed to get lost. The convenience store came in handy for late-night snacks (and maybe a bottle or two of wine). Although, a good, local bakery is more important. Still, a gift shop exists.
The Staff: A Mixed Bag of Charms, Blessings, and Misunderstandings.
Let's talk people. The staff were, without exception, trying. They were incredibly welcoming. The waitstaff? Always charming, even when battling on behalf of my bad Spanish. The concierge was good at recommendations. All the other employees, from the room cleaners to the people that worked the front desk, were always helpful.
The Quirks (Because This Hotel is Gloriously Imperfect)
- The Elevator Saga: It's small. And slow. It's an adventure every time you decide to use it.
- The Air Conditioning Conspiracy: It worked when it felt like it. And sometimes it was just, "Nope, you're getting the full Argentinian heat experience, my friend."
- The "Forgotten" Room Service Order: Hey, no worries, it gave me time to explore the city…before I was starving.
My Overall Verdict: The Chaos and the Charm - You'll Come Back.
Icaro Suites isn't perfect. It's not the fanciest. And it definitely has its quirks. But it has soul. It has charm. And it certainly has a fantastic spa. It's the kind of place that, despite the occasional bumps in the road, you'll remember with a smile. (And maybe a yearning
Bandung's BEST 2BR Majesty Apartment: Travelio Homey Haven Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your glossy travel brochure itinerary. This is real life hitting Buenos Aires at the Icaro Suites. Get ready for a bumpy ride, because, trust me, it's going to be!
Buenos Aires: My Apartment-Sized Slice of Heaven (and Chaos)
Day 1: Arrival – Jet Lag & Empanada Redemption
- Time: 6:00 AM - Arrive at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE). Ugh. The flight felt longer than the actual flight time. My back feels like a twisted pretzel.
- Action: Drag myself through customs, feeling like a zombie. I'd swear the Argentine border patrol guy looked at me with pity. Finally, the luggage carousel – my nemesis. Praying my bag made it. It did! Big win.
- Transportation: Uber to Icaro Suites. The driver, bless his heart, spoke approximately zero English. We communicated mostly through frantic hand gestures and Google Translate. This is going to be fun, isn't it?
- Arrival at Icaro Suites: Check-in. The lobby is gorgeous, all sleek lines and that modern minimalist look. My room? YES. Absolutely perfect. I'm in a suite, it’s like an entire apartment. I had to do a little squeal. God, I need a nap. But first, a shower. And then… FOOD.
- Lunch (aka Empanada Rescue Mission): Found a little hole-in-the-wall near the hotel. It smelled divine. Ordered like, five empanadas, one of each kind. The beef one… oh. My. God. It was a religious experience. Pure, unadulterated joy. I think I might be in love with Argentina already.
- Afternoon: Nap. A LONG nap. Jet lag is no joke. Woke up feeling disoriented and slightly panicked about the concept of time itself.
- Evening: Walked around the Palermo Soho neighborhood. So many cute shops, so many impossibly chic Argentinians. Tried to channel a little bit of that effortless style and instantly failed. Ended up in a bar – drinks! Ordered a Malbec and sat outside, people-watching. Buenos Aires is already buzzing. It feels alive.
- Food: Dinner at a random Argentinian restaurant. The pasta! Delicious. The service? A bit slow. Apparently, "mañana" really does mean "someday" here. But who cares?! The vibe is magic.
Day 2: Tango Tantrums & Steak Nirvana
- Morning: Wandered around the Recoleta neighborhood, marvelling at the architecture. I'm obsessed with the cemetery. It's morbid, but also beautiful. So many stories etched in stone.
- Mid-morning: Tango lesson! Oh boy. Thought I had some rhythm. I don’t. The instructor, a gorgeous, patient man, tried to guide me, but I just kept tripping over my own feet. I swear I step on his. I'm a klutz. By the end, my feet ached, my cheeks burned from embarrassment.
- Lunch: More empanadas. I'm having an affair with these things.
- Afternoon: Wandered down to La Boca, the colorful, vibrant neighborhood. It’s pure chaos and I love it! The street performers are amazing. A little too much tourist trap, but the energy is infectious.
- Evening: Dinner. THE STEAK. I'd heard about Argentinian beef, but nothing could have prepared me. I ate at a traditional "parrilla". I got the bife de chorizo. It's the best steak of my life, cooked perfectly. It was literally melt-in-your-mouth. I almost cried.
- Night: Walked around Palermo Hollywood. More bars. More drinks. Met some locals… or at least, I think I did. My Spanish is still terrible.
Day 3: Coffee Conundrums & Chocolate Dreams
- Morning: Searching for the perfect cup of coffee. This is proving difficult. Apparently, "café con leche" can mean anything from weak milky water to espresso that could stop a rhino. I'll keep searching.
- Mid-morning: Found an amazing chocolate shop near the hotel. The chocolate is heavenly. I bought enough to last me a lifetime, or at least until tomorrow.
- Afternoon: Browsed some antique shops and bookshops, mostly just admiring the stuff but not purchasing anything. I need to be stricter on my spending. Also, my suitcase is already full.
- Late Afternoon: I decided I would go up the Obelisco. That giant structure. I did it! The view was amazing, but the climbing of that many stairs was terrible. Made worse by the fact that I hate heights.
- Evening: More eating! I’m such a cliché. Trying a different Argentinian food from the local area. All the food is wonderful.
- Night: Back to the hotel, I watch some local TV. I don't understand any of it, but it's still interesting.
Day 4: Day Trip to Tigre & Farewell Fears
- Morning: Day trip to Tigre. Took the train. It's beautiful there, the boat ride, the market - such a contrast to Buenos Aires. It's like a little slice of Venice.
- Lunch: Simple lunch at a restaurant in Tigre. Enjoyed the scenic views.
- Afternoon: Return to Buenos Aires. This is my last full day, and I start to panic. There is so much I need to do, and so much I still want to see. I buy all of the souvenirs I can.
- Evening: Final dinner. A nice restaurant. I order my favorite meal, just to savor all of the amazing flavors one last time.
- Night: Packing. Crying a little. Saying goodbye. This is going to be sad.
Day 5: Departure – The Bitter-Sweet goodbye
- Time: Early morning. Up way earlier than I need to be. Last look at the gorgeous hotel.
- Action: Grab a quick bite at a cafe near Icaro Suites. Saying goodbye to the friendly staff.
- Transportation: Uber to EZE. My Spanish has improved, but I'm still mostly using hand gestures.
- Departure: Adios, Buenos Aires. I'm leaving a chunk of my heart here. But I'll be back. Someday. I hope.
Quirky Observations & Rambles:
- The Argentinian accent is intoxicating. It's like they're all singing to you, even when they're yelling.
- The constant meat consumption is both amazing and terrifying. Will I ever eat a vegetable again?
- Learning basic Spanish is a must. Even a few phrases make a huge difference.
- Get ready for the late nights. Everything happens later here. Embrace the chaos.
- The people. They're warm, passionate, and genuinely welcoming.
- Icaro Suites? An amazing choice. The staff is friendly, the location is perfect, and my suite was a dream.
- The food! Need I say more? Bring stretchy pants.
- I'm already planning my return trip.
Emotional Reactions:
I'm in love. Truly, madly, deeply in love with Buenos Aires. The energy, the culture, the food, the people… It's all a whirlwind of amazing. There were moments of frustration (the tango lesson!), moments of pure joy (the steak!), and moments of genuine connection. I'm leaving with a suitcase full of memories, a slightly thicker waistline, and a burning desire to return. Buenos Aires, you stole my heart. And I'm not sure I want it back.
Pushkar's Hidden Gem: Masterinn Hotel — Unforgettable Stay Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Icaro Suites Hotel, Buenos Aires Awaits! - FAQs (With a Side of Reality!)
Okay, so…Is Icaro Suites REALLY paradise? Because I've been promised that before and ended up in a glorified hostel.
Alright, alright, let's be real. Paradise? That's a STRONG word. Look, Icaro Suites is NICE. REALLY nice. Like, you walk in and there's this scent… I swear it's a mix of old leather and expensive coffee. Totally sets a mood. But paradise? Nah. Paradise is probably a deserted island with an endless supply of empanadas and Malbec. Which, sadly, isn't offered. *sigh*
But, seriously, Icaro Suites *is* a damn good hotel. The rooms are spacious, the beds are comfy, and the staff… well, I had one guy, forget his name, whose English was as patchy as my Spanish (which is saying something!), but he *tried*. He got me a cab, eventually, and that’s all that matters. Though I swear, he kept calling me “Seńor Potato” for some reason. Don't ask.
So, to answer your question: No, it's not a *literal* paradise. But it's a damn good jumping-off point to explore the actual paradise that is Buenos Aires. And that city? Pure magic. Seriously, go. Just go.
The website says "luxury". What does that *actually* mean? Because I’ve seen "luxury" interpreted very loosely.
Ah, the word "luxury." The siren song of travel marketing. Okay, so Icaro Suites’ "luxury" is… well, it’s not the Buckingham Palace kind. More like… a REALLY well-appointed apartment. Think: nice linens (important!), a decent-sized TV, and a bathroom that, praise be, doesn't have that weird crusty grout situation you find in some places.
My "luxury" experience? The first morning, I was SO jet lagged, I practically stumbled down to the breakfast buffet (more on that later). And there it was: freshly squeezed orange juice. I felt like a queen. A slightly disheveled, sleep-deprived queen, but a queen nonetheless. That, my friends, is luxury on a budget.
There's also a rooftop pool. Which is great, except… I’m terrible at swimming. And the water was FREEZING. But the view? Absolutely stunning! You're basically looking down at the city. That, and the fact there was a cocktail bar up there too, meant I spent a good part of my visit by the pool. Again, the views... Oh, and the cocktail bar didn't hurt either!
Tell me about the breakfast. Is it actually worth getting out of bed for? Because, honesty, I love my sleep.
Okay, breakfast. This is a point of GREAT IMPORTANCE. Seriously, the breakfast buffet at Icaro Suites… it’s a make-or-break situation, honestly. And I, a self-confessed breakfast enthusiast, can confirm: IT IS WORTH GETTING OUT OF BED FOR. Even if you're battling a hangover from the previous night's Malbec-induced revelry.
They have everything! Fresh fruit, pastries that will make you weep with joy (the medialunas are *heavenly*), the usual suspects (eggs, bacon, etc.), and – and this is the key to my heart – a *proper* coffee machine. Not that sad, watered-down stuff you get elsewhere. I swear, I nearly hugged the barista on the first morning. I think I may have stared at him for an awkward time.
My biggest regret? Not eating MORE. Seriously. Load up those plates. You'll need the energy to explore Buenos Aires. Or, you know, just to nap on the ridiculously comfortable bed later. The breakfast is a crucial investment, both in terms of fuel and pure joy, especially considering how much you'll be walking in that amazing city.
What’s the location like? Is it easy to get around?
The location is pretty good. It's in a central area, which means you're close to a lot of stuff. Walking distance, even! Okay, maybe not everything is *walking* distance, but you can definitely hoof it to some great restaurants and shops. I mean, I walked for miles (probably because I got happily lost). Trust me, getting lost is part of the fun in Buenos Aires.
Plus, the hotel is well-connected with public transport. The subway (Subte) is super easy to use, and taxis are everywhere. Don't let the first cab driver scare you. They are, in fact, all a bit…enthusiastic about their driving. One driver almost took out a lamppost! But, hey, at least things move fast! The key is to hold on tight, and embrace the chaos. It's part of the city’s charm.
The best part about the location? It felt safe. I wandered around at all hours, and while you should always be aware of your surroundings (duh!), I never felt genuinely threatened. Which is golden when you're a solo traveler, like me, and prone to getting distracted by amazing architecture. And, oh, the architecture…"
Any hidden gems or insider tips about Icaro Suites?
Okay, here's the good stuff. The best "hidden gem" about Icaro Suites? The rooftop terrace, by far! The pool is great, but that view… it's something else. Especially at sunset. Get up there with a drink and just…breathe. It’s the perfect antidote to the sensory overload that is Buenos Aires.
Also, tip: The staff are surprisingly helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations. They know the city! I got some amazing restaurant tips from the concierge. And they can help you book tours, shows... even just tell you where to get the best alfajores (which, trust me, you NEED to know).
My biggest tip? Learn a few basic Spanish phrases. Seriously. Even a little "gracias" and "por favor" goes a long way. And download a translation app. It'll save you from ordering, I don't know, a plate of… something you don’t recognise. I almost accidentally ordered cow tongue once. Yikes. I survived the experience, but I'll never be the same.
What did you *not* like about the hotel? Because nobody's perfect.
Alright, full disclosure time. Nobody is going to write about the hotel for a long time, and that's probably the case. And, honestly, there were a few minor things. First, the Wi-Fi. It was a bit… spotty at times. Like, it would cut out just when I was mid-sentence on a VERY important cat video viewing. Which is a catastrophe, obviously.
Also, the soundproofing in my room wasn’t perfect. I could occasionally hear the street noise, which, if you're a light sleeper like me, can be problematic. I ended up investing in some earplugs. Problem solved! I’m still not completely sure that the person in the room next to mine was talking on the phone *every* night at THREE AM or if, like me, the city just never sleeps! YouYokohama's BEST Hotel? Livemax Kannai Ekimae Review!
Post a Comment for "Escape to Paradise: Icaro Suites Hotel, Buenos Aires Awaits!"