Novotel Buenos Aires 4 estrelas

we understand that foreign visitors in Argentina are exempted from IVA (tax) of 21% on hotel accommodation. The rebate system is available to visitors who can prove with a valid passport and who pay for their accommodation with a non-Argentine credit .The process should be completed at the time of billing, with no need for any extra paperwork. We stayed at 3 hotels in Argentina, two of which have granted us tax exemption as expected without any hassle. However Novotel Buenos Aires has insisted on charging us 21% tax unless we can produce an online immigration form. The online form simply doesn’t work for us. We requested to see the front desk manager, Emilio but had to return to the hotel twice and waited for one hour before we managed to see him. He appeared to be busy and could only spare us 5 minutes to discuss this matter. He was sarcastic and unapologetic too. Emilio has insisted on charging us the tax. He advised us to claim the tax back at airport which is clearly a bad advice. Tax refund at airport only works for purchases of goods which are supported by tax refund form from merchants. We asked an immigration officer at passport control and she told us there is no need to complete an online form. She wasn’t aware of one herself and she can’t explain why the online form doesn’t work. Anyway we have requested Emilio to explain the reasons for charging us IVA by email which he had promised to do before we leave Argentina. But he had simply ignored our emails despite a few reminders sent. This is totally outrageous! There is no courtesy or what so ever towards a guest and an Accor member! There is no help offered! I guess the hotel will simply pocket the IVA charged for foreign visitors since there is no indication of IVA amount charged on the invoices! The hotel is centrally located near Obelisco, Buenos Aires. They are a lot of other hotels within the same vicinity and price range. We would suggest you to avoid this hotel to save 21% on your accommodation unless you are 100% sure that you could produce an online immigration form. We received equivalent service from another hotel chain 300m away, and saved 21% on our hotel bills hassle free. Why not?

I have reviewed this hotel nine other times, so all details about it are clearly listed. Its pros - location, staff('s teamwork), modern ambience - and cons (tired furniture, decaying condition, high rates, among others - still remain. ALL Platinum full recognition only takes place when demanded, despite my 10th visit, and there are always misunderstandings. The suite remain as comfortable and problematic as always, and all points to be improved have been reported a number of times to the many managers that were employed there! Also, how come such an established place has so much rotation in positions of command?? I believe the hotel simply takes fo granted that they are in prime location and hold a good reputation, implying nothing else needs to be done - that including the famous Argentinean boosted ego! It is still and shall remain an excellent option and I am likely to be back there in a few months; nevertheless, it is frustrating having to come back every time and see no improvement whatsoever... By the way, taxi to/from Ezeiza costs AR$ 7000-8000 and to Aeroparque shall be around AR$ 1500 on the metre.

1. Gym is not good. Machines in very bad condition, weights same situation and missing all levels. Mat damaged. Treadmill broken. 2. Shower area is leaking water to outside. A swimming pool is out when you finish your shower 3. Front desk and restaurant don't answer your calls. The sign in the phone drives you to a wrong button 4. Bedroom is good 5. Air conditioning silent 6. People are nice

The best asset of this hotel is its location, right in the middle of the action in Buenos Aires. Close to restaurants, theaters, book stores, cafes, and an infinite etcetera. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Room is very comfortable overall. I would definitely consider this property on my next visit to Buenos Aires.

Very central, modern, but definitely getting a bit old. Nevertheless, I felt good. Unfortunately, the windows are either not tight or very noisy. You can hear almost everything from the street. Breakfast okay (although the coffee wasn't great), restaurant and bar okay, nice staff.