In May of last year I had planned a trip to visit Argentina. When I reserved my flight with Aerolineas Argentina I was given a price of US$300ish. When I went to their office to pay, I was told the price was US$500something.The reason I was given was because I wasn't a resident (though I wasn't asked). I tried the reservation again online stating I was a resident of the United States (although not true) and the price difference was in the ballpark of US$20 not US$200.
At that time I made a complaint to the Argentina Tourism Office. This was their reply:
From: "Centros de Informacion Turistica" [info@turismo.gov.ar]
Subject: Re: TouristComplaint
Date: Fri, 18 May 2007 12:00:44 -0300
Dear Sir,
I didn't know that the airline which you had problems with was aerolineas argentinas, of course is our issue and that's why I'm answering your e-mail.
It's true that there's a resident tax for argentinian people and I understand your anger. But when you make the reservation by internet, it says that the tax is for argentinian residents and if you are from another country choose the right one. Perhaps you didn't see that note, I don't know.
I'm very sad that you have this image of my country because of a missunderstanding. And we DO CARE about tourists and their complaints, I DO CARE about you feeling that way about my country, you're absolutely right about taking care of your money, but I'm sitting in front of the computer trying to change your point of view about Argentina, about us. Try to give my country a chance and come to our office and see how we treat tourists, you'll very surprised and pleased. But that's your decision. Kindest regards,
Noelia.
Almost a year later, I visited Argentina. The plan was to stay in Buenos Aires for 3 nights. We cut the trip short to 2 nights as we found the treatment of tourists at 2 hotels to be completely unacceptable. It seemed senseless to try and enjoy the city when we were half-asleep and angry.
This is my email to the tourism office and the 2 hotels yesterday morning.
"Try to give my country a chance and come to our office and see how we treat tourists, you'll very surprised and pleased. But that's your decision."You might remember you wrote those words for me almost a year ago.
I decided to give Argentina a try, arrived in Buenos Aires two nights ago and had the absolute worst experiences of my life at TWO different hotels.
If it is of interest or concern to your office, I will email you complete details including a video tape of one of them.
In short:
1) At the Callao Suites, I made a reservation for 3. When we arrived they found a reservation for 6 under my name. When we entered our room, there were already guests in it watching TV! I can't imagine how bad those people felt about our intrusion into their hotel room!
2) At Ayacucho Palace Hotel their website claims that they are "Lejos de Rudio". Last night at 1am we were awoken by heavy duty construction noise. We were told the hotel manager requested the workers start at that hour. I made a video tape of the sawing noise. To be clear the noise was from workers doing construction inside the hotel, not an emergency and not some outside noise beyond the control of the hotel.
After two nights I am cutting my trip short as I have experienced enough of what you call "how we treat our tourists".
Unfortunately, I've been "very surprised", but no where close to pleased.
You also said, "but I'm sitting in front of the computer trying to change your point of view about Argentina." Unfortunately, again your work has been made even more difficult by my experiences at your hotels.
