National Protocol for hotels | COVID-19

Posted on 29/07/2020 by Tomas Fegan

Since the declaration of a pandemic, hotels in Argentina have been closed by order of the national Ministry of Tourism, with the exception of those that will host repatriated residents in quarantine or foreigners awaiting their repatriation. Meanwhile, the restaurants, bars and confectioneries also remained inoperative in Phase 1 of the emergency, but then they were exclusively enabled to provide take away services.

To date, with the exception of the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA) and Gran Córdoba, Chaco and Bariloche, practically the entire country is already in Phase 4. In fact, a few provinces have already enabled intra-provincial tourism and opened establishments. gastronomic with strict restrictions.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Argentina launched the national protocols for hotels and gastronomic establishments
But it was clear that a unified and standardized criterion by the health authorities would be needed at the national level, since neither a tourist, nor an operator, nor a transporter, nor a hotel chain can comply with 24 different protocols.

In this framework, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports released its health recommendations and guidelines for the prevention of COVID-19 this Wednesday, June 10, within the framework of a forthcoming reopening of tourist activity that, as anticipated by the Holder of that portfolio, Matías Lammens, could take shape during the winter holidays, that is, in July.

As reported by the ministry, this Argentine protocol was prepared in conjunction with the Institute for Tourism Quality (ICTA), the Argentine Chamber of Tourism (CAT), the Association of Tourism Hotels (AHT), the Association of Hotels, Restaurants, Confectioneries and Cafés (Ahrcc), the Gastronomic Hotel Business Federation of the Argentine Republic (Fehgra) and the provinces, through the Federal Tourism Council (CFT).

These are two manuals that comply with the recommendations established by the Ministry of Health, and their main objective is precisely “to protect the health and well-being of workers and tourists”.

The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Matías Lammens, coordinated the protocols with the private sector

“They are concrete tools, health recommendations and care guidelines that aim to strengthen the value chain and contribute to preserving jobs in the sector, in line with new global demands,” explained Lammens.

At a general level, the two procedural guides propose, for example, the implementation of control measures for personnel, prior to entering work, for the detection of symptoms compatible with COVID-19, and the appointment of those responsible for this task.

As explained to HOSTELTUR sources from the ministry, both manuals, which are the first in a series that will cover the entire spectrum of the activity, are recommendations that have already been signed by the 23 provinces and the City of Buenos Aires (as indicated, participated in its preparation). Therefore, the supervision of its implementation and compliance will be the responsibility of each jurisdiction, according to local regulations and the evolution of the pandemic.

Key points

Occasionally, in the case of tourist accommodation, all employees who have contact with guests must wear face masks, provided that this is stipulated in their jurisdiction. Likewise, except for specific tasks, the use of gloves is not recommended, since viral particles tend to remain on latex / nitrile for longer.

It is also suggested to digitize the check in and check out process and, in a first stage, avoid the services of bell boy and valet parking. Meanwhile, it is proposed to install a mailbox to deposit the keys and that they be disinfected

In all cases, capacity is key, both for employees and guests. That is why it is recommended to install glass panels as barriers and always indicate the maximum capacity of people in the areas of common use. Similarly, alcohol gel should be offered and the individual use of elevators maintained; and with regard to circulation, it is recommended that it be in one direction only, with indicative signs. In addition, it is advisable not to allow access to swimming pools and gyms, unless the local health authority indicates otherwise.

After checking out, the rooms must be free long enough to ensure proper ventilation, deep cleaning and disinfection.

In reference to food and beverages, they recommend avoiding their manipulation by guests and implementing breakfast service in the room; or serve it under the take away modality; have coffee makers in the rooms; extend breakfast hours; or offer prior reservation to plan the number of diners.

Restaurant menus should be digital or laminated, to facilitate disinfection, while drinks will be delivered closed, in the bottle or can, while it is recommended to cancel the minibar service.

In this sense, the manual for gastronomic establishments recommends working with advance reservations to plan the number of diners from the previous day, displaying the menu on posters placed outside and inside the premises, avoiding self-service food (buffet); and offer a la carte dishes in individual portions. The personnel of those who operate under the take away modality must work in uniform and wash their hands before and after each delivery or order.

Finally, for these venues it is recommended to close the playgrounds for boys to organize the kitchen staff in shifts; and disinfect tableware, cutlery and glassware in the dishwasher, including unused one in one shift.

How to find the prefect hotel for you | 4 tips

Posted on 29/07/2020 by Tomas Fegan

1. Be clear about what you want

Before starting your search we recommend that you be very clear about your north regarding what you want or expect the hotel to offer you. It is different if you go alone, as a couple or with children, in each case the objective of the hotel may change.
If you go alone and on a low budget, it is very likely that you do not mind staying in a low-cost hotel or hostel, if you go as a couple suddenly you want a little more privacy and you will want a hotel with some characteristics, but if you go with Children, the first thing you think about is that the beds are really clean and located in a safe place. That is why you must consider all the variables: company, budget, location and very important to know what use you will give the hotel.

2. What is your budget

Be realistic when allocating the budget. It is true that we all want a 5-star hotel for the price of one of 2, but the reality is that each star means more quality, more amenities and more price. Being realistic puts your feet on the ground regarding the hotel that you can achieve with the budget you plan to invest in it. Based on that, you can do a sensible search and the results will be adjusted to your needs. Remember to be very clear about how you will use the hotel, how long you are going to stay in it, if it is only for sleeping or what kind of amenities you need. This will help you debug among the thousands of options.

3. Where it is located

As important as the previous point of the budget is the location of the hotel. If you are organized you will know which area is best for you so that it becomes your starting point every morning. Locate on a map the attractions you are going to visit or the places of your interest, with this you will realize which area you are going to frequent the most, based on this you can choose the best location of the hotel. Although the most popular areas tend to have the best hotels, it is also true that you can find very good hotels at comfortable prices. Something else to consider is that if you go to a more remote area to get a better price, this can play against you when it comes to transporting you, since long distances will make you lose valuable time on your vacation and the cost of moving from One side to the other will also affect your pocket. So you have to weigh all the factors and make the wisest decision. Cheer up!

4. Check the comments

This step is very helpful, although we know that for all people the experience lived in a hotel can result in different points of view, but somehow you can get a general idea of what you can expect in that hotel, of its service, facilities, cleaning, among other things to evaluate. Do not take any of the comments as absolute, but keep in mind if, for example, several of the comments talk about the poor condition of the bathrooms, if so, you will know what to expect in that regard. Some people are very scrupulous and for a very small thing they can completely damage the reputation of a hotel, that is why we advise you to take the time to do a good survey and thereby rule out the subjectivity of some comments. Something that we ask you in addition to reading and drawing your own conclusions is that you try to capture your experience in the spaces intended for it, as well as the comments of others can determine your decision, yours can be very good for someone who is in the same process that you already lived in your search.

Best places to visit in Buenos Aires

Posted on 28/07/2020 by Tomas Fegan

1. Tourism in Buenos Aires: Important Buildings

From this emblematic site, institutions such as the Casa Rosada, which is the seat of the Government, were founded. The Metropolitan Cathedral and the Banco de la Nación Argentina building and the Cabildo also stand out. These buildings are the most important to take into account when making the traditional tour of the city center . We are sure that you will be impressed.

There are other tourist destinations that you cannot miss on your visit to Buenos Aires, such as Palermo.

2. Palermo Buenos Aires:

Palermo is the largest and most modern neighborhood. It is the preferred place to stay among those who visit the city. The qualities of this town are superfluous so that it is on the list of the most visited in the Argentine capital. You can find this variety:

The best restaurants in Buenos Aires.
Fashion designer stores.
Pubs.
Pubs.
Discotheques.

In addition, Palermo offers you various elementary tourist destinations:

Plaza Serrano is one of them where you will enjoy beautiful natural spaces and chat with the locals.
You should also go to the Botanical Garden, which is a National Monument, with more than 5,000 species of plants, sculptures and greenhouses.
You cannot miss going to the zoo, the Japanese Garden and the Rose Garden.

They are all iconic places in Palermo that give it that characteristic of a cosmopolitan neighborhood.

3. The Planetarium:

The Planetarium is the astronomical center of the city of Buenos Aires and is in Palermo . There you can do one of the most traditional walks with the children of the family. They will be able to see the operation of eclipses, celestial bodies and projections of the solar disk. Within its spaces there is a museum and an Astronomy library. All the entertainment for the little ones.

4. The Palermo Forests:

If you want to be in contact with nature you have to go to the Bosques de Palermo. You will find rose gardens and lakes, which make the place one of the preferred tourist destinations . From the northeast you can get to the Río de la Plata and board a boat to take a walk through its waters. It is a nice and quiet adventure that you will always remember.

5. The Colón Theater:

If culture is your thing The Colón Theater awaits you in Buenos Aires. Works such as La Scala in Milan and the Opéra Garnier in Paris have been presented in this imposing venue. Its historical value is represented by its data of more than a century. Currently, different workshops for the productions of their shows are held at that venue. The Higher Art Institute also works, where future lyrical singers and dancers are prepared.

Additionally, you have the National Museum of Fine Arts that has the largest collection of Argentine art. Works of Picasso, Degas, El Greco, Rembrandt, Goya, Rubens, Rodin, Renoir, Cézanne and Chagall stand out. The museum has an important photography room, a pre-Columbian Andean art area and two sculpture terraces. It is a good opportunity to connect with art.

6. Puerto Madero:

If you prefer to walk calmly and with an environment of calm and natural recreation, Puerto Madero is for you. It is one of the quintessential tourist destinations in Buenos Aires with a large pedestrian area. You will be able to take a pleasant walk around different dykes and enjoy the beautiful view of the river. It is ideal to go in pairs and with the whole family.

As a curious fact you should know that Puerto Madero is a neighborhood that pays special tribute to the female sex. Its streets are named after women from the arts, sciences, politics and culture. Additionally, there is the Women’s Bridge, and several important buildings refer to the female sex. It is all a tribute that is made permanently to women.

7. The Fountain of the Nereids:

Other attractions in Puerto Madero are represented by the Fuente de las Nereidas. It is considered the most beautiful in Buenos Aires. In addition, it pays tribute to the women of the country, when compared to the goddess Venus.

8. Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve:

Very close to Puerto Madero you will find the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve with more than 350 hectares to walk or bike. It is an area covered by shrubs, grasslands and lagoons where small reptiles, mammals and many birds live.

9. The Fortabat Museum:

The Fortabat Museum is another of the most emblematic tourist destinations in Puerto Madero. In one of its rooms is the Amalia Lacroze De Fortabat Art Collection. It has works by important Argentine and foreign artists .

With all these data you can make your agenda of places to visit when you arrive in Buenos Aires. The options are very varied and are capable of satisfying varied and demanding tastes.

10. The mouth

If you are looking for something colorful to post on Instagram, you must make this place when you visit the wonderful area of La boca. It is a very colorful neighborhood full of tourism and nice people who enjoy great fellowship playing soccer or dancing tango.

In the same way, you will notice that colonial-style houses and taverns with Italian roots will rise on your sides, so it will be ideal to explore the area in depth. This is one of the busiest in Buenos Aires due to the large presence of tourists, but if you really want to take advantage of the place, take one of the excursions that are presented there, and you will see everything.

If you pass by, don’t forget to visit:

El Caminito: Literally speaking of a path, this area is nationally known in this way by a local singer who baptized it with a song, which presents an open-air museum that exhibits tango and the art market for you to bring something to home. Another highlight of this area is the ability you will have to enjoy traditional restaurants with incredible designs that you will not see anywhere else.
Boca Juniors Stadium: One of the most colorful stadiums, which is visited daily by both tourists and residents of the country due to its great presence as a national monument. If you are a soccer fan, you will surely want to see how a game is formed in this stadium and enjoy it.

11. San Telmo

One of the places with the strongest culture in all of Argentina for sure is San Telmo, this because it is one of the historical centers that have shown their cultural presence since the 19th century, in addition to presenting the best establishments and places with a Great artistic value, as well as museums, and antique shops so you can take anything with you, but without neglecting the great visual force that the churches with Gothic design provide that will take your breath away.

San Telmo has at your disposal places where you can enjoy a nice walk in a beautiful sunset, enjoy a moment at the fair with your family, or if you prefer, have a good coffee in the local area with elegant and regal aspects. they will give you the best service.

Remember that if you walk through San Telmo, you should not miss: Plaza Dorrego.

12. Dorrego Square

Nothing you see anywhere else will compare to the eccentricity and great visual display that one of the best squares in San Telmo presents, and this is Plaza Dorrego. It is capable of drawing the attention of both locals and tourists alike due to an impressive use of local arts and antique shops, combined with a great setting that never causes abandonment.