Secrets of the south: a visitors guide the Southern Cone

Latin Trade, Feb, 2005

Discover the best hotel in Asuncion, or where to get the best steak in Buenos Aires. Know where to shop in Uruguay and where Santiago's best restaurants can be found. LATIN TRADE'S readers reveal the best business centers, bars, nightclubs and malls across the capitals that dot the southern reaches of South America.

ASUNCION

BEST HOTELS

In the Villa Morra neighborhood, the 30's-style mansion Hotel Villa Morra Suites has 30 rooms, a gym, pool, Jacuzzi, business center, auditorium and a restaurant. An ordinary suite goes for US$80. [595] (21) 612-715. www.villamorrasuites.com.py.

An elegant and refined atmosphere awaits the business traveler at the Sabe Center Hotel. In the historic downtown shopping district of Asuncion, the hotel has 88 rooms and a floor with office space and meeting rooms. Room rates from $70 to $250. [595] (21) 450-093. www.sabecenterhotel.com.py

BEST RESTAURANTS

Inside the Villa Morra Suites, La Cava combines the traditional and the modern on its international menu, along with a complete selection of wines and desserts. [595] (21) 612-715. Barbecue, pastas and Paraguayan dishes accompanied by romantic bolero music are at the scene at La Paraguayita. [595] (21) 204-497

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY

Founded in 1956, Inter Express is Paraguay's oldest. Professionalism and straight dealing is the agency's motto, helping this 45-employee shop become the domestic market leader. [595] (21) 490-111

BEST CAR RENTAL

The managers at National Car Rental say they have perfected the combination of U.S. professionalism and Latin American warmth. Now in its 28th year, the company brings highly-trained personnel, a complete fleet of vehicles and the latest technology to make it a leader at the national level. Rates from US$40 to $120 daily [595] (21) 492-157. www.national.com.py

BEST MEETING SPACES

The Hotel Excelsior Summit offers 3,500 square meters of meeting rooms with space for up to 3,700. The dozen rooms are equipped with the latest technology and come with highly trained managers. Rates run from US$100 to $700 per day. [595] (21) 495-632. www.excelsior.com.py.

The Yacht and Golf Club has eight rooms for up to 1,200 and integrated banquet and convention services. It is frequently the spot for official events. Rates run from $100 daily. LATIN TRADE readers selected the hotel's golf course as the best in Asuncion. The Santoja Fitness Spa, on the hotel grounds, was also selected as the best spa in the city [595] (21) 906-121. www.hotelyacht.com.py

BEST SHOPPING

The Mariscal Lopez shopping center is known as the heart of Asuncion, located in the middle of Villa Morra. Its four floors provide an immense shopping complex with 145 stores and eateries. Popular farmers' markets and flower stalls often set up shop here. Dinner in one of its many restaurants costs around US$10 per person. [595] (21) 611-272. www.mariscallopez.com.py

BEST COFFEE

El Bolsi is in the older section of Asuncion, near the ornate city hall and the cathedral. On the same corner and operated by the same family since 1960, it's inside a 19th-century house. A cappuccino and a slice of cake go for US$2. [595] (21) 491-841. www.bolsi.com.py

BEST-KEPT SECRET

Cafe Bohemia has in the last few years become a favorite place to meet friends. A wood-paneled place adorned with Brazilian and Paraguayan art works, the vibe is due in part to abundant music and videos from the 1970s and '80s. Pizzas, snacks and a range of beverages abound. [595] (21) 662-191

BEST CONVENTION CENTER

Carmelitas Center is a good choice for planning events, and its staff" can take care of the tiniest of details. Services include meeting rooms, equipment, banquets, decorations, music and lighting. The complex has 10 conference rooms that can handle anywhere between eight and 500 people. [595] (21) 610-470. www.carmelitas.com.py

BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE

The town of Pilar, about 380 kilometers by highway from Asuncion, is known for its history, architecture, wetlands, flora and fauna. It's surrounded by rivers, lakes and streams. Hotels average US$9 a night. [595] (21) 441-530. www.senatur.gob.py

BUENOS AIRES

BEST HOTEL

"The Hotel InterContinental recently installed king-size beds and feather pillows. In addition to traditional rooms, it has two, 180-square-meter presidential suites. Its spacious bathrooms are decorated with marble and private balconies offer panoramic views of downtown Buenos Aires. Bates start at US$200 per night. [54] (11) 4340-3100. www.interconti.com.ar

BEST RESTAURANT

Cabana Las Lilas in the Puerto Madero neighborhood offers riverside dining for lunch or dinner. It specializes in Argentine beef raised by the restaurant's owners. Meals average US$25 per person, with wine $55. [54] (11) 4313-1336. www.laslilas.com.ar

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY

Pezzati Viajes, now 20 years in business, can arrange trips around Argentina as well as abroad. It also can provide cruises from eight to 14 days during summer. [54] (11) 4393-1800. www.pezzati.com

BEST CAR RENTAL

Avis has cars ranging from compacts to more sophisticated rides. Rates begin at US$37 daily. The company has 40 offices in Argentina and counters at 25 of its airports. [54] (11) 4378-9620. www.avis.com.ar