Escape to Paradise: Savannah Cordoba Hotel - Your Argentinian Getaway
Escape to Paradise: Savannah Cordoba Hotel - My Argentinian Getaway (and the Wild Ride That Followed)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your typical hotel review. This is… well, this is my therapy session disguised as a review of the Savannah Cordoba Hotel in Argentina. Let’s get messy with it, shall we?
(SEO & Metadata Overload - just trying to keep the algorithms happy! Keywords include: Savannah Cordoba Hotel, Argentina, Accessible, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Sauna, Pool, Restaurant, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Amenities, Review, Travel, Argentina Vacation, Hotel, Luxury, Discount Hotel, Cheap Hotel)
First things first: Accessibility. They say it's accessible. And… well, it is accessible, in the loosest possible sense. There's an elevator, which is a MAJOR win. Trust me, after a particularly epic empanada binge, an elevator is a gift from the heavens. The hallways are mostly wide enough for a wheelchair, but the odd architectural flourish (a rogue pillar, a slightly too-narrow doorway) tripped me up a few times. They do have facilities for disabled guests, which is a good sign. But, and this is a big but, the devil is in the details. They need to seriously look at the ramps and the distances, so they don't just say they are Accessible as if they have checked a box. Real accessibility is about the experience. Not just the presence of a ramp.
Rant over. Let's talk about the really good stuff, because there was a lot of good stuff.
The "Ways to Relax" section, my personal highlight reel. Seriously, if you don't leave this place feeling like a new person, you're doing it wrong.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Ah, the holy trinity of relaxation. The sauna was glorious, a steamy embrace that melted away all my stresses (and probably a few extra empanadas, too). The spa itself was… heavenly. I indulged in a body wrap (because, why not?) and a massage that left me feeling like a limp noodle in the best possible way. The pool with a view was the icing on the cake. Picture this: the Argentinian sun kissing your skin, a perfectly chilled cocktail in hand, and… well, that’s just pure bliss right there.
- Fitness Center: I intended to use the fitness center. I really did. I even packed my gym clothes. But, let's be honest, the allure of the pool was far more persuasive. I did pop my head in once and saw a shiny treadmill looking lonely, and the place seemed neat and clean. But you know, the sofa and a long nap sounded much more appealing.
- Foot Bath: I didn't find one. I am not sure it was actually a thing.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Tale of Two Halves
Okay, let's get real. Post-pandemic travel is… different. The Savannah Cordoba seems to understand this.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check. Smelled clean!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: CHECK. Everyone seemed genuinely concerned about our well-being, always wearing masks - which they had to given their job.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Hopefully. If it's not working, I couldn't tell.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Supposedly. They mentioned it.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Hmmm… didn't notice that. They seem to have had a good go.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Which, these days, is like a warm hug.
- Safe dining setup: Seemed okay.
- Individually-wrapped food options: They had some, but not a lot.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Attempted. Not always easy, but they did their best.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Hopefully!
- Shared stationery removed: Absolutely (which suited me!)
The downside: the whole room sanitization opt-out thing (or lack thereof) made me feel a little… uneasy. I like to be in control of those things. Maybe they could have a clear sign?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Foodie's Fiesta!
God, the food. ARGENTINA. Need I say more?
- Restaurants: They had a few, and all of them were pretty decent.
- Asian Cuisine: They tried, and it was… interesting. Not the highlight, but fine.
- Western Cuisine: The true star, here. Steak. Empanadas. Repeat.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The best start to the day. A feast of deliciousness. Breakfast [buffet] truly is a winning card for the hotel.
- A la carte: Some available, too.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Essential.
- Coffee shop: Very welcome.
- Poolside bar: Yes. Essential.
- Happy hour: Always.
- Happy hour: Always.
- Room service [24-hour]: A dangerous temptation. Thank god I partook.
- Desserts in restaurant: OMG. Alfajores. Need I say more?
- Bar: Yes, and a good one.
- Bottle of water: Of course!
Here's the anecdote: I ordered room service at like 2 am one night, after a particularly raucous evening learning tango on a terrace and they brought fresh, warm empanadas. I nearly cried with happiness. It's the little things, people, the little things.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things that Matter
- Internet: The Wi-Fi [free] was… okay. Sometimes it would disappear, but in the end, I got my work done, and the hotel had good wifi.
- Air conditioning in public areas: Critical. Argentina can be hot.
- Concierge: Helpful. And always willing to help with arranging tours and taxi and anything else.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent. My nest always clean.
- Elevator: YES. See accessibility, above.
- Laundry service: A lifesaver after a week of exploring.
- Luggage storage: No problem.
- Cash withdrawal: Check.
- Baby-sitting service: They supposedly had one, for the kids (but then, I did not have the kids)
- Doctor/nurse on call: A nice touch and the hotel made everything super simple.
- Car park [free of charge]: Check.
- Safe dining setup: It seemed okay.
- Breakfast in room: I did get breakfast in my room one day and it was wonderful.
Oh, the Rooms!
Okay, let's talk about the rooms. They're… comfortable. Non-smoking rooms, which is essential for me. They had air conditioning which is a must. The beds were comfy.
- Free bottled water: Always a win.
- Hair dryer: Yep.
- Internet access – wireless: Yep.
- Mini bar: Stocked.
- Toiletries: Nice.
- Wake-up service: Always on time!
My little moan: The soundproofing could have been better. I could occasionally hear… things. Maybe I was just too close to the tango class.
The Verdict: Worth the Trip?
Honestly? Yes. Absolutely yes. The Savannah Cordoba Hotel isn’t perfect. It’s got a few imperfections, some access issues, but it’s charming, and the food is AMAZING. The staff is friendly. The spa is divine. It's clean, safe and a great point from which to explore.
Would I recommend it? Yes. Definitely. Just don't expect total perfection. Expect Argentina, be open to adventure, and get ready to stuff your face with amazing food. And maybe, just maybe, take a long, luxurious nap by the pool. You deserve it.
Koh Lanta's Hidden Gem: Lantanoblesse's Unforgettable Luxury!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't gonna be your sanitized, perfectly organized travel itinerary. This is… me, attempting to navigate the glorious, chaotic, and occasionally baffling world of Savannah Cordoba Hotel in Córdoba, Argentina. Prepare for some serious oversharing.
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Existential Crisis (or, "Where Did I Leave My Brain?")
- 8:00 AM (Approx.): Arrive at Pajas Blancas Airport in Córdoba. Holy moly, it's hot. Like, "melting my carefully curated travel outfit" hot. I spent the entire flight mentally prepping for this trip, envisioning myself as a sophisticated travel blogger. I'm pretty sure that dream officially died in the baggage claim carousel.
- 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Finding a taxi. Because my Spanish is somewhere between "si" and "no comprendo nada." (Pro tip: learn more than that before arriving. Just saying.) The taxi driver, a friendly dude named Ricardo, immediately starts explaining the history of Córdoba, which I… mostly understand. Or at least, nod and smile convincingly. This is the start of my "fake it 'til you make it" travel mantra.
- 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Arrive at Savannah Cordoba. Okay, the hotel. It's… charming? Yeah, charming is a good word. Maybe a little dated, but hey, character, right? The lobby smells faintly of cleaning products and… anticipation? Either that, or I haven't had enough coffee.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Check-in. The front desk person, bless her heart, is dealing with me and my broken Spanish. I fumble with my credit card. Did I remember my passport? Panic. A moment of pure, unadulterated panic. (Yes, I did. But it's a close call.)
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Room exploration and brief meltdown. My room is… functional. The view is… mostly other buildings, which is fine. This is where the real internal monologue begins. "Am I too old for this? Am I really cut out for solo travel? Did I remember to pack enough snacks?" I proceed to unpack, finding I did remember snacks, and feel instantly better. My stomach is a powerful influence.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. The hotel restaurant's got empanadas. The first bite is pure heaven. This, friends, is why I travel. This is where the trip begins. I order a second serving, because, well, reasons.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Siesta. Absolutely essential. I attempted to nap, but the street noise, combined with the unfamiliar bed, meant that I stared at the ceiling for two hours. Okay, maybe I do need that coffee… and now I'm questioning my life choices.
Day 2: History, Horses, and Humble Pie (and a lot of coffee)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Which is included. Thank God. The buffet is okay. Decent coffee. I devour the ham and cheese, twice.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Exploring. Finally muster the energy to leave the hotel. I attempt to decipher a map. Fail. Wander aimlessly, and get delightfully lost in the charming cobbled streets of Córdoba's Centro Histórico. Admire the Jesuit Block. Take a gazillion photos. Feel vaguely inadequate when I see the locals just existing with more grace than I possess.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch. Find a small, family-run restaurant and point vaguely at things on the menu, hoping for the best. Get a plate of grilled… something… with a side of fries. The something turns out to be wonderfully delicious. Order more coffee.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The real adventure: Cabalgata (horse riding). This was planned, and I was pretty excited. I had this romantic vision, the wind in my hair, galloping across the pampas. Reality check: getting on the horse was a struggle (I am not as graceful as I'd hoped) and the "galloping" turned into a slow, swaying shuffle. My thighs? Burning. My dignity? Slightly bruised. The scenery, however, was stunning. The quiet, the vastness… even I had to admit it was incredible. Okay, it was amazing. And the horse? Named Chispita. I loved her. I felt this connection to the animal. I wanted to name her "Chispita the Magnificent," but I thought that might be a bit much.
- 4:00 PM: Back at the hotel, slightly stiff, but incredibly happy. A long, hot shower. Then, I ordered room service. It was a hamburger. I ate it in my bathrobe, watching a movie. Perfection.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I try to find a restaurant, but wandering is a big thing and I'm still confused by the lack of any sort of system in the building names. I wind up very close by and just wander in. Get very good food.
Day 3: Culture, Coffee, and a (Mostly) Successful Departure
- 9:00 AM: Final breakfast at the hotel. Two cups of coffee this time. Feeling a lot more together.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Check out and taxi arrangements. The language barrier re-emerges, but this time I am ready. I make sure I get a taxi to the airport.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: A last walk around the neighborhood. I buy a few souvenirs that I likely don't need.
- 1:00 PM: Airport. Fly home.
Quirky Observations & Emotional Reactions:
- The Argentinians are incredibly stylish. I felt like a frumpy tourist the entire time, even when I deliberately put on my "stylish" travel outfit.
- I developed a deep and abiding love for dulce de leche. I even brought some home. Don't judge.
- I'm still not entirely sure how to use public transport.
- I came, I saw, I (occasionally) conquered… mostly the buffet.
- I cried a little bit on the cab. It's exhausting being me and I'm not sure I'll ever be an adult.
Imperfections & Messiness:
- I got lost multiple times.
- My Spanish is still terrible.
- I spent far too much time on my phone, trying to translate things.
- I definitely ate too many empanadas. (But no regrets!)
- I failed to keep a detailed journal. I have notes, though. Mostly scribbles about coffee consumption.
- This whole itinerary is probably a mess, but hey, so am I.
Final Thoughts:
Savannah Cordoba Hotel was… a hotel. It provided a place to sleep and access to empanadas. However, I would strongly recommend it. Would I return? Absolutely. Córdoba? I loved it. Buenos Aires next!
Antigua's Hidden Gem: Hotel Soleil La Antigua — Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Savannah Cordoba Hotel - The REALLY Honest FAQs
Okay, spill the tea! Is this Savannah Cordoba Hotel *actually* paradise, or just some Insta-filtered fantasy?
Alright, buckle up, because the truth is a beautiful, slightly tarnished Argentinian silver. Paradise? That depends on your definition. If paradise involves stumbling across a perfectly-made bed, a balcony with a view that makes you gasp, and a pool that's JUST the right temperature after a long day of exploring... then yeah, maybe it's pretty damn close. BUT! Let's be real. My first impression? A little 'whoa' – in a good way! The lobby is gorgeous, like a movie set of colonial elegance. And the staff? Mostly lovely, except for that one guy who kept forgetting my name and calling me "Señorita... uh... Flower." (I swear, my name is Sarah!).
Let's talk location. Is it truly "centro" (central) or a long trek from everything?
Okay, location! This is where things get interesting. They say "central," and... well, they're not *lying*. You're close to a lot of stuff, which is great. The main square is a pleasant stroll, and there are tons of cafes bursting with delicious (and cheap!) pastries practically at your doorstep – this got a major thumbs up from me.. But, and this is a big BUT, the streets can be a bit chaotic. Think cobblestones that'll try to kill your ankles, and crazy traffic that moves at the speed of a caffeinated snail. And sometimes, I'm talking VERY rarely (like once), you might feel a little lost in the city's grand scale! (bring your Google Maps). Bonus: the walk back at night feels pretty safe. Minus: the street dogs. They are adorable but a little territorial.
The rooms! Spill. Are they as dreamy as the pictures?
The rooms... *sighs dreamily*. Look, the pictures? Yeah, they’re good. But the reality? Often better. I splurged (ish) on a room with a balcony overlooking the courtyard. Pure magic. The bed? Ugh, like sleeping on a cloud made of marshmallows and happiness. Seriously, I could have easily laid on that thing all day. (And I MAY have. Don't judge me, I was on vacation!). The bathroom was HUGE! Like, you could practically do cartwheels in there (I didn't, though… too much wine the night before). Only downside? The air conditioning was a *teeny* bit noisy, like a grumpy old fridge. But honestly, small price to pay for that perfect view.
The pool! Tell me *everything* about the pool! Because pools are life!
Alright, the pool. *Eyes widen dramatically*. I’m going to level with you: the pictures don't do it justice. It's not just a rectangular box of water, okay? It's a *vibe*. Picture this: crystal-clear water, the sun beating down, a gentle breeze rustling the palm trees (yes, there are palm trees!), and... the occasional stray cloud that provides the perfect amount of shade when your pasty Irish skin starts to burn. I spent a solid afternoon there, just floating and reading my book. I felt like a total queen. The pool attendants are awesome, always on hand with fresh towels (bless them!). There's a small bar nearby where you can get cocktails and snacks. One afternoon I ordered a margarita, I was so relaxed I nearly knocked over a small child, I swear it was an accident!
Food! The most important question. What's the breakfast situation like?
Breakfast. Ah, the unsung hero of the morning. The Savannah Cordoba does a decent job, but perfection? Not quite. They have the usual suspects: pastries (delicious!), fresh fruit, yogurt, eggs cooked to order. And coffee – strong, hot, and plentiful. The one thing that drove me bonkers? The SAME fruit every day. I mean, I love cantaloupe, but after four days of cantaloupe, I was starting to have vivid dreams about orange flesh. And the pastries, oh they were divine, but sometimes a little stale by 9:30am. My recommendation: get there early, grab a pastry or three, and load up on ALL the coffee. You've been warned. Despite all that, I loved it, the staff were lovely. 100% recommend, maybe bring some granola bars for variety.
Are there any hidden gems or things I should be aware of before booking?
Hidden gems... okay. The rooftop terrace – a total secret! Stunning views of the city, especially at sunset. Go! Also, a little heads-up: the hotel can host a few events. When I was there, there was a wedding, which, honestly, was super fun to watch (and the music was great!), but also meant the pool became a little... crowded for a few hours. So, if you're a total peace-and-quiet seeker, maybe check the events calendar before you book. Also, and this is SUPER important: learn some basic Spanish phrases. Seriously. It’ll make your life, and the lives of the staff, SO much easier. My pathetic attempts at "Hola" and "Gracias" went a *long* way. Lastly, be prepared for a little bit of "Argentinian time." Things might not always run on schedule, but honestly, embrace it. You’re on vacation! And be prepared to eat ALL the empanadas. You won't regret it. Trust me, I know.
Would you stay again? And if so, when can I book you a room?
Would I stay again? ABSOLUTELY. It's not perfect – nothing ever is – but it's got charm, comfort, and a healthy dose of Argentinian spirit. The minor quirks are part of the experience, honestly. That pool alone... I’m already dreaming of going back. Also, I am not recommending anyone to book a room for me! (Unless they pay for it, of course) I'm absolutely heading back at some point. Maybe next year? I'll take the room with the balcony, please. And this time, I'll try to learn a little more Spanish. Wish me luck!
