Like any big city, Buenos Aires offers a range of hotels and hostels to meet almost any traveler's tastes and budget. Before booking accommodation in the city, however, it pays to keep the following in mind. Many hotels can be booked at a slightly reduced rate by consulting a Buenos Aires travel agency beforehand. Additionally, more expensive joints often raise their prices for extranjeros (foreigners), so don't be surprised if the guy with an Argentine passport pays slightly less; there is not much you can do to avoid this, and we don't particularly recommend ranting and raving or rolling your eyes in disgust. In some cases, you may receive a reduced rate by paying in cash (pesos). Be sure to inquire whether or not the prices listed include the 21% room tax (VAT), and if traveling in the summer definitely ask about air conditioning. If you plan on staying more than two or three days, ask about an extended stay discount. In contrast, you might want to avoid the hotels bearing an Albergue Transitorio sign, or red and green lights; these are short-stay hotels geared towards young lovers (or slightly shady characters). Definitely think about what you want to see and do in Buenos Aires, as you might want to find a hotel that is conveniently located near areas of interest.