Argentina’s virtually ubiquitous football culture makes attending a game a must for any Buenos Aires visit, and few clubs represent the Argentine football scene like River Plate. For fans looking to get the ultimate Millonario experience, Hilton Buenos Aires has launched its Experiencia River (“River Experience”) package as part of its partnership agreement to become the club’s official hospitality chain.

“The idea was born out of the expansion Hilton continues to have in Latin America,” Jorge Giannattasio told the Herald. Giannattasio is Hilton’s senior vice president and chief operating officer for Latin America and the Caribbean. He added the hospitality company has gone from 47 hotels in the region in 2007 to 276 venues currently, with a further 150 in construction.

Giannattasio said Hilton understands the emotional connection between football and Argentina, and the goal of the partnership is to connect football fans and the hospitality platform. 

“It’s an alliance between two historic organizations,” said Giannattasio. “Both have the same objective: connecting with people. River does it through football and sports, and Hilton does it through hospitality. We are looking to connect with River supporters to generate a connection between Hilton and River.” 

The Experiencia River package, centered around the Hilton Buenos Aires, includes tickets to the game and transport from the hotel to and from the stadium as well as airport pickup. It also offers themed in-room amenities, menu items, and “a few more surprises for River supporters” who stay at the Hilton.

“The number of calls we’ve received from people outside Argentina eager to visit Buenos Aires, stay at the Hilton, and have the Experiencia River has been above our expectations,” Giannattasio said, adding that the first set of packs sold out in just 36 hours.

As part of the partnership, River members who are subscribed to the club’s digital platform will be fast-tracked to Gold Status on Hilton Honors, the hotel chain’s rewards program. 

“This will allow them to make reservations at the best market price in all our hotels around the world, earn points, and use them in any of the hotels in the region,” said Giannattasio.

“To be able to offer over 350,000 River members in Argentina the ability to move directly to Gold and use all the benefits worldwide is something that goes beyond the benefit of Hilton or River, but of River’s members.”