Just as a curiosity: Mar del Plata was founded by English people (that's why it looks SO MUCH like Brighton). Pinamar and Villa Gesell by German Nazis and Socialists respectively. One is cleaner than the other, guess which.
Interesting, I knew it had a feeling of some of the victorian beaches back home, maybe thats why I didnt like it much. I much prefer the more tranquil beaches away from the big towns. I also never knew that the centre beach in Mar del Plata is called `Bristol Beach` , god knows why its called after Bristol.
Ah maybe this explains it..