Argentina is a once in a lifetime destination for those of us who live in the northern hemisphere. Its cities are a riot of vibrant colour which dance to a tango beat, while its rural backyard boasts spectacular scenery, from the salt desert of the north-west to the lake district of Patagonia and the vineyards of Mendoza. It's a spectacular country. Reflecting this diversity, you'll find some great hotels here, ranging from rural estancias and wine estates to urban boutique designer hotels.
Most visitors land in the capital Buenos Aires. This lively city is both a cosmopolitan metropolis and, in places, a small, friendly town, where everything from wine to tango is celebrated in festival form. In the colourful heart of the city you'll see businessmen in suits jostling fruit sellers and jugglers, with the local butcher (OMG the meat!) sandwiched between an artisan designer, an international boutique and an award-winning seafood restaurant.
There's more to the Andes mountain range than spectacular passes and 'bucket-list' views. Eighty per cent of Argentina's world-class wine is produced in the bone dry foothills of the Andes, where the sunny days and cool nights create excellent conditions. Mendoza is the wine capital of Argentina, with some wonderful wine estates and lodges to stay in across Mendoza Province, as well as a good selection of boutique bed and breakfast hotels. For foodies, Mendoza is a must.
For jaw-dropping landscapes, make sure you take a trip out to Bariloche in the south, the hub of Argentina's Lake District. Bariloche is a small city 900m above sea level, surrounded by peaks reaching over 2,000m high. The dramatic scenery comes with plenty of snowfall, so in winter the area turns alpine. There are some excellent Swiss-chalet style places to stay here, as well as luxury spas and lakeside hotels, many with spectacular views. Bariloche is also an excellent centre for both summer and winter sports, from sky-diving to hiking and climbing.
If it's culture you're after, Córdoba, a city in the centre of Argentina, boasts four impressive galleries, multiple museums and some beautiful churches — earning it the title of 'Cultural Capital of the Americas'. It's a great place for visitors because it's small enough to explore on foot, and most roads run off Córdoba's lively and lovely colonial central square. Needless to say, there are some excellent places to stay in Cordoba, from traditional colonial style mansion houses to stylish boutiques.
Check out some of the off the beaten track hotels and lodges and fincas close to some of the other scenic highlights, whether the breathtaking Iguazu Falls, the Salinas Grandes Salt Flats, the gateway to the Andes at Salta, or the scenic south — where there are some great experiential places to stay in El Chalten and El Calafate in Santa Cruz province, and in Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego further south.
Charming Luxury Lodge and Private Spa enjoys a dramatic cliff top location with views over the lake. The suites and lodges are secluded and some boast private hot tubs and saunas. Sheer luxurious bliss!
El Casco Art Hotel is an modern hotel a short way along the lakeside with lots of contemporary art and more great views, plus an excellent spa and Patagonian restaurant.
For somewhere more secluded, a little further out across the inlet, is the characterful Aldebaran Hotel and Spa. This is a must for foodies — the Sirius restaurant serves traditional Patagonian dishes cooked in the clay oven and of course fabulous Argentinian grills. It's built like a chic mountain lodge with views over the lake and the rooms are all unique.
No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.
Buenos Aires (Palermo)
Delightful boutique hotel with pretty rooms and self-catering lofts in atmospheric Palermo Hollywood. Contemporary decor combines a fresh white palette with hot pink touches; many rooms have balconies. Enjoy in-room massages, funky rooftop pool, terrace and BBQ with fab city views. Fab for couples.
Buenos Aires Province
This luxury hotel offers private rooms and beach apartments in Mar de las Pampas, Argentina. Suites are chic and stylish with comfortable beds, a kitchenette and private terrace; book a superior beach apartment for a cosy wood-burning fire and living room. Unwind by the pool; a pretty seaside break.
Buenos Aires (Palermo)
Delightful boutique hotel with pretty rooms and self-catering lofts in atmospheric Palermo Hollywood. Contemporary decor combines a fresh white palette with hot pink touches; many rooms have balconies. Enjoy in-room massages, funky rooftop pool, terrace and BBQ with fab city views. Fab for couples.
Buenos Aires (Palermo)
A small boutique guesthouse in the charming Las Canitas area. Elegant light-filled rooms combine pastel walls with antique wooden floors and 19th century-style furniture. Enjoy the private lawn and roof terrace with hot tub & fireside lounge. Spaces are compact but cosy. Home-away-from-home vibes.
Mendoza Province
This wine hotel is aptly set within acres of beautiful vineyards at the foot of the Andes in Argentina. Rooms are simple and elegant featuring comfortable beds, wooden accents and large windows with mountain views. Sample local cuisine at the restaurant before a vineyard tour; a charming rural stay.
Mendoza
An elegant B&B right in the heart of the city. Individually styled rooms feature antique furniture and rich colouring. Grown-up lounges are the ideal spot to unwind with a regional glass of wine and a pretty courtyard provides a chance to soak up some rays. The perfect base for city exploration.
El Calafate (Santa Cruz)
This hotel offers boutique accommodation in Santa Cruz, Argentina. Guests can choose rooms in the inn or a private cabin; rooms are traditionally dressed and have exposed wooden beams and cosy, carpeted floors. Book a luxury suite for a private hot tub. Dine at the chic restaurant; a charming hotel.
El Chalten (Santa Cruz)
This boutique hotel is located in El Chaltén, Argentina. Rooms are cosy and inviting, with wooden floors and homely soft furnishings; book a private apartment for self-catering facilities. Browse the hotel art gallery before a drink at the bar; a great base for exploring the beautiful national park.
Salta
An elegant neo-classical property in the heart of Salta. Stylish rooms feature sash windows, antique furniture and the best have brass four poster beds. An atmospheric lounge, all polished wood, is the perfect place to enjoy an evening tipple. Well placed for city exploring. A chic choice.
Salta (La Merced Chica)
Finca Valentina is a chic country house turned boutique hotel in the foothills of the Andes, just outside Salta. Italian owners bring their own sense of décor and cuisine. Perfect base for fabulous Andes excursions. Or stay put and enjoy a cookery class or chilling poolside with a good book!
Neuquen Province (Villa Meliquina,)
A gorgeous riverside lodge offering guests six comfortable rooms or two private four-person cabins. A luscious garden is host to barbecues in the summer and a cosy fireplace is a great place to relax in winter. The restaurant serves homecooked Patagonian specialities such as local trout and rabbit.
Villa La Angostura
This chic guesthouse is situated on the Puerto Manzano Peninsula. Guestrooms are simple and elegant with comfortable beds, crisp, white linens and lake views; bathrooms boast a hydromassage bath and beautiful countryside vistas. Unwind by the hotel pool or in the sleek spa; a charming rural getaway.
Bariloche (8400 San Carlos de Bariloche)
Charming lakeside suites offering guests log-cabin style with hydromassage baths and stone fireplaces and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The restaurant serves fine regional cuisine including a Patagonian breakfast. The outdoor pool is a great place to unwind.
Bariloche
This hotel offers Alpine-style accommodation in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. Rooms are bright and contemporary with views over Lake Nahuel Huapi or the forest; book a luxury suite for a spa bath. Unwind in the hotel spa before a film at the cosy private cinema; a charming lakeside getaway.
