Like the country itself, the choice of accommodation in Argentina is vast. Visitors can select the sophistication of a modern hotel in a lively city or the rustic charm of a working estancia in more rural areas. Thunder across the Pampas on horseback, laze in a spa amid the vineyards of Mendoza, or enjoy Patagonia’s ‘end of the world’ wilderness in style. From luxury lodges and five-star urban oases to simple guesthouses, accommodation in Argentina offers a blissful escape from the real world. Here we look at the different types of stays on offer in this incredible country.
Leading Hotels
Cities and holiday hotspots such as Buenos Aires, Cordoba and Bariloche offer travellers a choice of excellent hotels, from old world luxury to cutting-edge style.
Buenos Aires, nicknamed ‘the Paris of the South’, is home to some of South America’s finest palaces. In addition to The Alvear, which is to the Argentine capital what the Ritz is to ours, The Four Seasons offers celebrity-style service in a historic mansion. Follow in the footsteps of Evita and Einstein with a stay at The Savoy, or appreciate the elegance shimmering from every chandelier of The Park Hyatt, which pays homage to the glory days of thirties Buenos Aires. One of the most famous hotels outside of the capital, the Lao Llao in Bariloche is a stunning lakeside haven complete with an 18-hole golf course and blissful spa.
Carefully curated design hotels abound too. Some chains specialise in it, others are creations of the owner’s individual imagination. Of course, there’s Philippe Starck’s opus, The Faena – a colourful and eclectic luxury hotel in the capital’s spicy Puerto Madero. Hop across to affluent, tree-lined Recoleta to The Sofitel – located in Buenos Aires’ first skyscraper – or over to Palermo’s smaller spaces, many offering slick and stylish stays just moments from some of the continent’s best shopping. Two of our favourite boutique hotels in Buenos Aires are Legado Mitico, a fashionable three-story townhouse, and the minimalist and modish Home Hotel. But it’s not all about the capital, expect some nice hotel surprises, wherever you go.
Home from Home
Many travellers to Argentina are looking for authentic accommodation that invites them to live like a local, whether that be in a sprawling estancia or a bijou posada.
Estancias, also known as fincas, are ranches which offer rooms, food and activities for guests. Many of these estates are vast, stretching as far as the eye can see, with beautiful main houses surrounded by smaller buildings with distinctly Pampas or Patagonian décor. Guests learn about life on the ranch while exploring the great outdoors before gathering around the asador (grill) in cosy communal spaces to swap stories with the owners and fellow visitors. Set in 200 acres of Argentine pampas, and dating back to the 1850s, Candelaria del Monte is an authentic estancia in every sense of the word, where archetypal Argentine activities include horse riding and wine tasting. At the other end of the country, Estancia Helingsfors is a traditional and cosy home-from-home in the ruggedly spectacular Los Glaciares National Park of Patagonia.
From Iguazu to Ushuaia, lodges are another popular form of accommodation in Argentina. There are some excellent chalet-style places in Argentina’s Lake District, many with spectacular views, while Peninsula Valdes has characterful lodges close to the area’s exceptional wildlife reserves. Many lodges are converted family houses, complete with stunning views, spas and restaurants on site. Eolo is a stylish country property located between El Calafate and the renowned Los Glaciares National Park. Set on a 3,000-acre estate on the eastern side of Mount Frías, the lodge serves spectacular views out towards Lago Argentino and the Torres del Paine. Accessible only by boat or on foot, Aguas Arriba Lodge is another of our favourites, surrounded by lake shoreline and acres of forest, just 23 miles from El Chaltén.
Travellers choosing to stay in a posada can expect personal service and an inviting, authentically Argentinian atmosphere. These small guest houses typically have just a few rooms, and breakfast is usually included, along with a kitchen for residents to use.
Viticultural Stays
There's more to the Andes than spectacular passes and 'bucket-list' views. The region south of Salta is blessed by the wine gods. Around 80% of Argentina's world-class wine is produced in Mendoza Province, where the sunny days and cool nights create excellent conditions. In addition to enjoying the ideal climate, visitors can travel the wine route, going from cellar to cellar to taste local labels. Some vineyards have on-site hotels, offering blissful stays in the Argentinian countryside. Those who prefer fresh and fruity white wine to robust red can head towards the high-altitude vineyards of Salta, which is renowned for producing superior Torrontes. The House of Jasmines is a boutique country retreat where guests can combine wine tasting with walking tours of the beautiful colonial city.
It's worth noting that in smaller towns in Argentina, some places aren’t open year-round, close for siesta or get overbooked for special events, such as the annual Gaucho Festival in San Antonio de Areco. Our experts can use their insider knowledge to help you find your perfect accommodation in Argentina, as well as arranging exceptional excursions and tailored travel.
