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.
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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 Province (City Bell)
A traditionally dressed boutique hotel in the heart of the tranquil district of City Bell. Rooms feature patterned wallpaper, rich hues and antique furniture. An atmospheric lounge with plush leather sofas is the perfect spot to unwind with a drink. Indulgent breakfasts are served. A charming stay.
Buenos Aires (B1642CKV - San Isidro )
Find the epitome of elegance in this restored colonial residence. Suites and rooms are decorated in rich colours with antique furniture and featuring impossibly tall sash windows framed by delicate linen. The small spa and courtyard pool are the icing on the cake to this lavish property.
Buenos Aires (Retiro)
Gallic charm merges with Argentine flair in this imposing landmark building just steps from antique shops and art galleries, and equipped with fantastic facilities. Exuding old fashioned elegance and charm this hotel is a great spot for any visitor. Large, luxurious rooms and fine dining for all.
Mendoza Province (Los Chacayes)
This boutique hotel is nestled in a vineyard at the foot of the Andes in Argentina. Rooms are stylish and contemporary, with some offering a terrace overlooking the mountain range; book the private villa for panoramic views from floor-to-ceiling windows. Relax by the pool; a chic country bolt-hole.
Mendoza Province (San Jose - Tupungato)
A contemporary hotel and winery set within 700 acres. The individual lodges are well appointed and proportioned, with natural materials sitting nicely against plenty of glass and traditional artefacts. The estate provides ample opportunity for outdoor pursuits from wine tasting to horse riding.
Santa Cruz Province (Santa Cruz Province)
A remote Patagonian lodge, tucked between El Calafate and El Chaltén. Cosy interiors blend rustic timber with warm textiles, creating a welcoming retreat from the wild. Unwind by the fire, savour farm-to-table meals, or explore the steppe on horseback. A true frontier escape.
Santa Cruz Province
A traditional sheep farm turned cosy hotel. Find sash windows, parquet flooring, fireplaces and warm hues throughout. Regional dishes are served in the restaurant. The outstanding location makes this the ideal starting point for exploring the hidden glaciers by horse. An adventurers paradise.
Salta
A luxury hotel right in the heart of Salta. Elegant rooms have white washed walls, cast iron beds and blue and white tiled floors. The outdoor pool and tranquil gardens are the ideal place to unwind after a days sightseeing. Easy access to activities both in and out of the city. A chic choice.
Cachi (Cachi)
A stunning white washed property set in a remote and outstandingly beautiful location. Painstakingly renovated throughout the property keeps its original charm yet there's a clean contemporary feel. Rooms boast crisp white linen, tiled floors and simple dark wood furniture. Absolute tranquility.
Neuquen Province (Puerto Manzano )
This modern guesthouse is nestled on the banks of Nahuel Huapi Lake in Argentina. The individually styled rooms have traditional design in a natural palette, offset with splashes of print; the best suites offer unspoiled lake views. Dine at the restaurant before visiting the spa; a chic bolt-hole.
Neuquen Province (Patagonia)
This charming hotel is located on Victoria Island on Lake Nahuel Huapi. Interiors are bright and contemporary, featuring cosy carpets and Patagonian-style rugs; book a luxury suite for a private spa bath. Unwind by the wood-burning fire after a day kayaking on the lake. Unique and tranquil.
Bariloche (Peninsula San Pedro)
This pretty hotel has a privileged lakeside location on the Nahuel Huapi in Bariloche, Argentina. Rooms boast breathtaking views, Patagonian-style interiors and local artisan pieces; book a superior suite for extra living space. Start the day in the cosy hotel tea house; a charming country escape.
Bariloche (Playa Bonita)
A luxury property boasting a cliff top location overlooking lake Nahuel Huapi. Secluded suites and lodges are luxurious yet characterful with plenty of pine, private terraces (some with hot tubs) and small kitchenettes. A spoiling spa will ease post activity aches and pains. A glorious rural escape.
