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.

Vibrant Buenos Aires

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.

Mendoza: Food and Wine Capital

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.

Scenic Bariloche

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.

Cultural Córdoba

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.

Finally ...

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.

The best places to stay in Argentina

For Buenos Aires

• For those who enjoy poking around galleries and antique shops, Retiro is one of the best places to stay in Buenos Aires. This is also where you'll find many of the city's top 5 star hotels, including the grand, belle epoque Four Seasons Buenos Aires, the old school Sofitel Hotel or the less expensive Hotel Pulitzer with its spectacular rooftop bar. For a boutique hotel, try the minimalist Hotel Carles. Corner suites here offer great views.
• If it's traditional street-life, cafe-life and nightlife you are after, stay in Palermo. There is plenty of choice here, from the budget friendly designer Vain Boutique Hotel to the small and elegant Legado Mitico hotel, or the L'Hotel Palermo, a secluded gem in the heart of lively Palermo Soho. With just 24 rooms and the largest garden in the district, this is a great place to stay if you're here to relax. The boutique Hotel Clasico is also a good family option here.
• Elsewhere, the boutique Tango de Mayo is great value with floor-to-ceiling windows in a charming early 20th-century building, while the sleek Hotel Madero in Puerto Madero offers rooms overlooking the river and a sumptuous French-Argentinian eaterie.
• Nearby the Madero is one of the most famous hotels in BA, the 5 star Philippe Starck designed Faena Hotel, a luxurious yet totally original transformation of the redbrick dockyards into a vibrant cultural hub. It boasts a pool and spa, a performance arena, an exhibition space, and multiple restaurants. They can arrange a multitude of activities — everything from polo matches to tango lessons.
• Hub Porteno is an upmarket boutique property located in the heart of Buenos Aires. Boasting individually styled suites, there's also a fantastic restaurant serving contemporary Argentine dishes as well as a rooftop bar.
• For something old school and grand, consider the sumptuous Alvear Palace Hotel, a converted Belle Epoque palace with marble floors, chandeliers, glittering ballrooms and banquet halls.
• For an alternative spin, the CasaCalma Hotel looks like something Robinson Crusoe might have dreamed up — a real eco-warrior's fairytale in pale rooms which welcome in floods of natural light. Each room is designed as an individual spa centre with a private whirlpool tub, rain showers and private saunas.
• For more ideas visit our BA collection page — Best places to stay in Buenos Aires

For Mendoza

• The smartest place in the town itself is the stylish Park Hyatt Mendoza. With spa, casino and all the mod cons you can imagine, this is also a good option in Mendoza for business travellers.
• At the other end of the scale, we highly recommend the intimate B&B Plaza Italia, which features individually-styled, tasteful rooms decorated in rich hues. Located bang in the centre of Mendoza, it's ideal for those wanting to see all that the city has to offer.
• To the south of town, for a unique experience, small groups and families can book the Governor of Mendoza's old house at the Club Tapiz — it's one of the best places to stay in Mendoza and is surrounded by 22 acres of vineyards.
• Nearby, the very charming Posada Verde Oliva offers elegant accommodation in muted tones with fireplaces, exposed wooden beams and French doors leading outside. Tuck into delicious home-cooked meals and wines which are produced on the property itself. And to the south of town, the rustic Finca Adalgisa is a low key B&B with a fine winery.
• Last, about 20km to the west is the delightful Posada Borravino, boasting a tranquil setting and rustic-chic rooms. Lounge by the courtyard pool by day, before enjoying a splendid meal accompanied by regional wines. With only 8 rooms, it's an intimate spot, and a great base for exploring both Mendoza and the currounding wineries.
• Following the road further towards the mountains you come to the Cavas Wine Lodge. This is a top spot for weddings, with a boutique vineyard and a 14-room lodge. Their terrace restaurant overlooks the vines and snowcapped mountains. It has a great spa too.
• Further out into Mendoza Province, about 70km from Mendoza and off to the road to the west, is the more contemporary, luxurious Lodge Atamisque. In the heart of the Uco Valley, one of Mendoza's top wine areas, it offers six individually designed lodges set amid the vineyards, each with its own outdoor hot tub.
• Driving on to the south (Mendoza is made for a road trip!), you will come across the divine 5 star Vines Resort & Spa. It's another contemporary property with all the amenities you would wish for set, again, in the midst of extensive vineyards. The 20+ contemporary rooms are smartly decorated and feature terraces which enjoy stunning views. The food here is excellent.
• Finally, at San Rafael, check out the excellent Algodon Wine Estate. In addition to great wines, this resort also has a world-class golf course and multiple tennis courts, plus excellent fishing, rafting, and biking.
• For more ideas visit our Mendoza collection page — Best places to stay in Mendoza

For Bariloche

• 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.

For Córdoba

• For a central hotel, the funky Sacha Mistol Art Hotel surrounds a courtyard and each room has a different original modern art work — many painted directly on the walls. Nestled within the city centre, the hotel also has a great little plunge pool to cool off in.
• Nearby is the excellent designer boutique Azur Real Hotel in a converted industrial building. It's relaxing roof terrace pool enjoys fantastic views over the picturesque Jesuit block. It has a good spa and great restaurant too.
• For something rural, the charming Estancia El Colibri is a luxury lodge an hour's drive north of the city. It offers a peaceful oasis, but also a myriad of activities from horse-riding to birdwatching and trekking. Traditional elegance is the name of the game here. Highly recommended!

For an apartment or villa

• If you'd prefer the flexibility of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The weather is at its best during the summer — from December to March — when temperatures can soar to 30-35°C.
• Most major cities have their own airports: Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Córdoba, Bariloche.
• If you fancy exploring independently then consider hiring a car from Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Search more specifically through our list of the best places to stay in Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Córdoba, and Mendoza.
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.