Maybe you’re an adventurer bound for Patagonia, or are simply *passing through* Ushuaia on your way to Antarctica. Perhaps you’re a wine-lover staying in the famed Mendoza region or soaking in the culture in the capital city of Buenos Aires. Whatever the case, Argentina has something for everyone. As an added bonus, Argentina is home to some of the most beautiful hotels in South America (and the world, for that matter).
There are boutique hotels in Buenos Aires that will find you roaming the high-end neighborhood of Recoleta or sipping Malbec in trendy Palermo. There are 5-star wine resorts where you can both drink vino and enjoy wine-inspired spa treatments with views of the Mendoza vineyards. There are cozy mountain lodges overlooking glacial lakes, where you can partake in a myriad of activities in the midst of Patagonia. There are jungle lodges with private plunge pools that bring you close to the famous waterfalls of Iguazu National Park. Just like the endless options in Argentina, this country has a hotel for everyone. Here are my picks for the best hotels in Argentina.
Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
Found in the uber-trendy neighborhood of Recoleta, this Park Hyatt hotel is housed within a neoclassical palace known as Palacio Duhau. There are many reasons to check in at this 5-star hotel, from its award-winning spa to its prime location. At the Park Hyatt, you’ll be close to Buenos Aires’ main attractions, including the Casa Rosada (the emblematic pink palace of the president), the Recoletta Cemetery (where icons like first lady Eva Peron are laid to rest) and the popular Palermo neighborhood. After a day exploring neighborhoods like San Telmo and Palermo Soho, return to the Park Hyatt for dinner at Duhau Restaurant & Vinoteca. It’s here at the hotel’s on-site restaurant that you’ll find top-notch Argentine meals using local products unique to the region.
Fora Perks:
- $100 food / beverage credit OR wine and cheese tasting for two.
- Daily breakfast.
- Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Four Seasons Buenos Aires
Four Seasons Buenos Aires is another 5-star luxury hotel in the Recoleta neighborhood. Housed inside an early 20th-century mansion, this Four Seasons offers more European-inspired glamour than the nearby Park Hyatt. Like its Park Hyatt counterpart, the Four Seasons is well-located, putting you within walking distance of Buenos Aires’ main attractions. So, what’s the difference between staying here and the Park Hyatt? Well, in my opinion, it comes down to the food. This Four Seasons is home to the esteemed restaurant, Elena, named one of Latin America’s 50 Best restaurants. If you don’t know it already, Argentina is a meat-lover’s heaven, and Elena offers perfectly aged steaks and stellar wine tastings.
Fora Perks:
- When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons PreferredPartner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
Algodon Mansion
Beyond being home to large and iconic hotels like the Four Seasons and Park Hyatt, the Recoleta neighborhood is also host to luxury boutique hotels. It would be a mistake to overlook these charming Buenos Aires hotels, which certainly hold their own against these globally-recognized hotel groups. Algodon Mansion offers luxurious and spacious suites boasting all the amenities and comforts one would hope for from their Argentina hotel. Of the many reasons to book a stay here, the rooftop pool and terrace are top of the list. Inspired by an old Hollywood veranda, the pool and terrace offer views of Buenos Aires’ city center, paired with bespoke cocktails from their Sky Bar. For those headed to Argentina’s Mendoza region, Algodon Mansion has a sister resort at the base of the snow-capped Andes Mountains.
EOLO Patagonia’s Spirit
Shared by Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is a wildly beautiful place where fjords meet temperate rainforests and glaciers greet mountains. It’s the sort of place you’ve likely seen on National Geographic, where pods of Orca whales hunt seals found sunbathing on the sandy shores. As the name suggests, EOLA exemplifies Patagonia’s spirit, with rooms offering magnificent views of its natural surroundings. Located halfway between the city of El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park, EOLO is a 10,000-acre property with activities ranging from horseback riding and trekking to bird watching and mountain biking.
Awasi Iguazu
The Iguazu waterfalls are one of the world’s natural wonders and a must-visit in South America. These awe-inspiring waterfalls form a half-crescent moon on the border of Argentina and Brazil, with dramatic cascades falling into the Iguazu River below. From Buenos Aires, it’s a quick flight to Puerto Iguazu, where you can book a stay at one of the best hotels in town, the 5-star Awasi Iguazu. This Relais & Chateaux property is a 14-room jungle lodge found on the edge of the Iguazu River. Every single suite is set up like a standalone villa, with a private plunge pool, jungle views and traditional textiles from the Indigenous Guarani people. Beyond the luxurious beauty of the suites, Awasi’s concierge service can arrange a myriad of excursions for its guests. Here, you’ll find personal guides standing at the ready, eager to introduce you to the wilds of Iguazu National Park.
Los Cerros
Los Cerros is Argentina’s answer to a cozy mountain lodge. This boutique hotel is found in Chalten and is located atop a hill, offering spectacular views of the Valley of the Rio de la Vueltos and the surrounding mountains. Expect comfortable and spacious rooms with decor inspired by the region’s natural beauty. When not out enjoying the bounty of activities, you can unwind with signature cocktails and gourmet dining at El Viento, the on-site restaurant. Beyond flexing its culinary muscles, El Cielo boasts a “relaxation room” where you can unwind in jacuzzis, a sauna or a small cinema.
Arakur Ushuaia
Ushuaia is considered a city at the end of the world. Found on the southern tip of Argentina, this resort town is a jumping-off point for travelers visiting Patagonia or catching a cruise to Antarctica. Arakur Ushuaia is a 5-star resort and spa located inside the Reserva Natural Cerro Alarkén, a short distance from downtown Ushuaia. The rooms have panoramic views of the Beagle Channel and nearby valleys, and the entire hotel offers free WiFi and other expected amenities, including complimentary breakfast. But beyond the WiFi and breakfast, Arakur Ushuaia also provides guests with superb Argentine restaurants and both an indoor and rooftop swimming pool.
Fora Perks:
Daily breakfast.Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Vines Resort Mendoza
Frequently voted one of the best hotels in the world, The Vines Resort Mendoza sits in Argentina’s renowned Uco Valley, a stellar winemaking region in Mendoza. Consider this hotel the ultimate retreat for foodies and wine-lovers keen to imbibe in world-famous Argentine wines. Surrounded by over 1,000 acres of private vineyards, this hotel features villas defined by elegant and modern architecture and views of the Andes Mountains. And because it’s not enough to merely drink wine in Mendoza, The Vines Resort also offers vino-therapy spa treatments.
Fora Perks:
- Daily breakfast.
- Complimentary 3 course dinner for two and Tour & Tasting at The Vines.
- Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Tipiliuke Lodge
There are many things to do in Patagonia, from hiking to wildlife-watching, and fly-fishing is an activity that might not immediately come to mind. As it turns out, Patagonia is a must-visit for the fly-fishing enthusiasts among us. Tipiliuke Lodge is a premier fly-fishing resort, offering some of the best fly-fishing in all of South America. Come for the fish and stay for the cozy lodge, voted one of the best boutique hotels in the world. This lodge is located northwest of Argentinian Patagonia, about 1,000 miles from Buenos Aires. If that sounds difficult to get to, it’s not. The lodge is just a 10-minute drive from Chapelco Airport. Not a fan of fly-fishing? The lodge has many other activities, from yoga to horseback riding.
Llao Llao Hotel
The Llao Llao Hotel is one of the most exclusive hotels in Argentina’s Patagonia region. This 5-star hotel is found in the town of Bariloche, which sits near Nahuel Huapi, a glacial lake surrounded by the snowcapped Andes Mountains. The way Tipiliuke Lodge is a destination for fly-fishing, Llao Llao Hotel is a go-to for golfers, boasting an 18-hole golf course with unbeatable views. The resort offers guests a choice of studios and suites with incredible views of the glacial lake and surrounding Andes, along with both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool and stellar on-site dining. The on-site Restaurante Patagonia is a cozy eatery with stellar views and a menu utilizing local ingredients unique to this region.
Fora Perks:
- Daily breakfast.
- A complimentary round of golf for up to two.
- Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Email: italia.dutton@fora.travel
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