
With nearly 10.200 places, the country’s hotel network receives more than 5 million tourists from all over the world every year. From de lux 5 star hotels, to country houses, boutique hotels and hostels, Argentina has room for everybody.
Lodging on offer in the country, has not only increased, but also enlarged itself during these last years due to the increasing growth on the number of foreign visitors. So, the main touristic centres have a diverse offer from 5 star luxurious hotels, apart hotels, boutique hotels, hostels and inns, country houses, huts, country lodgings to even camping sites.
It is always convenient to book in advance, especially during the months of the high season, that is: last days of December, until March and July-August.
According to the Marketing Department and Statistics of the Government Tourism Office, there is a total amount of 10.146 places to stay offering 197.516 rooms for 490.466 people.
Nevertheless, investments in the hotel industry do not stop and it is one of the most dynamic areas of the local economy, for both national and foreign investments. During 2008 and 2009, 300 new hotels are going to be built, with a U$$1,200 millons in investment, which will increase the number of room availability.
The following includes a theme list of the main hotels worth mentioning in Argentina:
This kind of hotels has become very popular. The main ones are: Legado Mítico; both dedicated to tango music, such as Abasto Plaza Hotel and Ayres Porteños; Axel the gay-friendly hotel; Art Hotel, entirely decorated with works of Argentine artists; the Asterión Hotel about Borges; Design Suites and its pure design; and Cavas Wine and Lodge, entirely dedicated to wines.
These small hotels with their own personalities, surrounded by daydream environments are increasing in number. New Age is a hotels boutique chain at some of the most beautiful places in Argentina. Also Maresur a has these kina of places. And others that deserve being mentioned are Mansión Vitraux, Territorio, Los Cauquenes, Las Hayas and Las Balsas.
For those people travelling on a low budget and/or who are willing to meet other travellers in the same circumstances, the International Hostelling Association gathers a good offer with all these places in almost every part of the country. There are in total more than 400 hostels, inns and bed & breakfast throughout the country.
Warehouses redesigned to receive guests or country houses surrounded by vineyards are the lastest choice for wine lovers.Mendoza and Salta are the best provinces for this kind of lodgings. To be mentioned: Bodega El Molino, La Casa de la Bodega, Posada Salentein and Lares de Chacras.
One of them is the distinguished Alvear –number 11 in the world ranking – located in the finest neighbourhood of Buenos Aires- La Recoleta. Near it, the Four Seasons usually receives celebrities visiting the country. Absolutely modern and located in the youngest neighbourhood of the capital city, you have the Faena Hotel. And the Marriot, which offers one of the best bars in the world.
For those who are looking for well- known names, they will find out that almost all the biggest hotel chains in the world can be found in Argentina: Hilton, Sheraton, Caesar Park, Howard Jonson, Intercontinental, Meliá, Ibis, Sofitel, Holiday Inn, Plaza, NH, Panamericano and Pestana, among others, offering accomodation in several parts of the country.
Nothing is better than visiting some of the natural wonders of the country and, also to stay at a refined and comfortable hotel. Not to be missed: Llao Llao Hotel in Bariloche; the Correntoso in Villa La Angostura; Los Notros linked to Perito Moreno Glacier; Los Cerros at El Chaltén; Las Leñas Hotels Complex so close to the ski slopes; Iguazú Sheraton; and Iruya Hotel, in the small village in Salta, facing the multi-coloured hills.
This lodging concept, where nature kindly embraces the well-equipped and decorated huts, is the latest trend in lodging possibilities. The province of Misiones, and its wonderful Falls, offer a lot of lodges, lost in the middle of the amazing jungle, among which we can mention: Iguazú Jungle, Caburé I, Don Enrique and Pirayú. Los Esteros del Iberá in Corrientes also offers this kind of lodgings to become part of its flora and fauna, such as Pira Lodge and Irupé. Changing the weather , Patagonia can be felt inside these comfortable huts, such as Finisterris in Ushuaia and Spring Creek in Junín de los Andes.
El Castelar has been located on Avenida de Mayo since 1929, the most Spanish street in the Argentine capital city. It once was, for many years, a meeting point for artists like Oliverio Girondo, Jorge Luis Borges, Lola Flores, Nati Mistral and Federico Garcìa Lorca. Another historical hotel, now a museum, is the Tigre Hotel, situated in one of the most amazing deltas in Latin America.
Tourism in country houses is growing profundly. Those near Buenos Aires offer one or two days in the country, which include barbecues, open air and even spas. In other places of the country, they also offer excursions, horse riding, sheep shearing, golf or polo, with personalised service. The most exclusive ones are: El Colibrí and Patios El Cafayate.
More information in Estancias Argentinas.
The Bauen Hotel is an exception to be mentioned. Despite the big corporate chains, this place is succesfully run by a group of employees who decided to become organised and keep the hotel, when they knew it was going to be closed. It has a big coffee shop and a café concert with different shows.
Luciana Salaun, Marketing &Communication of N/A Town & Country Hotels Manager, explains to us in this interview why Argentina has today become an inevitable issue for hotels investments and a touristic destination. Besides, she talks about the exclusive boutique hotels boom in the main touristic destinations of the country. (Music: Axel Krygier).