As a bonafide (if unofficial) resident of Mendoza for four years, I get a lot of emails asking about where to stay. Here are my top picks of accommodation in and out of the centre of Mendoza:
In the city:
Being in the city centre is the best place if you are relying on public transport – it’s the hub of Mendoza and its wine regions. You’ll find all the bars, some of the top restaurants, the amenities and the massive park at your disposal and the easiest way out to the wineries (without your own car) is coming from the city centre (whether by bus, bike, tour or taxi). For staying in the city centre, I really recommend staying the West side of Plaza Independencia, the East side is not so pretty and is much busier, dirtier and noisier.
Budget picks:
I don’t really know the hostels in Mendoza, I could only tell you which have the notorious party scenes which is probably not the best recommendation… So check out ratings on hostelworld etc for the most recent opinions. My advice is stay west for the nicer areas, and if you want to be on the party scene pick one on Aristides Villanueva Street.
Mid-range:
B&B Plaza Italia: If you want to stay in the city city centre, this B&B is on my favourite plaza. A bit more relaxed then the main Plaza Independencia, but still surrounded by the better restaurants and it’s in the nicer, safer end of town. A simple B&B/small hotel which has neat rooms and is around $800pesos per night. Don’t miss out on Florentino restaurant next door. Plaza Italia B&B, Plaza Italia.
Bohemia Boutique: In the 5ta seccion, in a quieter residential neighbourhood four blocks from the city centre and four blocks from the park and four blocks from the nightlife street (Aristides), this is a more tranquilo location for those who are happy to live more where locals do, with nice rooms, a small pool in a patio/garden and is around $100US/$600pesos per night. http://www.bohemiahotelboutique.com/ Granaderos 954 +54 261 423-0575
Top Dollar:
The Hyatt: Right on the main plaza, this is still the hotel of Mendoza. Attractive, nice (but small) spa and a small pool open all year round they have two good restaurants, a nice wine bar and good service compared to other hotels in the city. Park Hyatt, Chile 1124 , +54 261 441-1234
The Diplomatic: Another good hotel, although a bit more corporate. Good location (not as pretty though) but at the right end of town with good restaurants and bars nearby, and a terrace pool that gets afternoon sun. They also serve bubbly at breakfast (the only hotel left in Mendoza that does). Diplomatic, Av Belgrano 1041 +54 261 405-1900
Chacras & Lujan:
About 30mins by taxi from the city, one hour by bus, you can stay in Chacras or Lujan. You are closer to vineyards, but further from city centre facilities. Chacras has a picturesque town with lots of restaurants, some shops and pharmacies etc. If you want to feel a bit more in the countryside without actually being in the sticks, then this is your place. You could survive here without a car, although taxis will add up. Visiting places within walking distance or bike will only keep you entertained for a day or two. Alternatively you can just sit by the pool and enjoy the Mendoza sun.