If you’ve never heard of Mendoza, Argentina, I’d take a good bet that you’re not a wine drinker (although that’s likely to change after a visit here. Mendoza is Argentina’s renowned wine capital, and home to the vineyards that grow some of the world’s finest Malbec wines. Set against a dramatic backdrop of the Andes Mountains in western Argentina, this huge city is much too big for it’s population of 115,000 residents. Nevertheless, Mendoza is a typical feature on any Argentina itinerary, and is a perfect stopping point between the north and south of Argentina, or between Argentina and Chile.
What surprised me the most about Mendoza was how the city itself feels completely deserted compared to other major Argentine destinations. It doesn’t help that I arrived from the night bus at 6am on a Sunday morning, but I expected the city to get much busier as the week went by, and it kind of just… didn’t. This is a key thing to keep in mind when you’re choosing where to stay in Mendoza, and as you plan your trip in general. No matter where you stay, there will be a lot of Ubers and walking involved!
Whilst I was in Mendoza, where I stayed for almost a week, I heard from a local Uber driver that many people moved out of the city seeking opportunities elsewhere, which creates a really fascinating atmosphere. The city feels empty and far too big for the number of people that actually live there, but this also means that all of the locals you do encounter are incredibly friendly (I guess because they’re genuinely delighted to see people coming to visit their city). I made wonderful friends with the guy who ran my hostel, numerous Uber drivers, and other travellers who I went exploring Mendoza’s wine country with.
Which Areas to Stay in Mendoza, Argentina
Mendoza’s city centre is quite spread out, and there isn’t a specific area or areas where all the hostels, hotels, and restaurants cluster together like you often find in other Argentine cities. This means you’ll likely end up doing quite a lot of walking during your stay – something I discovered quite quickly!
Calle Arístides Villanueva is the main hub of Mendoza’s nightlife and dining scene, lined with bars, restaurants, and places to enjoy Mendoza’s famous wine culture after dark. If want easy access to the social scene in Mendoza, staying near Calle Arístides Villanueva is probably the best idea for you.
To the west of the city you’ll find a large, beautiful park that’s usually fairly peaceful and calm, although it’s worth noting that it houses the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, home to Mendoza’s football team. When we went to a football match there (which proved to be an incredible cultural experience), the atmosphere wasn’t particularly safe for tourists (we seemed to be the only foreigners there, and police officers kept telling us we were mad for being there). They had to pause the game due to riots and flares inside the stadium, but that wasn’t in the stand we were in. Everything remained quite calm on our side, although we did make a swift exit when fireworks started going off inside.
For wine enthusiasts, many of the best wineries and wine tastings are located outside the city centre in areas like Chacras de Coria, Lujan de Cuyo, and the renowned Uco Valley. If this is your main reason for visiting Mendoza, try choosing somewhere close to a main road where it will be easy for you to pick up an Uber or tour bus.
Best Hostels in Mendoza, Argentina
I stayed at Hostel Lagares, and I honestly cannot speak highly enough of this place! I arrived incredibly early in the morning straight off the night bus, and the guy who ran the hostel was SO friendly, he changed my entire experience. He let me in at 6am and let me doze off on the sofa until my bed was available, and made sure to prepare my (and the other night bus victim’s) bed first. He was extraordinarily friendly, accommodating, gave great recommendations for wine tastings and local attractions, and really went above and beyond to make my stay memorable. The only downside was that it sat a bit far from the city centre. When I first arrived, the weather was really warm and I was slightly disappointed that we didn’t have a swimming pool (although we had a lovely terrace), but after a couple of days when temperatures dropped, I was grateful for the cosy, intimate atmosphere.
I heard great things about Hostel Dale from other backpackers I met in Argentina, even from people who had stayed in a few different Mendoza hostels (it is, apparently, quite common to move around hostels in Mendoza).
Due to the lack of a swimming pool at Hostel Lagares, a friend I made there moved to Gorilla Hostel. He said it was great but in the end he wished he’d stayed closer to our group of friends, because the best part of the hostel were the parties and pool – neither of which he particularly needed since the weather had turned cold and he’d already made friends.
Mora Hostel is a smaller, family-run hostel with a more central location, perfect for travellers who prefer quieter accommodation within easy walking distance of Mendoza’s main attractions and wine bars.
Best Hotels in Mendoza, Argentina
If you’re not on a hostel vibe and want more privacy from where you stay in Mendoza, here are a few of the best picks from hotels in Mendoza:
Buen Viaje Mendoza: A centrally located, boutique-style B&B with a swimming pool, highly praised vegan/gluten-free buffet breakfast, and a tranquil garden.
La Magdalena: Stay in cozy suites or family rooms equipped with air‑conditioning, and unwind in the solarium or outdoor hot tub.
DiplomaticHotel: A well-established business-and-leisure hotel with spacious, modern rooms, a rich breakfast buffet, airport shuttle, and free parking.
Posada de Rosas: A boutique hotel nestled between the city centre and Parque General San Martín, with a seasonal pool, lush courtyard, communal BBQs, and an art gallery on-site.
FAQs About Where to Stay in Mendoza
What is the best part of Mendoza to stay in?
For first-time visitors, I’d recommend staying near the city centre or along Calle Arístides Villanueva for easy access to restaurants, wine bars, and nightlife. If wine tasting is your primary focus, consider accommodation in Chacras de Coria or closer to the wine regions (although this requires more planning for transportation and generally a slightly bigger budget).
How many days are needed for Mendoza?
I’d recommend at least 3-4 days to properly experience Mendoza and the surrounding wine country, although I stayed there for a week and certainly didn’t get bored. This allows time for exploring the city, doing wine tastings in different regions like Maipu and Uco Valley, and perhaps some other activities like horseback riding or visiting the hot springs.
Is visiting Mendoza worth it?
Absolutely! Even if you’re not especially interested in wine, Mendoza offers stunning Andean scenery, excellent food, incredibly friendly locals, and a completely different atmosphere from other cities in Argentina.
How many days should you stay in Mendoza Argentina?
I’d highly recommend staying 5-7 days to experience various wineries properly. 3-4 days works well for backpackers or travellers incorporating Mendoza into bigger Argentina itineraries.
Conclusion
Mendoza’s relaxed and uncrowded atmosphere is the perfect place to stop, chill out a little, and drink a lot of wine as part of a bigger Argentina itinerary. Its most unique feature is the chance to form genuine connections with locals who are delighted to share their wine country with visitors. In choosing where to stay in Mendoza you’ll open yourself up to a whole new set of opportunities, so choose wisely based on what you’re looking for: a laid-back stay, some nightlife, or exploring the outskirts of the city beyond the vineyards.
