Where to Stay in Mendoza, Argentina (2026 COOLEST Areas!)

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ON A BUDGET

ON A BUDGET

Mendoza City Center

In addition to being the central and tourist heart of the region, Mendoza city center is also our pick for the best place to stay in if you’re traveling on a budget.

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NIGHTLIFE

NIGHTLIFE

Chacras de Coria

Chacras de Coria is a small town located about 14 kilometres south of Mendoza City. A relatively quiet and residential town, Chacras de Coria sits surrounded by vineyards, wineries and wine cellars open to tourism.

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COOLEST PLACE TO STAY

COOLEST PLACE TO STAY

Maipu

Maipu is a small town located approximately 18 kilometres southwest of Mendoza City. It sits at the centre of an important wine-growing region and is surrounded by an immense number of vineyards and world-class wine cellars.

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FOR FAMILIES

FOR FAMILIES

Godoy Cruz

Godoy Cruz is a town located in the metropolitan area of Mendoza. It is nestled on the outskirt of the city and is home to nearly 200,000 people. It boasts a good selection of important tourist attractions, as well as greenspaces and institutions.

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In this next section, we’ll take a look at the best accommodations in each area. They’re all a little different from each other, so be sure to read each section carefully and pick the one that’s the right fit for you so you can get stuck into world-class steaks and even better wine whilst still staying in an action-packed location.

If you’re backpacking Argentina, you’ll probably have this spot on your itinerary as it’s one of the most charming places in the country. It’s also conveniently located. During my first visit, it was an easy stop when coming over from Santiago, and on my second visit it was the logical next stop after Bariloche. I couldn’t wait to return after loving the great steak and wine here before.

In this guide, we’ll look at the best accommodations in Mendoza. But first, here’s a quick overview of the top neighbourhoods to check out.

1. Mendoza City Center – Where to Stay on a Budget

In addition to being the central and tourist heart of the region, the city center is also our top pick for budget travelers to base yourself.

Dotted throughout the meandering streets and alleys of Mendoza is a high concentration of hostels and hotels that caters to travellers of all ages and styles. From cheap dorms to boutique suites, this part of the city is packed with excellent options for everyone!

Love to eat? Well, look no further! This district also houses many of the best restaurants in the city. Whether you’re craving local cuisine or something a little more familiar, Mendoza is bursting with options that will excite and delight your palate.

• Best For: Great food, amenities, and green spaces.
• The Vibe: Calm, relaxing and peaceful, especially around the many parks.
• Proximity to Airport: Pretty close, it’s a 23-minute Uber ride to the center. Or you can take the 680 bus which takes 40 minutes.
• Transport Level: Walkable, but Uber is affordable and the easiest way to get around.
• Budget: Very affordable with hostels starting from $6 and most restaurants ranging from budget-friendly to mid-range.
• Crowds: Generally fairly quiet. Parque General San Martin can get busy in warm weather though.

Things to See and Do in Mendoza City Center

1. Dive deep into the city’s history at the Museo del Area Fundacional. It’s full of artefacts and ruins from the pre-Columbian era that will give you an understanding of Mendoza before the Spanish influence came along.
2. Root for the home team at Malvinas Argentinas Stadium. Godoy Cruz sometimes play here, which is a little ironic as it’s not in Godoy Cruz. Be careful, they also play at the Estadio Feliciano Gambarte, and I once missed a game by going to the wrong ground…
3. Take a stroll through Parque General San Martin, and enjoy regular markets and events there. I also love walking around the lake there in the summer. You can even go kayaking if you want.
4. Eat amazing steak at El Asadito (I recommend the 2-person parrilla, it’s genuinely the best steak I’ve ever had… and I developed a heavy addiction to Argentine steak).
5. Stand at the center of Mendoza and take in Plaza Independencia. It’s the most central of Mendoza’s five squares in the city center, all nice green spots where you can hang out.
6. View great works of contemporary art at Espacio Contemporaneo de Arte Eliana Molinelli. Art lovers will enjoy this sweet spot with its modern exhibits, and stained glass windows on the inside. It’s also right next to Plaza San Martin, another fun green space.

Abril Hotel Boutique | Best Hotel

Thanks to its great location and charming vibe, this is one of our favourite budget hotels in Mendoza. It is situated at the heart of the city and allows for easy access to top tourist attractions and hot spots. It boasts comfortable rooms and modern amenities. There’s also a delicious on-site restaurant and cozy bar. It’s simple and spacious, which is why I love it!

Apartment in Central Location | Best Airbnb

This central city apartment has everything you could wish for a budget trip to Mendoza. You can explore the central city, which is right outside of your doorstep, or have a lay-in day and enjoy the free Netflix and fast wifi. The studio is small but very comfortable and clean. The host is incredibly helpful and gave many good recommendations for the area during our stay.

Hostel Windmill | Best Hostel

This awesome hostel has a fantastic location, clean surrounding, and has its very own resident dog! It is a relatively new hostel that combines the magic of the city with the spirit of wanderlust. You’ll enjoy comfortable rooms with private lockers, a large dining room, and a games room with a ping-pong table. One of Mendoza’s finest hostels by a long way in my opinion.

2. Chacras de Coria – Best Area to Stay for Nightlife

Chacras de Coria is a small town located about 14 kilometres south of Mendoza City. A relatively quiet and residential town, Chacras de Coria sits surrounded by vineyards, wineries and wine cellars open to tourism.

This is also our pick for where to base yourself in Mendoza if you’re looking for nightlife. Although relatively calm and relaxed during the day, this small town is home to one of the best clubs in the region.

Chacras de Coria is also home to many world-class restaurants serving haute cuisine and innovative culinary experiences. So, if you’re looking to drink wine, dance until dawn, and excite your senses, Chacras de Coria is for you!

• Crowds: Generally quiet in the day, although Square Chacras de Coria gets busy when the Sunday markets take place.
• Best For: Nightlife, and finding good wine without leaving the cities.
• The Vibe: There’s more of a party vibe here at night than in central Mendoza, but it’s quiet in the day.
• Proximity to Airport: A 35-minute Uber ride, or an 80-minute journey across multiple buses.
• Transport Level: Easy to get around with Uber, walking, or buses if you need.
• Budget: Higher than Central Mendoza with accommodation costing $30+ and more high-end restaurants around here.

Things to See and Do in Chacras de Coria

1. Dance the night away at La Guanaca. It gets particularly lively on Fridays from my experiences. It’s quieter during the week however, unless there’s an event on.
2. Enjoy an intimate wine tour with Rendezvous Vines. They’ll give you a cracking introduction to Mendoza’s wine scene, and even let you sample some.
3. Hop on a bike and tour the town and its best wineries with Baccus Vineyards Biking. This is by far the most fun way of getting around. But be careful cycling after knocking back a few glasses! The wine here certainly isn’t weak.
4. Pop by Bodega Pulmary for a pleasant wine tour full of surprises. Another excellent winery, and the guide here speaks perfect English. Not that you came here to learn about the wine…
5. Prepare your own gin and indulge in delicious food at Espiritu Zorro. That’s right, more alcohol. This time you can learn how gin is made, which gives you a nice break from the wine until you…
6. Sample the wines at Clos de Chacras. It doubles up as a posh restaurant too, so you can also get stuck into four or more courses whilst washing it down with the local tipple.

Plaza Paradiso Petit Hotel | Best Hotel

Plaza Paradiso Petit Hotel is ideally located in Chacras de Coria. It allows for easy access to the airport and the city and is the perfect base for exploring wine country. Comprising of 11 rooms, this hotel offers comfortable accommodations and modern amenities. There’s also a swimming pool, free wifi and a rooftop terrace.

Very Stylish House | Best Airbnb

This home has made it on our top list for being incredibly stylish and very charming at the same time. Located in a very calm and quiet area, yet close to downtown and the nightlife, this Airbnb has won the heart of many travellers. Delicious breakfast is served every morning by the host Fafi who’s very kind and helpful. She even gave us cookies and tea!

Lemon Tree Hostel | Best Hostel

This is the closest hostel to Chacras de Coria. Located just south of the town, this hostel comes complete with gardens, an eco-farm, a large swimming pool and outdoor sports area. You’ll enjoy a fun and social environment, as well as safe and comfortable surroundings.

3. Maipu – Coolest Place to Stay in Mendoza

Maipu is a small town located approximately 18 kilometres southwest of Mendoza City. It sits at the center of an important wine-growing region and is surrounded by an immense number of vineyards and world-class wine cellars. Here you can a enjoy a glass of Malbec or a satisfying Sauvignon Blanc right on the grounds where these famous grapes were grown.

But, there’s more to Maipu than wine. This small and luscious town also attracts adventure travellers and outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its flat terrain and sensational mountain backdrop. Whether you’re looking to hike, bike or simply enjoy the view, Maipu is a fantastic place to make your base in Mendoza.

• Crowds: Pleasantly quiet, it isn’t too crowded here and can be a fun place to spend some time relaxing.
• Best For: Wine lovers and anyone looking for a more chilled spot to base themselves (although I wouldn’t say the center is chaotic either).
• The Vibe: Calm and relaxing. A great spot to slow down and drink some wine.
• Proximity to Airport: A 35-minute Uber ride, or 75 minutes across two buses.
• Transport Level: Pretty easy with Uber running and trams running every 20 minutes or so from central Mendoza.
• Budget: Mid-range or higher. You’re looking at a minimum of $20 for accommodation here, whilst the cost of drinking malbec will add up quickly.

Things to See and Do in Maipu

1. Dine on delicious and high-quality local cuisine at Bodega Finca Agostino. A truly relaxing experience that really makes it feel like you’re on holiday.
2. Dive deep into the history of wine at the Museo del Vino. Of course Mendoza has a wine museum! If you’re sick of drinking it, go and learn about it instead. The museum is open Monday-Saturday from 9am until the afternoon, but is closed on Sundays.
3. Experience the wine, food and views at Bodega Santa Julia, which isn’t just a wine factory, it also produces olive oil. As with just about anywhere in Maipu, the views are elite.
4. Rent a bike and tour the wineries on two wheels. Maipu is an absolutely stunning backdrop, and a wine + bike tour here has to go down as one of my most enjoyable travel experiences, cycling through the spring breeze after a few glasses.
5. Fine dine, and drink great wine at Casa Vigil. My alliteration may not be perfect, but this upmarket restaurant certainly is. You can feel a real classy vibe here and get a (quite literal) taste of the high life.
6. Sip sparkling wines at family-owned Bodega Lopez. Yes it’s another winery, and yes it’s another one so enjoyable I couldn’t possibly omit it from this list.

Posada Cavieres Wine Farm | Best Hotel

This comfortable hotel provides an authentic Argentine experience at the heart of the wine country. You’ll enjoy comfortable beds and a range of facilities, including a kitchenette and wireless internet access. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool and bicycle rentals.

Los Andes 3 Base | Best Airbnb

A budget-friendly rental unit with room for up to 4 people. No place in Maipu combines quality with value for money as much as this one. And here at the Broke Backpacker, we love good value for money! Sandra’s a great host who’s easy to communicate with, the property appears exactly how it seems in the pictures, and it’s in a quiet neighbourhood. We loved our time here.

Rincón “MIS SOLES” | Best Budget Hotel

This family-run hostel is located close to Maipu. It is set at the heart of wine country and many of Mendoza’s best vineyards can easily be reached by bike. Glasses of wine and fruits await you upon arrival – winning!

4. Godoy Cruz – Best Neighborhood in Mendoza for Families

Godoy Cruz is a town located in the metropolitan area of Mendoza. It is nestled on the outskirts of the city and is home to nearly 200,000 people. It boasts a good selection of important tourist attractions, as well as green spaces and institutions.

From theatres and malls to sports clubs and casinos, Godoy Cruz is packed with exciting and entertaining activities and attractions. That’s why it is our pick as the best location for families.

This district is also home to Club Deportivo Godoy Cruz Antonio Tombo. Best known for its football team who usually play in Argentina’s top two divisions, Godoy Cruz is the best place to stay in Mendoza if you’re a casual or rabid sports fan.

• Crowds: Lively when events are on. Especially at night, or when the football teams are playing.
• Best For: Entertainment and sports tourism.
• The Vibe: Godoy Cruz is an upbeat area which always has something going on. It’s not wild here, but it’s not as chilled as Maipu either.
• Proximity to Airport: 30 minutes by Uber. It will take at least an hour and 3 connections to come here by bus.
• Transport Level: It’s pretty easy to walk, take Uber, or use buses here.
• Budget: More expensive than central Mendoza, but cheaper than elsewhere. Accommodation starts from $15 for a decent place to stay.

Things to See and Do in Godoy Cruz

1. Eat fresh and delicious dishes at Casa Vigil Palmares, a typical Argentine restaurant serving up all the local favourite dishes.
2. Lace up your boots and head into the hills to hike Mendoza’s fantastic trails and paths where you can leave the city, ditch the wine (for once), and immerse yourself in nature for a few hours.
3. Place a few bets and cheer on your favourite horses at the Hipodromo de Mendoza, the nearby racecourse where you’ll find several locals going for a flutter.
4. Ride horses through the countryside, and follow up with a good asado for sunset. The true gaucho experience is on offer here.
5. Shop until you drop at Palmares Open Mall. Perhaps after overindulging in the local culinary delights, you’ll fancy a taste of home with a big shopping mall full of western restaurants (and a few local ones).

Posada Chalet De Bassi | Best Hotel

Posada Chalet De Bassi is our pick for where to stay in Godoy Cruz. It has five comfortable rooms equipped with a variety of amenities. You’ll also enjoy an outdoor swimming pool and a delicious breakfast each morning. This property is ideally located for exploring everywhere from the city to the countryside with its magical vineyards.

Casco El Trapiche | Best Bed and Breakfast

Thanks to its excellent location, this is a fantastic place to settle for a few days in Godoy Cruz. This charming property is ideally situated for sightseeing in Mendoza. It has a sun deck, a playground and a swimming pool making it ideal for families. A satisfying breakfast is also served each morning, and there are plenty of eateries nearby.

Well Connected Family Home | Best Airbnb in Godoy Cruz

Great views from the 8th floor, spacious and super close to all the main attractions and public transport, this Airbnb is the place to stay when travelling with your family. During the day, you can rent bicycles right opposite your place and explore the area on the massive bike path, which connects the surrounding cities. To get to downtown Mendoza, it will only take 10min by Uber.

Hostel Internacional Mendoza | Best Hostel

This excellent hostel is located in Mendoza, just north of Godoy Cruz. But at just 5 minutes away (walking distance), it is ideally situated for exploring the city and makes for a great base for Godoy Cruz as well as central Mendoza. They offer spacious private and shared accommodations with private bathrooms and comfortable beds. There’s also a fully-equipped kitchen, cozy common rooms, and a delicious breakfast.

Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Mendoza when looking for a top place to stay.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Mendoza

Before travelling to Mendoza, it’s best to make sure you have decent insurance… ya know, because you never know how things might go after a few vinos!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Just to recap, Mendoza city center is our number one choice for where to stay in Mendoza. It’s where you’ll find most of the top landmarks and tourist attractions as well as great eateries, trendy bars and hip cafes. But if you purely want good wine, then Maipu takes top spot.

I’ve been to this wonderful part of Argentina several times now, and I have to say that central Mendoza is my go-to.

I’m not a nightlife lover, so I tend not to stay around Chacras de Coria. However, if your main purpose for visiting is to boogie the night away without a care in the world, then this may be your spot of preference. If I’m honest, the nightlife in central Mendoza is pretty underwhelming.

But this is my favourite city in Argentina, which is my favourite country in the world (and I’ve been to many of them), and as a Latin America lover I will leave on this note:

If I could choose one city to live in across the whole of Central and South America, it would be Mendoza. This place is not to be missed.