12 Best Hotels in The Northwest, Argentina

This lovely 18th-century hacienda belonged to the last Spanish governor, its fantastic open courtyard, white adobe walls, and racing green doorways denoting the colonial era. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with king-size beds and large bathtubs. Kick back with afternoon tea under the pink pepper tree or laze about next to the swimming pool. Its location opposite the church ensures you can soak up Molinos’ atmosphere easily; the in-house restaurant is ideal for lunch stop-offs (the beef empanadas are widely touted as the best in the region) if you can't stay.

This elegant 10-room abode represents Salta, right down to the cardon cactus door panels and hand-stitched headboards depicting Andean landscapes. Comfortable en suite guest rooms, each named after a national park, have terraces and some boast a poolside view. You can lounge in the living room with a glass of Torrontés after a long day of sightseeing.

Sister to the Buenos Aires hotel of the same name, the family-run Legado Mítico attends to every detail—from the gorgeous guest rooms named after notable figures from the city's past and individually decorated to suit the titular person right down to the welcome glass of wine. Shared areas, hung with artworks by the owners' mother, Norma Adamo, are extremely inviting.

Despite appearances, this striking Georgian-style mansion only dates from the 1980s, when it was built as a private home. It still feels like one, with bright and airy rooms in the main house and in a guesthouse with huge windows, hardwood floors, and period furniture. The dark-wood-paneled penthouse suite has a vaulted ceiling; two of the double rooms in the guesthouse share a sitting room, making them ideal for a family or group.

It's small and no-frills, but if you're just looking for a place to sleep in between excursions, this friendly lodging a short walk from the main square is a good bet. Its seven rooms are arranged around a small courtyard, and are decorated sparingly.

Converted from a vintage villa, this boutique hotel stands out for its chic and traditional style and friendly service; the 12 guest rooms are tastefully decorated with traditional antiques and art. Common areas include a charming courtyard, a wine cellar, and a gorgeous stone-walled restaurant (Catalino) serving Andean cuisine.

This century-old building used to be a youth hostel until the owner got tired of the noise and chaos; rooms are basic, but they're set around a pleasant courtyard or around the inviting swimming pool.

An adorable one-room B&B located on the vineyard slopes that form part of the Bodega Yacochuya wine estate, Fancy Rancho makes for a very private stay. Enjoy breakfast accompanied by a fantastic view of the valley before heading out to nearby wineries Domingo Molino and Piattelli. There’s also a grill, so you can try your hand at making asado, Argentina style.

The exterior of this beautiful old house belies the modern comforts within; an elegant lobby leads to a tastefully appointed sitting room, an airy courtyard, and a good (though expensive) restaurant. The rooftop pool area has great city views. The slightly pricier superior rooms have balconies overlooking a quiet plaza; suites have Jacuzzis.

A few blocks from the square in a quieter area, Las Terrazas has nine spacious rooms, each with its own balcony. The bar serves snacks and regional wines, and there's also an outdoor swimming pool. Check out the ingenious water feature that flows inside and out, and the perfectly circular well that dates back more than 1,000 years (it was discovered during the hotel's construction). Flora fans will appreciate the owner's cacti collection.

All the reddish adobe walls of the cabins at Los Colorados, on the Cerro de Siete Colores, have rounded corners, giving the whole place a look of having been sculpted straight from the earth; it's a perfect spot for kicking back, whether you're curled up by the fireplace in your room or stargazing on the communal terrace.

Just two blocks from the plaza but already on the edge of town, this place feels like a hideaway; behind the large colonial-style building, with its big guest rooms and its fireplace-warmed common area, is a garden with a blue-and-white swimming pool and great views. There's also a well-stocked quincho—a sheltered barbecue area with tables, chairs, and an oven.