Park Hyatt Mendoza

Inhabiting the historic former Plaza Hotel, this Park Hyatt is certainly impressive from the outset, with its elegant Spanish Colonial facade, grand columns, and location right on Plaza Independencia. However, once you step inside, things are a bit more modern, with lots of bright, open spaces set with more sober, classical furniture. The expansive lobby is grand, with a two-story ceiling, gleaming tile floors, and massive white columns looming over the seating areas. Artwork by local artists hangs on the walls and changes monthly. That subtle local touch helps set this chain property apart from others in town, though some of the furniture could use replacing. No matter, it remains a popular option right in the heart of the city. When the weather is nice, guests tend to congregate outside on the terraces, though its own restaurants and bars also serve as buzzy centers of activity. Given its brand name and location, the hotel draws both business guests and leisure travelers and is one of the most popular choices in town.

This Park Hyatt has a prime location in the city center, right on Plaza Independencia, Mendoza's main square. Guests can walk to many restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as attractions such as Teatro Independencia, the city's premier performing arts venue, which is only one minute away on foot. The Museo Municipal de Arte Modern is a three-minute walk from the hotel. Many wineries and vineyards also are close by -- generally within a 20- to 30-minute drive, and business travelers have easy access to the city's financial center. Plan on about 20 minutes to reach Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport by car, or an hour by public transportation. 

Rooms and suites are pleasant enough here, and all incredibly spacious. Neutral color schemes are heavy on beige while medium-toned wood furniture features sleek curves and glass and steel accents. However, despite artwork that's been provided by local artists, things do look a little spartan, and some of the furniture and carpets are starting to appear tired. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, DVD players, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Desks and chairs are provided for those who need work space. Upgraded categories offer MP3 docks. Suites add living and dining space. Some rooms look out onto the city, while the best have nice views of the Andes. Bathrooms are tiled in marble and offer separate soaking tubs and showers, bidets, toiletries, hairdryers, and magnifying mirrors. Robes and slippers are provided. 

This hotel serves both leisure and business travelers with a variety of features. Dining takes place in two restaurants and two bars. The signature restaurant, Bistro M, offers Italian cuisine and guests can watch the chefs in action in the open kitchen. The space is sophisticated and chic, and a terrace allows for alfresco dining. Breakfast is served in Bistro M daily. Grill Q - Parrilla Argentina serves lunch and dinner in a warm space with floor-to-ceiling windows. Uvas Lounge & Bar offers more than 100 local wines, and guests can dine inside or out on the patio -- it's particularly popular with previous guests. Wine tastings are offered weekly. Las Terrazas de la Plaza is the lobby bar overlooking Plaza Independencia. Another bar, Ambar Living Bar, is located in the next-door casino, with live music on select nights. Room service is offered 24/7.   The outdoor pool is a lovely space surrounded by lush greenery and flowers on three sides. It's heated during the cooler months and poolside service is available. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are lined up on the deck for poolside relaxing. Kauna Club & Spa offers massage services, a steam room, sauna, whirlpool, and indoor and outdoor relaxation areas. Many of its body and facial treatments feature wine-based products. The fitness center is well-equipped with cardio and weight-training machines and free weights, and floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light. The hotel's events spaces accommodate meetings, social events, and conferences with three meeting rooms, a boardroom, and a ballroom. Computers and printers are available in the business center for guests to use. The adjacent casino offers slot machines and table games. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and parking also is free. Dogs weighing 50 pounds or less are allowed for a fee.