Review: Park Hyatt Hotel, Spa, and Casino Mendoza, Argentina

WHAT’S IT LIKE This striking Spanish colonial facade creates a grandiose first impression after crossing the city’s park-like Plaza Independencia. With a high-ceilinged marble lobby and cushioned leather seating, it attracts the see and be seen growd. A grand piano sits in the center of this elegant space, often featuring live entertainment in the evening hours. This is the most prized and elegant hotel in town.

DINING Numerous dining options mean that one can never get bored during their stay. Lively Bistro M features an exhibition kitchen beginning at breakfast with a cooked-to-order buffet featuring fresh juice, fruit, and an entire spread of local pastries and bakery items. A glassed-in "wine library" has won numerous awards and is under the direction of the hotel’s sommelier aids with choices. Through the central outdoor terrace, the Grill Q restaurant offers a traditional Argentine steakhouse menu with the finest cuts of local beef plus an array of side dishes.

The option to try numerous side dishes from a small buffet is a nice touch. Diners can watch their steaks being rubbed and grilled from an open kitchen. Next door, a wine and tapas bar opens to an outdoor terrace and serves regular evening specials like a sushi night on Thursdays. The lobby lounge serves light meals and drinks throughout the day and evening. Glasses of local wine are extremely well-priced, and this makes a great place to begin or end the evening (perhaps on the front terrace in warm weather).

AMENITIES A palm tree-lined patio and heated outdoor swimming pool are located one level above the street. There are plenty of lounge chairs topped with towels for those that want to enjoy the region’s almost constant sun. The hotel’s popular spa features individual treatment rooms and men’s and women’s relaxation areas with space for relaxing in the whirlpool, sauna or steam room. Fitness buffs can use the 24-hour gym, which is stocked with filtered water and fresh fruit. Through the lobby, guests will find a surprisingly large casino, which is open to the public. For those that want to try their luck, it is there. For those that know better, it is cleverly designed so that you never have to pass through it if you so choose.

The concierge can organize city visit or winery tours. Numerous corporate events make use of the ample conference space and meeting facilities. Friendly staff and exceptional security are hallmarks of this grand hotel.

ROOMS Guests can choose views of the distant Andes or the city. The building is shaped like a U with glass hallways on either side. The modern accommodations feature Earth-toned walls and carpeting, bright, easy-to-control lighting, a piece or two of art, and cushioned armchairs with ottomans.

The wooden Venetian shutters open to spectacular views, but the higher the floor the better the view. Firm bedding is coated in soft duvets and a quartet of pillows. Sliding doors on either side open to marble and glass bathrooms with sleek glass vanities topped with numerous toiletries, bidets, toilets, and a large closet. The sliding glass panel opens to the soaking tub and marble shower, which are both separated behind the same glass wall. Water pressure is intense and enjoyable. Other amenities include a minibar, flat-screen cable TV, full-length mirror, and glass desk with free wireless high speed Internet. It would be nice to have a coffeemaker, but the bottled water provided each morning and evening during turndown service are especially nice touches.

CONCLUSION Hyatt’s well-known standards for taste and elegant are evident at this Park Hyatt. Despite being more than a decade old, it is still the top contender for business guests and well-heeled tourists looking to explore this beautiful wine region.