Most people visiting Mendoza head straight for the capital city—and miss the quiet magic of San Rafael, the province’s second-largest city and one of Argentina’s most underrated wine-country escapes. I’d been wanting to explore it for years, but every time I researched places to stay, I hit the same wall: almost nothing written about the hotels here.
So I did what every traveler eventually has to do. I made a choice based on instinct, geography, and one non-negotiable rule: stay where the experience will be effortless.
That’s how I landed on Hotel Tower Inn & Suites, the tallest building in San Rafael and, as I quickly learned, one of the smartest decisions you can make when visiting this part of Mendoza.
Why This Hotel Made the Cut
I debated everything, from Airbnbs by the wineries to dreamy vineyard estates like Algodon Wine Estates. But we were only staying two nights, and our mission was clear:
- Explore San Rafael’s walkable city center
- Visit the jaw-dropping Atuel Canyon
- Add one or two wineries to the mix
- And skip the hassle of cooking or long drives into town
Staying outside of town would have meant unnecessary commuting, hunting for restaurants after long days out, and managing groceries for the four of us. Beautiful on paper; complicated in real life.
Location won. Convenience won. Tower Inn & Suites won.
What It’s Like Staying at the Tallest Building in San Rafael
The hotel stands proudly over the city, giving you a sense of place the moment you look out the window. We booked two rooms—ours on the 7th floor, our friends on the 6th and woke up to views of the Andes Mountains stretching quietly in the distance.
The rooms? Basic, clean, and functional, exactly what we needed.
- Comfortable double bed
- Simple bathroom with shower, shampoo, body wash, hand soap
- A small fridge
- Fast, free Wi-Fi
- Good water pressure
- And yes, just enough outlets if you’re willing to unplug a lamp
There were two bottles of water in the fridge—those were charged separately (and yes, we paid double the supermarket price, just like every hotel anywhere in the world).
But at $70 USD per night, I wasn’t complaining.
What I didn’t expect was the best part…
A Breakfast That Exceeds Expectations
I had no idea breakfast was included. When the front desk mentioned it, it felt like the kind of surprise every traveler hopes for.
The buffet? Surprisingly impressive:
- A variety of breads and pastries
- Cold cuts, cheeses, spreads, and butter
- Yogurts and cereals
- Juices, fresh fruits, dried fruits
- Cookies and gluten-free options
- Fresh coffee and tea
It wasn’t just a “continental snack.” It was a real breakfast, enough to fuel a full day of canyon exploring or winery hopping. We were served a very authentic Mendocino breakfast spread that included round, slightly puffed breads with tiny holes, called tortitas raspadas, a true Mendoza and Cuyo classic. They’re humble, savory flatbreads: crisp on the outside, tender inside, and meant to be enjoyed at breakfast or merienda with a swipe of butter, a bit of jam, or simply alongside a hot coffee. You’ll see them everywhere in this region, from family cafés to hotel buffets.
And medialunas, Argentina’s beloved version of the croissant, soft, lightly sweet, and impossible to stop at just one.
Amenities That Make Travel Easier
What you get at Tower Inn & Suites adds real value:
- On-site free parking
- Swimming pool (open Nov–Mar)
- On-site restaurant (excellent for lunch, merienda and or dinner)
- Gym
- Casino next door
- Shops, cafés, and supermarkets within steps
- Only 12 minutes on foot to Plaza San Martín
San Rafael may have over 100,000 residents, but it carries a small-town feel. Everything feels accessible, friendly, and manageable from this hotel.
A Quick Note About Payments
Argentina has its own system for VAT (IVA):
- You may be charged 21% VAT at the property.
- Foreign travelers paying with a foreign card (and presenting passport) are often exempt from this tax.
Always double-check at check-in.
Is Hotel Tower Inn & Suites Worth It? Absolutely.
If you’re looking for:
- a clean room
- the best location in town
- a surprisingly good breakfast
- friendly service
- a walkable home base
- and the best value for the price
…this is your hotel.
Other properties offer charm. Some offer luxury. But Tower Inn & Suites offers the one thing travelers value most: a stay that simply works.
Ready to Book Your Stay in San Rafael?
Save yourself the hours of research I went through. If you’re planning a trip to San Rafael—or even thinking about exploring Mendoza beyond the usual hotspots—this is the place to stay.
Book Hotel Tower Inn & Suites on Expedia here
Or explore flights, car rentals, and more through Expedia here
These links support my travel blog at no extra cost to you—and they help me continue sharing hidden corners like San Rafael with travelers who crave real experiences.
If you want convenience, value, and the best city views in town… this hotel is your match.
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