Argentina has an abundance of accommodations in all categories, from campgrounds and youth-hostel dormitories to extravagant luxury suites and everything in between. National and municipal tourist officials offer accommodations lists and brochures, but these frequently exclude budget options and may even omit some midrange and high-end places.

Prices are often negotiable; do not assume the tarifa mostrador (rack rate) is etched in stone. Visitors also should not take hotel ratings too seriously, as they often represent an ideal rather than a reality, and some one- or two-star places are better than others that theoretically rank higher.

Prices in Buenos Aires proper often fall during the summer season of January and February, as business travel slows to a crawl; for excursion destinations, though, prices usually rise as porteños flee the capital for sand, sun, and sex on the beach. The same is true for popular provincial destinations like San Antonio de Areco. Other peak seasons, when prices may rise, are Semana Santa (Holy Week) and July’s winter school vacations, which coincide with patriotic holidays.

Note also that Argentine hotels levy 21 percent in impuesto de valor agregado, or IVA (Value Added Tax or VAT). Unless otherwise indicated, rates in this travel guide include IVA, but if there’s any question at the front desk, ask for clarification to avoid unpleasant surprises when paying the bill.