Mar del Plata is Argentina's largest seaside resort, a working fishing port on the Atlantic coast of Buenos Aires Province where the city's tourist infrastructure — hotels, restaurants, casinos and theatres — sits alongside a busy port and a long beachfront. The seafront boulevard, the casino complex and the beaches form the spine of the visitor's city, with the railway and bus stations and the airport connecting it to the rest of the country.
For a visitor, the practical question is how far from the water you want to be. Accommodation clusters along the beachfront and the streets immediately behind it, and rates generally fall the further inland you go, though it is still possible to find reasonable rates two or three blocks from the beach. This guide covers the areas worth considering as a base, what each suits, and how the price tiers differ.
Best areas to stay in Mar del Plata
1. The beachfront and the streets behind the Casino
The seafront strip and the blocks immediately behind the casino put you within walking distance of the sand, the casino complex and the central tourist amenities. This is the most convenient base for a first visit, since the beach is right there and much of what you have come for is on foot.
You will find the widest choice of accommodation here, from basic two-star places a few blocks from the beach to large, established hotels on the seafront itself. It suits visitors who want the beach and the casino on their doorstep; expect the area to be at its busiest in high season, when the better-known places book up and calling ahead is worthwhile.
2. Playa Grande and the Alem street area
Playa Grande is the trendy beach, and Alem street nearby is the city's best nightlife area. This is the base for travellers who want evenings out and a livelier scene rather than a quiet, central stay.
Accommodation here includes the most expensive places in town, including large hotels across the street from the beach. It suits nightlife-oriented visitors and those willing to pay for proximity to Playa Grande; the trade-off is that you are further from the central casino beaches.
3. Behind the port
The area behind the port is on the edge of the city rather than in its centre, roughly four kilometres from the casino beaches. It is a quieter, more removed base.
This area has large modern hotels, including some with views towards the Golf Club and the port. It suits travellers who prefer space and facilities over walking distance to the central beach, and who do not mind being away from the main seafront. Note that some services in this area are not available outside the high season.
4. Inland from the beach
Moving inland from the seafront, rates generally become cheaper, and you can still find a reasonable rate two or three blocks from the beach. This is the sensible choice for budget-conscious travellers who want to stay near the water without paying seafront prices.
Accommodation here is mostly in the lower categories, and the majority of the city's hotels fall into the two- and three-star range. It suits budget travellers and anyone staying longer who would rather spend on other things; the practical point is that the further inland you go, the cheaper it gets, so a short walk buys a lower rate.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: simple hotels in the lower star categories, often inland from the beach or a few blocks back from the seafront, with dining available on the premises in some cases.
- Mid-range: basic two-star and three-star hotels, some a few blocks from the beach, some with quiet rooms set back behind the casino, and some with a gym, WiFi and breakfast.
- Splurge: four- and five-star hotels, including seafront properties with pools, spas and views, and the most expensive places in town near Playa Grande.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself on the beachfront and the streets behind the casino. The beach, the casino and the central tourist amenities are all within easy reach on foot, and the area offers the widest range of places to stay across every price level. It is the simplest way to get oriented before deciding whether you prefer the Playa Grande side or somewhere quieter.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book in high season?
The better-known places are often booked during the high season, so call ahead. Some services in the port area are also unavailable outside the high season.
Can I stay near the beach without paying seafront prices?
Yes. Rates get cheaper the further inland you go, but you can still get a reasonable rate two or three blocks from the beach.
Where should I stay if I want nightlife?
The Playa Grande and Alem street area is the city's best nightlife area, and it is where you will find the most expensive hotels in town.
What kind of accommodation is most common in Mar del Plata?
The city has over 500 hotels, the majority falling into the two- and three-star category.
Compare live prices for the area you have chosen with the booking tools on this page.