San Carlos de Bariloche is a Patagonian paradise that combines majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and a rich local culture. As a travel blogger focused on authentic and sustainable experiences, I’ve been fortunate to stay at the most exclusive hotels in the region. Below, I present the 10 best high-end hotels in Bariloche, a curated selection ranging from intimate boutiques to internationally renowned resorts, each with its own unique Patagonian touch.

1. Llao Llao Resort, Golf & Spa

An undisputed icon of Bariloche, Llao Llao Resort (originally opened in 1938) is a five-star resort and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Its main building, designed by architect Alejandro Bustillo, showcases a classic Canadian lodge style with logs and stone. It features 162 rooms in the historic Bustillo Wing and 43 deluxe studios and suites in the Moreno Wing, connected by a panoramic bridge. The facilities are second to none: an 18-hole golf course, its own marina, a beach, an indoor/outdoor infinity pool, a top-notch spa, and multiple gourmet restaurants. Perched on the Llao Llao Peninsula between Nahuel Huapi and Moreno lakes, it offers spectacular views in every direction.

Every time I enter the lobby with its huge windows, I feel the magic of this place. The service is impeccable yet warm; they manage to make you feel at home despite the luxury. I remember waking up in a suite overlooking snow-capped Mount Tronador and Lake Moreno – simply unforgettable! I especially enjoyed the traditional afternoon tea in the Winter Garden with lake views, an experience that is both elegant and cozy.

On my last stay, I joined a guided hike offered by the hotel through the surrounding forest. After the hike, an unexpected tango show awaited us upon return. Local dancers performed classic pieces on the terrace at sunset. That blend of Argentine culture, Patagonian nature, and the hotel’s hospitality made that evening magical. I ended the night sipping hot chocolate by the lobby fireplace, marveling at being in a place with so much history and charm.

2. Charming Luxury Lodge & Private Spa

Located atop a cliff at Playa Bonita (Km 7.5 on Bustillo Ave.), Charming Lodge is a luxury boutique hotel on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Its architecture combines wood and stone, blending seamlessly with the wooded surroundings. It offers only 31 units (suites, apartments, and residences), many with a private in-room spa (double whirlpool tub, dry sauna, steam sauna with chromotherapy, Scottish shower). All accommodations have balconies or terraces with unparalleled views of the lake and mountains. Facilities include a heated outdoor pool, outdoor hot tubs, and a panoramic sauna overlooking the lake. The gastronomic offering stands out at “Stag – El Restó de Charming,” where Patagonian and international cuisine are fused in an intimate lakeside setting.

This hotel lives up to its name – truly charming. I stayed in a Master Suite with a private spa, and it was sublime to relax in the terrace jacuzzi while watching the sun set over Nahuel Huapi Lake. It’s a very personalized kind of luxury; the staff called me by name and even knew how I liked my coffee in the morning. It feels like an elegant mountain cabin with all the modern comforts.

On one of my visits, I celebrated my birthday here, and the staff organized a surprise dinner in the hotel’s wine cellar just for our group. They set up the table with candles and served us a memorable cheese fondue featuring regional products. Later that night, from the garden we watched the incredibly starry Bariloche sky while toasting with Patagonian wine. Upon returning to my suite, I found a personalized cake waiting for me (a gift from the chef!). That attention to detail and kindness made my birthday at Charming one of the most special I can remember.

3. Alma del Lago Suites & Spa

Indoor pool at Alma del Lago, with picture windows that invite the Nahuel Huapi landscape to be part of the spa.

Modern and sophisticated, Alma del Lago is a 5-star hotel situated on the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake and just about 1 km (a few blocks) from Bariloche’s Civic Center. It combines the convenience of downtown proximity with the peace of being lakeside. It has 95 rooms with contemporary style; many boast large windows and balconies overlooking the lake or Cerro Catedral. The facilities include the Alma Spa with an indoor infinity pool, jacuzzi, dry sauna, Scottish shower, and gym. To delight the palate, it offers two restaurants: Terra, featuring Mediterranean flavors with Patagonian touches in an elegant atmosphere, and Mítico Bistro, a more casual spot for gourmet sandwiches and salads during the day – both with panoramic lake views.

Staying here was a treat for the senses. My room had a huge picture window where I could gaze at the lake at dawn – the hotel’s name, “Soul of the Lake,” truly fills your soul! The design is sleek yet welcoming; I loved sitting in the lobby’s armchairs with a glass of wine, watching the sun tint the distant mountains orange. The closeness to downtown allowed me to walk to explore craft beer pubs in the city and stroll back under the moonlight reflecting on the lake. The breakfast buffet is generous and the perfect start before a day of excursions. And when I returned tired in the afternoon, nothing beat heading to the spa; their pool with hydrotherapy jets facing the Bariloche sunset is rejuvenating.

One cold afternoon, I decided to take advantage of the spa. While I was swimming in the heated pool, I saw that it had started snowing outside over the lake – seeing that from inside, with warm water and snowflakes hitting the glass, was dreamy. Afterward, I indulged in a relaxing massage. When I left the spa, I was greeted – courtesy of the hotel – with an herbal Patagonia infusion with rosehip petals. That night I slept deeply, feeling completely renewed. The next morning, during the breakfast buffet, the chef shared with me the recipe for a red fruit tart that I had loved – a generous gesture I still remember when I bake it at home.

4. Arelauquen Lodge (Tribute Portfolio by Marriott)

Room at Arelauquen Lodge with a view of the golf course: modern luxury in the midst of nature, just steps from Lake Gutiérrez.

Located within the exclusive Arelauquen community, this Marriott boutique lodge combines nature and luxury. It sits in a gated, heavily forested neighborhood on the outskirts of Bariloche, overlooking Lake Gutiérrez to the southwest of town, giving it a tranquil atmosphere just a 15-minute drive from downtown. Surrounded by Andean forest, it offers exceptional views of the lake, Cerro Catedral, and a top-notch 18-hole golf course. The hotel features classic rooms and suites (including family suites) with options for mountain, lake, or golf course views. Amenities include a heated indoor-outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a solarium – plenty to enjoy on site. One important note: the lodge is separate from the Arelauquen Golf & Country Club, but guests can book tee times there, considered one of the best golf courses in Patagonia.

The experience at Arelauquen Lodge feels like an intimate alpine retreat with international standards. As a traveler, I appreciated the balance between adventure and comfort: one day I could go trekking on nearby trails, and the next unwind in the indoor pool with forest views. The decor is modern yet with local touches (wood, regional textiles) that add warmth. I especially enjoyed having breakfast on the terrace overlooking the calm Lake Gutiérrez, breathing the crisp morning air. Being part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, it maintains that polished Marriott service, but with a local personality.

I recall coming back one afternoon from a horseback ride in the area (an activity the concierge kindly arranged) to find a surprise in my room: the staff had left a handwritten note with a small traditional dessert called milhojas to “replenish energy.” I was touched by that personalized detail. That night, taking advantage of the peaceful location, I sat on my balcony with a blanket and a glass of Malbec to stargaze. Suddenly, I saw a shooting star streak across the sky above Cerro Catedral. It was a simple but magical moment, feeling completely connected to Patagonian nature while wrapped in the discreet luxury of the lodge.

5. Design Suites Bariloche

Main facade of Design Suites Bariloche, with its avant-garde wood-and-glass architecture integrated into the forest.

True to its name, Design Suites is an art & design-concept hotel that impresses at first sight. Perched on a hillside forest about 2.5 km from downtown (on the road to Llao Llao), it comprises four contemporary, eco-inspired buildings. Its design resembles a futuristic lake lodge, with curved forms and expansive windows. It houses an art gallery, wine bar, restaurant, and spa. There are 54 rooms and suites, all with modern furnishings, large windows, and views of either the forest or Lake Nahuel Huapi. Higher categories feature private jacuzzis and panoramic balconies. The common areas are both cool and cozy: minimalist leather chaise longues facing floor-to-ceiling picture windows, or a cheeky shag rug before a traditional stone fireplace – this is not your uncle’s rustic cabin!. Facilities include an outdoor pool and a heated indoor pool with lake and mountain views, plus a sauna and massage room.

Staying here feels like being in a living art gallery. Every corner has some interesting design detail, from sculptures in the corridors to ultra-modern chairs in the lobby. I loved the fusion of modernity with nature: for example, the main lounge has huge floor-to-ceiling windows framing the lake like a painting, and you can lounge on a contemporary chaise looking out. My room was minimalist but very comfortable, with earthy hues that didn’t distract from the view outside. I also appreciated their sustainable practices, such as LED lighting and use of certified wood.

One rainy afternoon, I decided to visit the in-house art gallery, and to my surprise there was a small reception with the local artist whose works were on display. I ended up chatting with him, along with other guests – glass of wine in hand – about how Bariloche inspires his paintings. It was spontaneous and memorable to have that cultural interaction in a hotel. The next day, the weather cleared and I enjoyed the outdoor pool. Swimming while looking at the snow-capped mountains was incredible. Just as I was in the water, a rainbow appeared over the lake (a result of the recent rain). Several guests came out to photograph it. I simply floated on my back in the pool, quietly contemplating the rainbow — a luxury for the soul that this hotel gifted me.

6. El Casco Art Hotel

Room at El Casco Art Hotel decorated with original works: a retreat where Argentine art takes center stage.

The first hotel dedicated to art in Argentina, El Casco Art Hotel is a 5-star boutique with 33 rooms on the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi (Km 11.5 on Bustillo Ave.). Each room displays between 5 and 12 pieces from the Zurbarán Collection, which totals over 400 original artworks by renowned Argentine artists, spread across common areas and even the sculpture gardens. The ambiance strikes a balance between classic elegance and contemporary comfort: the architecture has clean lines and noble materials so that the art takes the spotlight. Rooms are spacious – many with private terraces and lake views – decorated in a understated way so as not to compete with the paintings and sculptures adorning them. Amenities include a gourmet restaurant (also named El Casco, with a menu that changes in winter and summer featuring fresh regional ingredients), a lobby bar to enjoy afternoon tea with lake views or tapas and snacks, and a full spa with a heated indoor/outdoor pool, outdoor jacuzzi, solarium, dry sauna, gym, and more.

Staying at El Casco was like sleeping in a boutique museum – a delight for an art lover like me! Each day I discovered a new painting in the hallway or paused to admire sculptures in the garden, designed by landscaper Carlos Thays’ great-grandson. Despite its artistic profile, the hotel doesn’t feel cold or overly formal – on the contrary, it’s warm, with plenty of natural light and comfortable corners to relax with a book and a coffee. The staff even offers guided tours of the collection upon request, which in my case greatly enriched the experience (I learned fascinating stories about the local artists).

One morning I went down for breakfast and noticed a table in the garden overlooking the lake, where a life-size bronze deer sculpture stood. I sat there to have my coffee and soon the sommelier approached with an unusual proposal: they were hosting a Patagonian wine tasting that evening and were inviting me as a courtesy. Of course I accepted! The tasting took place at sunset on the terrace, paired with gourmet tapas. We sampled wines from small regional wineries, all while the sky turned pink over the calm lake. Afterwards, chatting with the sommelier and other guests, we ended up spending the evening around the fireplace in the lobby bar, where spontaneously someone began playing the grand piano. It was a day that combined art, gastronomy, and good company under El Casco’s hospitable roof – a well-rounded experience that encapsulates this hotel’s philosophy.

7. Villa Beluno Hotel & Spa

Villa Beluno at sunset: this exclusive Italian-style villa commands the lake from atop the San Pedro Peninsula.

One of Bariloche’s newest and most luxurious hotels, Villa Beluno opened in 2019 with the concept of an Italian-Patagonian villa. Set atop the San Pedro Peninsula, it enjoys a privileged position with 360° views of Lake Nahuel Huapi and the surrounding mountains. It’s an intimate hotel with only 13 rooms and suites, geared toward travelers seeking privacy, tranquility, and highly personalized service. Suites have evocative names (Victoria Royal Suite, Nahuel Huapi Master Suite, Arrayanes Junior Suite, Lago Quadruple Suite, etc.) and all offer lake and garden views through large windows, classic European-style furnishings, and modern amenities. Villa Beluno also stands out for its gastronomic offerings: Avellana, its signature restaurant inspired by Italian and French contemporary cuisine; a Patisserie (bakery) serving all sorts of pastries, cakes, and desserts; and an aptly named bar where you can enjoy beer, wine, and craft cocktails often with live music. Amenities include a boutique spa with organic treatments, an indoor pool, outdoor jacuzzi, an on-site greenhouse, a micro-cinema, and even a library with a curated selection of books and wines – reflecting an attention to life’s refined pleasures.

My stay at Villa Beluno was simply unforgettable. From the moment I passed through the stone gate and was greeted by the staff (with a warm “Benvenuto!” and a lavender lemonade), I knew I was somewhere special. The property exudes luxury without pretension; it reminded me of those villas in northern Italy, with stone arches, terraces, and a quaint bell tower, but surrounded by Patagonian splendor. Each morning I woke up to birdsong and had croissants with homemade jams for breakfast while looking at Victoria Island in the middle of the lake. The culinary level is outstanding – dinner at Avellana was among the best I’ve had in Bariloche. But what stands out most is the familial warmth: I discovered it’s a local family’s endeavor, and that dedication is felt in the details and personal touch.

One afternoon I decided not to go out and simply enjoy the hotel. I went down to the small private cinema where they were screening “Il Postino” (which perfectly matched the romantic Italian vibe!). There were only three guests in the theater, with velvet seats and gourmet popcorn courtesy of the house. After the movie, I stepped into the garden and the view took my breath away: the setting sun cast a golden glow on the lake and mountains. I sat by the central fountain and, spontaneously, Sofía – the owner – came over to say hello. We ended up chatting about family recipes (she is the pâtissier chef herself). She even invited me into the kitchen to see how they make their house gelato. That night, back in my suite, I found a jar of house-made dulce de leche on the table with a note from Sofía saying, “So you take a little piece of Villa Beluno with you.” I was nearly moved to tears! It’s this kind of thoughtfulness and authenticity that makes Villa Beluno feel less like a hotel and more like visiting very dear friends’ home – albeit one surrounded by luxury and natural beauty.

8. Cacique Inacayal Lake & Spa Hotel

Lobby lounge of Cacique Inacayal, with its fireplace and lake-facing windows: a cozy space to enjoy the view any time of year.

Situated right in downtown Bariloche (on Juan Manuel de Rosas St., 4 blocks from the Civic Center) and on the shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake, Cacique Inacayal offers an ideal combination of convenient location and privileged lakeside setting. This modern mountain-style hotel is a superior 4-star known for its comprehensive recreation and relaxation facilities. It has 67 rooms, many with balconies and spectacular lake views (the front-facing ones have truly stunning panoramas). Its dining options include Utrac restaurant, specializing in Patagonian and international cuisine with a noteworthy Argentine wine cellar, and Tecka Bar for cocktails and lighter fare alongside a wood-burning fireplace overlooking the lake. On the top floor is the Kénos Spa & Health Club: an indoor heated pool with hydro-jet hot tub, dry sauna, Finnish bath, Scottish showers, and a terrace with loungers facing the water. The hotel even has direct access to a small beach and private lakeside garden – something unique for a downtown hotel.

Cacique Inacayal has always struck me as the classic big hotel of Bariloche but updated for modern times. Its decor combines warm materials (wood, stone) with contemporary touches, creating very cozy spaces. I especially love its rooftop terrace: having an aperitif there in summer with a panoramic lake view stretching to the horizon is a treat. On the other hand, the location makes everything easy: from here I could walk to dinner, go shopping on Mitre Street, or grab ice cream at Mamuschka, and be back in minutes to the tranquility of a lakeside hotel. The breakfast is abundant and varied – perfect before heading out on excursions. And when I returned tired in the afternoon, nothing beat hitting the spa; its pool with a view of the Bariloche sunset is invigorating.

On one trip I brought my mother and we stayed here. One evening, after a day touring the Circuito Chico scenic route, we decided to stay in and take advantage of the Tecka Bar’s happy hour. To our surprise, there was a little live music show that night: a local duo playing bossa nova. We settled into some armchairs by the large window, the fireplace crackling nearby, and ordered two glasses of Pinot Noir from Neuquén. The soft music, the fire, the gentle lake waves audible in the background… my mother squeezed my hand and said, “This moment is perfect.” We stayed a couple of hours, chatting like two friends, feeling an immense peace. Upon returning to our room, the hotel had left handcrafted chocolates on our pillows as a courtesy (they know chocolate is a must in Bariloche!). My mother still fondly remembers that trip and especially that simple yet magical evening in the Inacayal lounge. It’s those instances of pure happiness – facilitated by the special atmosphere of the place – that make this hotel hold a special spot in my heart.

9. Estancia Peuma Hue (Eco-Lodge)

At Estancia Peuma Hue, life unfolds in harmony with nature: simple moments like interacting with the ranch’s dogs and horses become endearing memories.

For those seeking luxury in communion with nature and sustainability, Estancia Peuma Hue is a dream destination. More than a hotel, it’s a 5-star boutique eco-lodge within Nahuel Huapi National Park, in Bariloche’s southern area (along Lake Gutiérrez), surrounded by 500 acres of its own forests, mountains, waterfalls, and valleys. This private paradise, just 25 minutes from town, offers 10 rooms split between a main lodge and cozy mountain cabins, with a maximum capacity of 28 guests. The buildings are rustic-chic style using natural materials and renewable energy (solar panels, rainwater harvesting, etc.), reflecting Peuma Hue’s strong commitment to sustainable tourism. Here the experience is all-inclusive and personalized: guests enjoy organic farm-to-table cuisine (many ingredients come from its own garden and farm), and a wide range of outdoor activities right on the property, such as horseback riding on mountain trails, kayaking on Lake Gutiérrez, trekking to hidden waterfalls, outdoor yoga, and bird watching. The name “Peuma Hue” means “Place of Dreams” in the Mapuche language, and it truly lives up to it.

Peuma Hue occupies a very special place in my travel memories. Here you feel the essence of the most authentic Patagonia with the comforts of a luxury hotel but without pretension. What I value most is the family-like and connected atmosphere: the owners and staff sit at the table with guests, meals are shared family-style farm-to-table, and even the dogs (the famous golden retriever “hosts” of the estancia) accompany you on hikes as expert guides – an utterly charming touch. My room was simple yet very cozy, with a wood-burning stove that kept it warm at night and big windows looking out to the forest. Waking up to birdsong and stepping outside to breathe pure morning air while the horses roam freely near the house is priceless. It’s a different kind of luxury, one more tied to experiences and nature that nourishes the soul.

On my last visit I took part in the community project the estancia promotes: helping out in the organic garden and then cooking together. That morning we harvested veggies with the chef – I picked Swiss chard and carrots, and another couple collected fresh eggs from the coop. Later in the rustic kitchen we prepared a collaborative lunch: a savory chard pie with what we gathered, salads, and homemade bread. Everything was delicious! In the afternoon, they took us by boat across the lake to a trail where we did an interpretive hike – we learned about native flora and the Mapuche history of the land. On the way back, as the boat cruised along, the guide pointed to the shore and we saw deer drinking from the water’s edge, something straight out of a documentary. That night, already tired, we all gathered around the outdoor fire pit. Under a sky filled with stars (I had never seen the Milky Way so clearly), we shared stories, sang with a guitar, and sipped the traditional Argentine mate in a circle. I recall looking around – people from different countries laughing like lifelong friends, the dogs lying beside us, the mountain echoes… I felt a deep, simple happiness. At Peuma Hue you arrive as a guest but leave feeling part of a family, with your heart full of nature and gratitude.

10. Aldebarán Hotel & Spa

Aldebarán Hotel hidden among the forests of the San Pedro Peninsula, seen from the waters of Nahuel Huapi: a peaceful oasis away from the bustle.

On the quiet San Pedro Peninsula, about 20 minutes west of Bariloche’s center, sits Aldebarán, a charming boutique hotel with 10 rooms tucked in native forest overlooking the Campanario arm of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Its name and design nod to the star Aldebaran, and it indeed offers a stellar experience: the property is perched on a cliff above the lake, giving it a secluded, serene feel – ideal for stargazing far from city lights. The architectural style is a modern take on a typical Patagonian house, with exposed wooden beams, high ceilings, and broad windows, yet maintaining a minimalist, refined vibe. Each room is different in layout, all spacious and filled with natural light, with a terrace or balcony facing the lake, and generously sized bathrooms (some with jacuzzis) done in earth-tone tiles. A highlight is Sirius Spa, which features an innovative indoor/outdoor pool: a heated pool inside that extends outside, allowing you to literally swim under the stars on clear nights. The hotel’s restaurant, also named Sirius, is intimate and acclaimed for its organic cuisine and Patagonian wines – so much so that it’s frequented by diners not staying at the hotel as well.

Aldebarán is one of those places that steals your heart with its simple beauty. Being away from the city, here you truly disconnect: the only “noise” I heard was birds and the wind through the trees. I fell in love with the decor, which achieves a rustic elegance without overdoing it – polished wood furniture, textiles in natural tones, and in my room a tapestry woven by local artisans that gave it regional character. The service is highly personalized; with so few rooms, the staff remembers your preferences (by the second day they knew I love rosehip tea and offered it to me each afternoon). It feels like being at a friend’s country residence for the warmth of the interaction, but with the level of service of a grand hotel. And I must highlight the pleasure of its unique pool: floating half inside and half outside the house, with the fresh Patagonian air on your face, is priceless.

One clear night, the spa manager mentioned we could use the outdoor portion of the pool even after hours – we just needed to open a door. I didn’t hesitate: I put on my swimsuit and went out to the open-air part of the heated pool. What a wonderful experience to swim in warm water while above me thousands of stars were shining! I did a breaststroke from the lit interior section to the dark exterior, illuminated only by the starlight. At one point I just stopped and floated on my back, gazing at Orion and the Southern Cross, listening to the silence broken only by gentle splashes. It was a moment of absolute peace. When I got out, the cold night air gave me a slight shiver, but I was immediately wrapped in a warm robe and offered a hot chocolate in the living room by the fireplace. I sat there alone, in front of the fire with my steaming mug, reflecting on how lucky I was to have that experience. The next day, when I recounted this to other guests over breakfast, we all ended up planning a spontaneous hike together on a nearby trail leading to a “secret” viewpoint recommended by the staff. Those impromptu mini-adventures and camaraderie that arose at Aldebarán made my stay very special. Every corner – from its little pier on the lake to its garden with wild rosebushes – invites you to create heartfelt memories.

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These ten hotels represent the best of Bariloche in terms of premium hospitality, each with its own personality: history and grandeur at Llao Llao, intimate romance at Charming, urban-lakeside sophistication at Alma del Lago, a nature retreat with international flair at Arelauquen, art and design at El Casco and Design Suites, homely exclusivity at Villa Beluno, central convenience without sacrificing views at Cacique Inacayal, immersive eco-luxury at Peuma Hue, and serene charm at Aldebarán.

Reflecting on this list, I realize all of them share something beyond luxury: the human warmth in their service and the magic of the Patagonian surroundings elevate the experience in a unique way. Bariloche’s natural beauty enhances these hotels; and in turn, these hotels allow you to experience Bariloche with maximum comfort and authenticity.

I hope my experiences inspire you to discover these wonderful corners of Bariloche on your next trip! Each hotel offers its own chapter of memories, waiting to be lived by you.

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