Frommer's Review
The internationally renowned Llao Llao Hotel & Resort is one of the finest hotels in Latin America, as much for its magnificent location as its sumptuous, elegant interiors and refined service. Situated on a grassy crest of the Llao Llao Peninsula, and framed by rugged peaks, this five-star hotel was modeled after the style of Canadian mountain lodges, evident in its cypress and pine-log walls, stone fireplaces, antler chandeliers, and barn-size salons. This is the place to spend the night if you're willing to splurge for a special evening. The hotel was first built in 1938 but, after burning to the ground, was rebuilt again in 1939. It closed during the 1980s, but recent restorations have renewed its original grandeur while giving it a fresh and modern feel. A driveway winds up to the hotel, where a discreet security guard monitors traffic: The hotel tries to keep gawkers at a distance, although visitors may come for a drink, afternoon tea, or a meal, but only with a prior reservation. The lounge has glossy wood floors carpeted with incredibly long Oriental rugs, coffee-colored wicker furniture, and soft lights. It's the site of frequent teas and special appetizer hours. The nearby Club House has a daily tea from 4 to 7pm.
From the lobby, every turn leads to another remarkable room, including a "winter garden" cafe whose expansive glass walls look out onto a large patio, the hotel's golf course, and Lake Nahuel Huapi beyond. A monumental hallway adorned with paintings from local artists leads to the rooms. All are decorated in a rustic country design and have gleaming white bathrooms; they're nice, but the style is not as exceptional as one would expect from a hotel of this caliber. Standard rooms are comfortable but quite small; superior suites are split into bedroom and living areas and some come with a wraparound deck and fireplace; a lovely two-bedroom cabin with a splendid view of Lake Moreno is also available. The hotel has a handful of unadvertised standard double rooms without a view. They're reserved for drop-ins who inquire at reception for the cheapest accommodations (no prior reservations are accepted for these rooms). The cheapest, though, can still mean $350 a night in high season. The spa affords views that are nothing less than panoramic. Treatment rooms yield breathtaking lake and mountain vistas. A myriad of daily activities is included in the price of the rooms, from adult watercolor-painting classes to games and events for kids. Transfers to and from the airport and the ski hill are also included. The hotel's fine-dining restaurant, Los Cesares, is the best in the Bariloche area. Internet access is free for registered guests in the business center.
Facilities: 2 restaurants; bar; lounge; small indoor heated pool; golf course; tennis courts; exercise room; fabulous spa; Jacuzzi; extensive watersports equipment; children's center; video arcade; tour and car-rental desk; business center; shopping arcade; salon; room service; massage; babysitting; laundry service; dry cleaning
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
