Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
315
Catedral is home to a number of good ski instr uctors. For excellent ski guiding ser-
vices, ranging fr om a fe w days at Catedral to a fe w weeks touring the many gr eat ski
resorts of Patagonia, contact
PowderQuest Tours
(
&
888/565-7158
in North America;
www.powderquest.com). They have very knowledgeable, experienced, and fun guides.
During the summer, the main gondolas are open to pedestrians for sightseeing M on-
day to Friday from 9:15am to 4pm.
WHERE TO STAY
If you're looking for luxury, you'll find the most options along Avenida Bustillo, the main
road outside town that runs parallel to the lake and leads to the Llao Llao Peninsula. The
larger hotels in the city (such as the P anamericano; p. 316) tend to cater to tour gr oups
or students and ar en't especially luxurious or ser vice oriented. If you're planning to r ent
a car, then by all means stay outside the city and driv e in at y our convenience. You can
also take the local bus or a quick taxi ride.
During the high season (Dec 15-Feb 28 and Easter week), prices double. Many hotels
consider the winter months of J uly and August to be a second high season, with prices
to match.
The cheapest rates ar e from March 1 to J une 30 and S eptember 1 to D ecember 15.
Dates vary; inquire before booking and always ask for promotions or discounts for mul-
tiday stays. Rates listed here are generally for high season.
11
Within the City Center
Expensive
Cacique Inacayal
A ne w hotel right on the water do wntown, the I nacayal offers
comfortable rooms with gr eat lakefront views, and it 's just steps fr om town. The hotel
clings to the side of the hill, entering at the main road level and reaching down to a stony
beach. Traffic noise outside is a problem, as are the discos next door. Request a room on
the west side. S till, indoors it 's all business, with an efficient atrium-vie w elevator and
bow-tied waiters. All r ooms have great views, and the bottom-floor r ooms include ter-
races. Decor is standar d, with a dash of modernity . Lacquered wood, wicker, and wool
predominate. The “Gran Confort” rooms are cheaper than a suite but plenty spacious.
The hotel has packages that include breakfast and dinner, a strange option as what most
appeals is its proximity to so many other r estaurants.
Juan M. de Rosas 625, San C arlos de Bariloche.
&
02944/433888.
www.hotelinacayal.com.ar. 67 units.
$185-$211 (£126-£143) double; $270 (£183) suite. Rates include breakfast. AE, MC, V.
Amenities:
Restau-
rant; wine bar; lobby cafe; spa; pool; laundry; garden w/beach access; Wi-Fi.
In room:
Safe, minibar.
Hotel Edelweiss
With its reliable service and huge double bedrooms, this hotel is
a solid choice in do wntown Bariloche in this price categor y; just don't come expecting
luxury. It's the most similar to a H oliday Inn-style hotel in Bariloche. Double superiors
have two full-size beds, bay windows, and lake views, as do the suites. S tandard doubles
are smaller, with a single full-size bed or two twins and a vie w of a building in the back,
but they are just as comfortable and $10 (£5.50) cheaper. The design is pleasant but very
run-of-the-mill for a hotel that deems itself a fiv e-star. The suites deser ve mention for
their gargantuan siz e, with separate living ar eas and small bars; suite bathr ooms hav e
hydro-massage tubs. An aging penthouse pool with glass walls affor ds vie ws of Lake
Nahuel Huapi. The lounge ar ea has polished floors, leather couches, and fr esh flowers.
The hotel offers attractiv e packages and pr omotional rates, so be sur e to inquir e when
you make your reservations.
