The Argentine Lake District - Argentina - page 329

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El Faro The owners of this r efined inn ar en't the only ones who think N ahuel
Huapi Lake r esembles the sea. S o inspir ed b y the mariner vibe, they 've built a hotel
around a lighthouse. I t's a classy inn thr ough and thr ough, mature, relaxing, and pol-
ished. The rooms are all very large, with crisp white curtains, giant king-size beds, stand-
alone showers, and jetted tubs. Most have fireplaces. The “boutique” rooms are the most
economical. Ask for a superior with a terrace. There are three suites, including one inside
the lighthouse. A lovely buffet breakfast is served in a sunny room overlooking the lake,
and in summer can be enjo yed on the outside deck. The spa, r enovated at the end of
2008, is divine. If you want a big room, you are much better off here than at Las Balsas
(above). For a stunningly r omantic dinner, book the single table at the top of the light-
house.
Av. Siete Lagos 2345, Villa la Angostura. & 02944/495484. www.elfaropatagonia.com. 15 rooms. Dou-
bles $259-$350 (£175-£237); suites $365-$443 (£247-£300). Rates include breakfast. MC, V. Free parking.
Amenities: Heated outdoor pool; small gym; spa; c oncierge; room service; Wi-Fi. In room: A/C, minibar,
safe.

Hostería Puerto Sur The best of a slew of new wood-framed inns that have taken
over the formerly exclusive Bahia Manzano area, Puerto Sur is smart. Built into the hill,
each room has expansiv e lake vie ws. The bottom floor has a spa ar ea with an indoor/
outdoor pool, gym, and large sauna. All r ooms hav e large bathr ooms with big tubs
beneath glass ceilings. R ooms on the outside corner hav e nice private decks, where you
can enjoy breakfast if you reserve one ahead of time. Furniture is soft cotton. The bistro-
styled restaurant has a cute wine cellar. They have good promotions for 5-night stays.
Los Pinos 221, P uerto Manzano. & /fax [phone]. w ww.hosteriapuertosur.com.ar. 14 units . $188
(£127) double; $202 (£137) double with deck . R ates include br eakfast. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant;
lounge; heated outdoor pool; Jacuzzi; sauna; massage; dock; private beach; TV room. In room: TV, safe.

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Moderate
Hostería El Establo Finds A lovely inn steps from the heart of town, El Establo
is a charming oasis, with a lovely garden and warm service. Inspired by pioneers, there is
much history on display her e—a stable was once situated on the same spot. I nside, the
lounge area is spacious and cozy , with a large fir eplace and giant sofas. U pstairs, rooms
are full of wooden charm, r eminiscent of a cottage. F abrics change r oom to r oom, but
maintain a country feel. Premium rooms are just a bit bigger, with corner windows and
a Jacuzzi. Suites are very spacious with a giant white bed and a sunny bathr oom. Break-
fasts here are legendary for their abundance. It's only a block from the main drag.
Los Maquis 56, Villa La Angostura. & 02944/494142. www.hosteriaelestablo.com.ar. 14 r ooms. $114
(£77) double; $144 (£97) premium double; $203 (£137) suite. Rates include breakfast. AE, MC, V. Ameni-
ties: Lounge; concierge; game room; laundry; Wi-Fi. In room: TV, safe.

Hostería Las Cumbres Value If you are looking for an informal option that's a step
up from a hostel, this is a good choice. E ight rooms all hav e simple priv ate bathrooms
(three have tubs, the rest have showers only), bright windows, whiteboard walls, and tiny
TVs. Upstairs rooms, including a triple, have high ceilings. The quad is great value for a
family. The common space is r ustic and woodsy, and has good vibes and a big fir eplace.
The owner, who everyone knows as “El Mono,” is a snowboarder who sets an easygoing
atmosphere. They don't accept credit cards.
Confluencia 944, Av. Siete Lagos, 1km ( 2 / 3 mile) west of the Cruce, Villa la Angostura. & 02944/494945.
www.hosterialascumbres.com. 8 units. $59 (£40) double; $67 (£45) triple; $105 (£71) quad. Rates include
breakfast. No credit cards. Amenities: Concierge; lounge. In room: TV.