Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
382
Deep in the Heart of Patagonia:
Hostería Helsingfors
Remote, warm, and widely admired,
Hostería Helsingfors,
open from October
to March, is located on the shore of Lago Viedma about 150km (93 miles) from
El Calafate. On a clear da y, it has amazing view s of FitzRoy. With a lovely main
lodge and endless miles of unt ouched wilderness at its doorst ep, Helsingfors
offers lodg ing, horseback riding , o ver-flights, bir d-watching, boat trips , and
fine dining. For more information, contact their offic es in Buenos Air es at A v.
Córdoba 827, 11th floor (
&
/fax
011/4315-1222;
www.helsingfors.com.ar).
Punta Bandera and visits the Spegazzini (the tallest glacier in the park), Uspala (the larg-
est), and Onelli glaciers for $295 (£199). They also have a day trip to spectacular Estan-
cia Cristina (see “Where to Stay,” earlier in this chapter) via the U psala Glacier.
LODGING NEAR THE GLACIER
Los Notros
Moments
Few hotels in Argentina (or in the world) boast as spec-
tacular a view as Los Notros—but it doesn't come cheap. This luxury lodge sits high on
a slope looking out at Perito Moreno Glacier, and all common areas and rooms have been
fitted with pictur e windo ws to let guests soak up the mar velous sight. Although the
wood-hewn exteriors giv e the hotel the feel of a mountain lodge, the interior decor is
contemporary. Each r oom is slightly differ ent, with personal touches such as antique
lamps and r egional photos; cr ocheted or gingham bedspr eads; lilac, peach, or lemon-
yellow walls; padded floral headboar ds or ir on bed frames; and tw eedy brown or rasp-
berry corduroy chairs. Bathrooms are gleaming white if a bit small, and premium rooms
in the newer wing have whirlpool tubs. The older “Cascada bungalow” rooms have very
thin walls; if y ou're a light sleeper, be sure to request a top-floor r oom or a r oom in the
newer “Premium” (and more expensive) wing.
Inside the main building is a large, chic, and expansiv e restaurant that serves creative
regional cuisine. Upstairs is an air y lounge area with chaise longues positioned in fr ont
of panoramic windo ws; here you'll find a TV room with a selection of natur e videos.
Guests at the Los Notros must opt for one of the multiday packages that include airpor t
transfers, meals, bo x lunches for expeditions, guided tr ekking, boat ex cursions, and ice
walks. The guides ar e great, but hotel ser vice is a bit spotty , and the r estaurant is defi-
nitely understaffed. Although Los N otros offers 4-night packages, y ou might find that
length of time too long, limiting y our chance to see other par ts of Patagonia. Note that
prices jump substantially during Christmas, N ew Year's, and Easter w eek. O ne-night
stays are on request only, and sold only subject to av ailability
Main office in Buenos Air es: Arenales 1457, 7th floor .
&
11/5277-8200.
Fax 11/5277-8222. w ww.los
notros.com. 32 units. $1,287 (£869) per person f or 2-night package Cascada bungalow; $1,752 (£1,182)
per person f or 2-night pack age in double superior ; $2,054 (£1,386) per person f or 2-night pack age in
double premium. Rates include all meals, park entrance, excursions, and transfers. Room-only rates avail-
able by request only, depending on availability. AE, DC, MC, V.
Amenities:
Restaurant; bar; lounge; tour
desk; room service; laundry service; video library.
In room:
Minibar.
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