Alma del Lago Suites & Spa

The pool's lake-facing windows give it a wonderful view, but they can't be opened, which is a real flaw for a resort. The water was also unreasonably hot, and the room felt musty. Our room faced the lake and was okay, but there was no ventilation or air circulation at all. Summer afternoons and evenings were miserable. Heat alone might be fine in winter, but it doesn't fit a place charging for a five-star experience at those prices. We wouldn't stay here again when we're in the area.

The lake views were amazing, even from the indoor pool, but the rest of the stay was disappointing. Our suite was boiling hot all night because there was no air conditioning, and the receptionist was rude. There was no complimentary water in the room, or slippers and a bathrobe for the spa. Since we were only staying one night, we had to use the spa that same day. It doesn't open until 11 a.m. after checkout, and they charge for access then. The saunas and massages were already fully booked, so we couldn't use them.

It's in a convenient spot for walking into town, and the reception area and breakfast are nice. The rooms, though, are small and stuffy. The hotel says there's air conditioning, but there isn't any in the rooms. A ceiling fan does help. Also, it's a shame they don't provide free water.

The pool area felt dangerous. Its floor was so slippery that I saw people fall, and after checkout guests can't use any facilities, not even the showers. I've stayed at more than 500 hotels worldwide and never heard of that. The 11 a.m. checkout rule is just as rigid: leaving an hour later costs USD125, even when the room is available. Service was poor too. Reception staff were rude, apart from Christian, who did his best. Water wasn't replenished daily, there was no coffee in the rooms, and the hotel had no ironing facilities anywhere. We couldn't wear our nice clothes on New Year's Eve because of that. The gym was very basic, with no weight machines, worse than some motels I've seen. Breakfast was two-star at best: bread, a few measly croissants, old eggs, cakes, no yogurt, fresh eggs, pancakes or waffles, and only weak filter coffee. Rooms also had no air conditioning, a problem in Bariloche's hot summer weather. At best this is a three-star hotel with a spa attached, and it was the worst five-star place we've stayed at. The manager's replies to reviews make it seem like no feedback is being taken on board, despite what they say.