Design Suites Calafate

We liked the pool and sauna, and towels were available at the front desk. The restaurant was nice, the box lunches were good, and breakfast was too. The rooms were really nice, with A/C that helped during a couple of very warm days. There are great lake views and a remote resort feel. The downside is the distance from town: walking there took a real 45 minutes, and we only did it once for exercise. We used a tour group drop-off to go in for dinner on our second night. The shuttle runs at very limited times, but a taxi into town is reasonably priced.

The hotel is in a safe area with lovely views over the lake, and parking is included. Our room was clean and ready when we arrived, the staff were hospitable, and the beds were comfortable. It’s a good option in El Calafate, though you’ll need a car or taxi to reach the city center since it isn’t walkable. Breakfast was included but quite small, with only a few choices, enough to get you going but less than at some larger hotels. We also had access to the pool and spa, but the pool area is small, with just six chairs that were always occupied. On windy nights, you can hear the wind coming over the water and hitting the building, which could be tough for light sleepers depending on the weather.

The place is beautiful and clean, and the staff are friendly. I expected the shuttle to run more often because the hotel is far from downtown, but it only goes into and out of town twice a day. We lost a lot of time and money taking taxis. Paying by credit card came with a 20% surcharge, which we jokingly called the “American tax.” Since we couldn’t get Argentinean pesos from ATMs, a card was really our only practical way to pay, and Uber doesn’t exist. Given how inconvenient that distance was, I’d stay somewhere else if I came back or recommend a different place to a friend.

The hotel is clean, with a nice view. It’s a bit far from town, and there aren’t many breakfast choices. We didn’t try dinner. A good place to stay if you’re fine with taking a cab or have a rental car.