Boutique Hotel La Cantera

Breakfast was a highlight, with a fair selection of eggs, omelettes, pastries, bread, coffee, jams and fruit. The staff were friendly and helpful, and helped arrange airport pickups and drop-offs. We also enjoyed the lake view from the hillside location. The hill didn't bother us, and it's an easy walk to the main strip, especially after a big Argentinian dinner. Older guests or anyone with mobility issues might find it harder; there is a shuttle at 1900. At the bottom of the hill, before the main strip, there's a good, cheap local hot dog place for something filling and tasty. This is a comfortable, secure place to return to after full days exploring Calafate and Patagonia, where luxury options can be limited if that's what you're used to. The rooms could use some attention, including the pillows and mattresses, and the thin walls may be tough for light sleepers. Four stars for the experience, though it isn't a four-star hotel.

We paid 200,000 pesos a night when we stayed in January 2025. The service was acceptable and the hotel decent, but there are things that need attention. The simple decor lacked detail, and there were stray hairs in the bathroom and bed. Air quality was poor because neither rooms nor bathrooms had ventilation, and the unscreened windows let in mosquitoes. The walls are thin enough that conversations and snoring from neighboring rooms carry clearly. It's a 10-15 minute trip to the city center, and evening car service is available for 2,000 pesos per ride. The stay was okay overall.

The Wi-Fi was very poor, and the other problems we raised weren't resolved during our three-night stay. There was no hot water, several bugs, and the room hadn't been cleaned well between guests. Other guests also made a lot of noise. The taxi service left us stuck in town, and the hotel didn't answer our messages. It's a 20-minute walk back, so not the end of the world, but frustrating with lots of groceries. I wouldn't stay here.

From the hotel there's a beautiful lake view, and it's about a 5-10 minute walk uphill from the main strip. The staff were exceptionally friendly, and the bartender was pleasant even though I don't speak Spanish. This small boutique hotel was an absolute delight. Wonderful stay, highly recommend it.