Llao Llao Hotel and Resort Golf Spa

This historic property was designed by architect Alejandro Bustillo and reopened in 1940 after a fire damaged the original structure, finished in 1938. It combines grand ski chalet-style buildings with a setting in the center of the Lake District, within Nahuel Huapi National Park. Mountains surround the hotel and are visible from many rooms. However, some interior spaces have a cozy, lodge-like feel that's a nice change from the immensity of the nature outside. In the lobby, for instance, cypress-paneled walls and ceilings combine with wall-mounted antlers and rustic Argentinian-patterned textiles. A giant stone fireplace, above which hangs a painting of Patagonians riding across scruffy land on horseback, completes the luxurious yet local atmosphere. There are two buildings here, including the original Bustillo building and a more modern Moreno wing. Guests can take guided tours to learn more about the history of the property and the area. This hotel draws mostly couples, as well as some business travelers who've come for on-site conventions or conferences. 

Situated in the heart of Argentine Patagonia, this hotel is surrounded by the Cerro López, Capilla, and Tronador mountain peaks. It is also in the center of the Lake District, amidst Nahuel Huapi National Park. This is a remote setting, and there's virtually nothing within walking distance, although a few restaurants are within a 10-minute drive. Mountains, of course, are in easy reach and offer skiing and hiking. Depending on the season, the hotel provides transportation to the Alpine-like city center of Bariloche and the full-service ski resort of Cerro Catedral, about 50 minutes away. Buenos Aires is about a two-hour flight away from San Carlos de Bariloche Airport, which is about one hour from the hotel. Boats arrive to Puerto Pañuelo, just a few minutes' drive from the resort. There are also a couple of car-rental agencies within a minute walk of the hotel. 

A wide variety of rooms are available, including traditional hotel rooms, Studios with extra space, and an array of Suites. All options have views of the gardens, mountains, or lakes, or some combination of the three. For a more modern feel, Deluxe rooms in the Moreno wing are the way to go -- decor includes polished hardwood floors, orange-wallpaper accent walls, and stylish contemporary accessories. These rooms also feature larger, more modern bathrooms. On the other hand, rooms in the Bustillo building can have original features such as woodwork -- but can feel stodgy, with their floral-print drapes and bedskirts, and accents in mauve and pea-green. Standard bathrooms are dated and a bit cramped, with peach-tone tile and shower/tub combos with older fixtures and showerheads. Bathrobes, hairdryers, and toiletries are provided. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and safes.

There are three restaurants on the property and free breakfast is served daily. Cafe Patagonia has mountain and lake views and serves family-friendly fare like pizza for lunch and dinner. Los Cesares is open for dinner during peak season only, and focuses on homemade pasta, and grilled meats and fish. Winter Garden has an extensive salad bar and serves traditional tea with pastries -- and countryside views -- during lunch and dinner hours. In the lobby, a bar serves cocktails and appetizers. The outdoor infinity pool is a high point of the property, as it appears to drop off into Lake Moreno and features mountain views. It's connected to a glass-enclosed indoor pool and both are heated. Also inside are a hot tub, children's pool, and pool bar. For more relaxation, the hotel spa uses Rose Hips products from the hotel's own line of cosmetics. Facials, massages, scrubs and wraps, and hydrotherapy are available. Along with tennis courts and the hotel's 18-hole golf course, there's a modern fitness center with cardio and weight equipment. A bank of treadmills sits against windows overlooking the countryside. The fitness studio hosts classes in Pilates, spinning, and more. A games room, babysitting, and a kids' club are available. The hotel has six rooms for social or corporate events, each offering views.