Hotel El Manantial del Silencio

Hotel El Manantial del Silencio, Purmamarca, Jujuy, Argentina: A Serene Michelin Key Retreat

Nestled at the foot of the iconic Hill of Seven Colors in Purmamarca, Hotel El Manantial del Silencio offers a tranquil and picturesque escape in Argentina's stunning Quebrada de Humahuaca. This Michelin Key Selected property consistently receives high praise for its breathtaking views, colonial elegance, and exceptional service, providing an oasis of comfort and calm amidst the dramatic Andean landscape.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Guests overwhelmingly rate Hotel El Manantial del Silencio as "Wonderful" to "Excellent," with an average score of 9.0 out of 10 based on numerous reviews. The general sentiment is highly positive, describing the property as "fabulous," "beautiful," "stunning," and "peaceful." It is widely considered a top choice for those visiting Purmamarca and the surrounding area.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Hotel El Manantial del Silencio:

• Location & Views: The hotel boasts an "amazing location" on the edge of Purmamarca, offering "breathtaking" and "picture postcard views" of the Hill of Seven Colors and the surrounding mountains. Its proximity allows for a short, easy walk into town to explore markets and local attractions.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's "colonial and elegant" design, with its long stone corridors, archways, and a predominance of white, creates a fresh and inviting atmosphere. Many describe it as resembling an "old ranch" or "hunting lodge," with beautiful art throughout. The "great ambience and facilities" and "lovely grounds" contribute to its peaceful charm.
• Service & Staff: The staff receives consistent accolades for being "accommodating," "super helpful," "excellent," "very welcoming," and "kind." Specific mentions include staff going "above and beyond" to assist guests in need, providing exceptional personal care.

3. Room Quality

The rooms are generally described as "comfortable," "spacious," and "very comfortable," often featuring large windows with views of the gardens and mountains. Each room includes heating, a fan, a private bathroom, a safe, and a hair dryer. Some rooms even boast an in-room fireplace and paintings, enhancing the rustic charm. The suite option comes with a Jacuzzi. A distinctive feature is the absence of televisions in the rooms, aligning with the hotel's name, "Source of Silence," and fostering a peaceful, old-world charm. While many appreciate the comfortable beds and good quality mattresses, bed sheets, and pillows, a few guests have noted some beds as "incredibly firm." Some older reviews mention outdated or scuffed bathrooms and a non-working jacuzzi in one instance.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's restaurant is frequently praised as "excellent" and "outstanding," offering "very good food" that often exceeds expectations for a hotel establishment. It specializes in regional, indigenous, and Andean cuisine, alongside international dishes. Notable menu items include flavorful goat empanadas, pastel de cabrito, and lamb stew. Breakfast, served buffet-style, is rated from "OK" to "incredible," while dinner consistently receives "very good" feedback. The restaurant also features a "solid wine menu" and "great cocktails." However, some guests have experienced "slow service" in the restaurant and bar, potentially due to understaffing. There have also been criticisms regarding high wine prices.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at El Manantial del Silencio is a consistent highlight, scoring 9.3 for staff performance. Guests frequently comment on their attentiveness, helpfulness, and genuine kindness. One review recounts staff providing a wheelchair and significant assistance to a guest who had an accident, demonstrating an exceptional level of care. The staff is described as "very welcoming and always ready to help." While the majority of feedback is positive, some reviews suggest that staff can be "stretched" at times, leading to less attentive service or slow service in the dining areas. There are also mentions that English speaking skills among staff may be basic, though their friendliness remains high.

6. Location & Accessibility

Located at Ruta Nacional 52 km 3.5, the hotel is perfectly positioned just outside the main village of Purmamarca, offering stunning views of the Hill of Seven Colors. This placement provides a peaceful environment while remaining an "easy walk" to the town's markets, restaurants, and sights like Plaza 9 de Julio and Santa Rosa de Lima Church. The hotel offers free private and secured parking. Public transport is accessible with the Terminal bus station only 0.6 km away, and Gobernador Horacio Guzman International Airport is approximately 95 km distant.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests generally feel that a stay at El Manantial del Silencio is "worth the splurge" and a valuable experience, particularly given its high quality and unique setting. Booking.com's "Value for money" rating is 8.1 out of 10. Rates can start from around $149. While most find the overall experience justifies the cost, some guests consider the restaurant menu to be "a little high end" for the rustic area. One guest specifically noted being "outraged" by the price of wine per glass.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few recurring issues or criticisms include:

• No TVs in rooms: While intentional for ambiance, it's a point of note for some guests.
• Bathroom condition: Some reviews mention outdated or scuffed bathrooms, and a non-functional jacuzzi in the spa by at least one guest.
• Firm beds: A few guests have found the beds "incredibly firm," impacting sleep quality.
• Wi-Fi in rooms: While free Wi-Fi is available, some guests have reported it not working well in their rooms.
• Service speed: Complaints of "slow service" in the restaurant and bar, attributed by some to insufficient staff.
• Noise: Light sleepers occasionally report noise from the highway or corridors.
• Restaurant pricing: The cost of wine in the restaurant has been a point of contention for some guests.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. audleytravel.com
5. wanderlog.com
6. hotelesenjujuy.com
7. booking.com
8. michelin.com
9. kayak.com
10. hoteles.com