Huilo Huilo Nawelpi Lodge
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Hotel Details
Location
Huilo Huilo Nawelpi Lodge · Los Lagos, Chile
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Expert Review: Huilo Huilo Nawelpi Lodge
Huilo Huilo Nawelpi Lodge, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled in the heart of the Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve in Los Lagos, Chile, offers a unique blend of rustic luxury and profound immersion in nature. The lodge, whose name means "Spirit of the Puma" in the Mapudungun language, aims to provide an exclusive and tranquil escape on the banks of the Fuy River.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The overall sentiment for Huilo Huilo Nawelpi Lodge appears to be polarized, ranging from "Exceptional" to "Terrible" among guests. While many reviewers laud the stunning natural surroundings and the exclusive, peaceful atmosphere, a significant number express strong dissatisfaction, particularly regarding service quality and the condition of the facilities. Its Michelin Key selection points to a recognized standard of quality and design, but recent guest feedback suggests inconsistencies in the actual experience.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently highlight the lodge's breathtaking natural setting as a major draw, offering peace and privacy amidst the Patagonian forest. The exclusive bungalows, many with private terraces overlooking the forest and river, are a cherished feature. Amenities such as private rooftop hot tubs and fireplaces contribute to a luxurious and immersive experience. The opportunity for outdoor activities and the sense of being truly "inside the woods" are also frequently praised.
3. Room Quality
The Nawelpi Lodge boasts 12 bungalows, each approximately 60 to 64 square meters, designed with rustic-chic wood-beamed interiors and parquet floors. These suites are characterized by their comfort and tasteful decor, providing a feeling of sleeping within the forest. A standout feature in all guestrooms is the inclusion of private rooftop hot tubs and fireplaces, along with private terraces offering views of the forest and river. Rooms also include free in-room WiFi and minibars with some free items. Guests have noted the beds are comfortable with good quality linens and pillows.
4. Dining Experience
The on-site local cuisine restaurant, Club House Nawel, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It offers a menu that fuses the culinary traditions of indigenous peoples and settlers. A complimentary breakfast buffet is included with stays. While some guests praise the "excellent gastronomy and atmosphere," others have described the food as "terrible."
5. Service & Staff
Feedback on service and staff is highly contradictory. Some guests have reported "excellent" and "attentive" staff, with specific mentions of friendly and helpful individuals in the restaurant. They appreciate the personalized attention, with a guide dedicated to Nawelpi guests, experienced in adventure tourism. However, a recurring complaint describes the service level as "terrible," with staff being "like floating clueless ghosts" and an "indifferent attitude."
6. Location & Accessibility
Huilo Huilo Nawelpi Lodge is strategically located within the private 100,000-hectare Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve, offering a deeply secluded experience. It's situated on the riverwalk, approximately 1.6 miles (2.6 km) from the main Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve entrance and on the banks of the Fuy River. This location makes it an ideal base for exploring the region's glacial lakes, volcanoes, and hot springs. While typically accessible by car, it is also noted as being accessible by helicopter or boat for a truly exclusive arrival. Nearby points of interest include Portal La Leona and Portal de Los Ciervos. An airport shuttle service is available for a surcharge.
7. Value & Pricing
As a luxury lodge, Huilo Huilo Nawelpi Lodge's rates reflect its exclusive nature and amenities. Prices reportedly begin around $200 USD per night. However, some guests have expressed concern over "many hidden extra costs," including potential per-night reception fees and service charges. Chilean VAT (19%) may also apply for local residents or if payment is not made in USD by foreign tourists.
8. Common Complaints
Several recurring issues appear in negative guest reviews. The most prominent complaint revolves around the poor quality of service and indifferent staff attitude. Other criticisms include the lodge feeling "freezing" in common areas and rooms where "almost nothing works". The food quality has been a point of contention for some. Additionally, some guests have noted the property's condition, suggesting it is "old and in need of overhaul," and have highlighted unexpected or hidden additional charges. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed, and children under 13 are not permitted at the property or in the pool without adult supervision. The property is also closed during certain months (April, May, June, July, August).
Sources
Google Reviews
61 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Gustavo Herrera
The location and cabins are absolutely gorgeous, there is no doubt. However, the service is dismal, not what you would expect from a "5-star" hotel. The staff took an hour to deliver a charcuterie table that should have taken 15 minutes at 9:30pm at night. When the staff gave us the tour of the cabin, she noticed that there were no water bottles in the little fridge, she said she would bring them ...
Emily Padwards
The positives: the room, hot tub and being situated in nature was wonderful. The negatives: this hotel is absolutely not worth the price tag. The service was actually intrusive, being texted at 10:30pm (and multiple times throughout the day) was too much, especially as we were on our honeymoon! We did feed this back and they understood, but overall lead to a not very relaxing experience and contr...
Sonia Levy
Needs updating. Quite run down. Service for the rooms was not good. No cleaning, safe didn't work and the furniture is old and used and stained. The food is mediocre. Concept is great but it needs a boost.
Nicolás Santander
Huilo Huilo is very beautiful, and the cabin is lovely, but the price-quality-service ratio is not adequate. They didn't have a crib available upon our arrival, even though we had booked with a baby and notified them. There was no concern or assistance with arrival or departure, especially with luggage, considering it was raining heavily when we left. The extra bed they charged for was a tent, amo...
Response from the owner
Dear Mr. Santander, we sincerely appreciate your comment about your recent stay. We are glad to know you enjoyed the beauty of Huilo Huilo. However, we deeply regret the inconvenience you experienced....
Alfredo Carrillo Bravo
The location near the Fuy River is incredible. The cabins are comfortable and away from all the noise if you're looking to disconnect. They have a hot tub and jacuzzi for you to use as you wish. The service is very good; they were attentive to keeping the cabin warm. At one point, it went out on us. We asked them to turn it on, and they did so immediately. They constantly check the heat in the hot...
Claudio Navarro
Nawelpi Lodge is one of five in the area (four are located next to each other and a fifth is in Puerto Fuy, a 3-minute drive away). This was the first thing that seemed confusing to us before booking, but it became clear upon arrival. Staying at Nawelpi gives you access to all the common areas available on-site. The most memorable thing about the hotel is by far the experience of being in the mid...
Response from the owner
Dear Guest, we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your visit to our Reserve. We are a team committed to ensuring our guests have a wonderful experience. Thank you for your review, and we hope you ...
