Huilo Huilo Reino Fungi Lodge

Huilo Huilo Reino Fungi Lodge, nestled within the sprawling Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve in Los Lagos, Chile, offers a unique and immersive experience inspired by the natural wonders of the Patagonian forest. As a Michelin Key Selected property, it is recognized for its distinctive charm and dedication to providing a memorable stay amidst breathtaking nature.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general sentiment for Huilo Huilo Reino Fungi Lodge is largely positive, with many guests praising its extraordinary location and architectural design. Review scores often hover around "Good" to "Very Good," with an average rating of 7.9 out of 10 on platforms like Booking.com. Guests are frequently captivated by the unique atmosphere and the opportunity to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.

2. Key Highlights

Guests are consistently impressed by the lodge's unique architecture, which is inspired by the various fungi found in the surrounding Patagonian rainforest. The prime location within the Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve is a major draw, offering direct access to wonderful trails for walking, hiking, and various outdoor activities such as rafting and horseback riding. The focus on disconnecting from routine and embracing the natural environment is also a highly appreciated aspect. Furthermore, guests benefit from shared access to amenities at the adjacent Nothofagus Hotel via a covered passageway, including indoor and outdoor pools, a Finnish sauna, hot tub, and a game room.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Reino Fungi Lodge are described as "cozy" with warm wooden interiors, aiming to create a "treehouse vibe." They are generally considered "nice and simple," providing what guests need for their stay. Each room typically includes a mini-bar, a safety deposit box, a private bathroom, and a terrace, often offering garden views. The lighting can be dim, which some guests feel adds to the overall forest atmosphere. The lodge offers 22 rooms in standard (approximately 19 m²) and superior (approximately 34 m²) categories, with superior rooms providing enough space for an additional bed and interconnected rooms available, making them suitable for families. While generally well-received, one review mentioned dirty carpet and some disrepair.

4. Dining Experience

A complimentary breakfast buffet is included with the stay and is frequently praised as "very complete, varied and delicious." The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While the food is generally considered "good," some guests noted that it is typically buffet-style, and there might be limited menu choices for more elaborate dining, particularly for vegetarians, after a few nights' stay.

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff is mixed. Many guests commend the staff as "lovely, friendly and helpful," noting "impeccable attention" from check-in to check-out. However, a recurring issue highlighted by some international visitors is the language barrier, with a lack of English-speaking staff members, which can lead to challenges in service delivery, particularly at the restaurant and bar. One reviewer emphatically stated, "Everything about this place is great aside from the service!!!"

6. Location & Accessibility

The lodge boasts an exceptional location within the Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve, offering a deep connection with nature. It provides easy access to self-guided trails, allowing guests to explore the surrounding Valdivian jungle. Neltume Village is approximately 3.7 miles (6 km) away. For longer distances, Panguipulli bus station is 40 miles (65 km) away, and Temuco airport (Maquehue Airport) is about 118 miles (190 km) from the lodge. An airport shuttle service is available, but it comes with a significant surcharge (around USD 552 roundtrip). Free parking is available on-site.

7. Value & Pricing

The "Value for money" aspect receives a rating of 7.3 out of 10 on Booking.com. While the unique experience and natural setting are highly valued, some guests feel that the level of service, particularly concerning communication, is "below average for the price" paid. The cost for an extra bed is approximately USD 105 per night.

8. Common Complaints

Recurring criticisms often center on:

• Service and Language Barrier: A notable concern is the inconsistency in service quality, particularly due to the limited English proficiency among some staff members, which can hinder communication and overall guest experience.
• Dining Variety: While breakfast is praised, some guests desire more diverse or elaborate dining options beyond the buffet, especially during longer stays or for specific dietary needs like vegetarianism.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi is generally available only in common areas and can be slow, which, while contributing to the "disconnection" theme, can be an inconvenience for some.
• Room Maintenance: Isolated reports mention issues like dirty carpets and general disrepair in rooms.
• Lack of In-Room TV: While intended to encourage immersion in nature, the absence of televisions in rooms may be a minor point of contention for some guests.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. huilohuilo.com
5. tablethotels.com
6. booking.com
7. reserving.com
8. gochile.cl
9. hotels.com
10. expedia.com
11. michelin.com