Llao Llao Hotel & Resort

Llao Llao Hotel & Resort in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, is a Michelin Key Selected property renowned for its stunning Patagonian setting and historic charm. Guests consistently praise its breathtaking views, extensive amenities, and dedicated service, making it a highly-rated luxury destination.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Llao Llao Hotel & Resort generally receives "exceptional" or "superb" ratings from guests, with many considering it one of the best hotels they have ever experienced. The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the unique blend of natural beauty and luxurious comfort. Verified guest reviews on platforms like Booking.com show an average score of 9.0 out of 10, with high marks for location (9.4), cleanliness (9.3), comfort (9.3), and staff (9.2).

2. Key Highlights

Guests are consistently captivated by the hotel's unbeatable location amidst the snow-capped Andes and the glistening lakes of Nahuel Huapi National Park, offering postcard-perfect views from almost every vantage point. The grand chalet-style design with exposed cypress timbers, massive stone fireplaces, and cozy interiors contributes significantly to its unique appeal, reminiscent of a grand mountain lodge.

Key amenities that guests love include:

• An impressive indoor/outdoor heated infinity pool that appears to blend seamlessly with Lake Moreno and offers spectacular mountain views.
• An 18-hole golf course on the property, often cited as a major draw.
• A comprehensive spa and fitness center offering a range of treatments and equipment, many with scenic views.
• A wide array of included activities, such as archery, mountain biking, kayaking, rappelling, and various fitness classes.
• The overall ambiance and sense of tranquility, despite the resort's size.

3. Room Quality

The hotel features 201 rooms split between two wings: the historic Bustillo Wing (opened in 1940) and the more modern Moreno Wing (built in 2007). Rooms are generally comfortable and clean.

• Bustillo Wing: While charming with its historical heritage, some rooms in this wing may have dated decor, featuring floral-print drapes, bedskirts, and older fixtures in bathrooms. A renovation project is underway, with the second stage focusing on 47 rooms in the Bustillo Wing starting in September 2024, aiming to modernize design, electrical, heating, and WiFi, and provide AC and IP telephony.
• Moreno Wing: This wing offers a blend of classical Llao Llao style and modern Patagonian design. Its 43 deluxe studios and suites are noted for being larger, with better layouts, stunning terraces, and some even include jacuzzis. Many guests highly recommend staying in the Moreno Wing for a more contemporary experience.

Importantly, almost all rooms boast picture-perfect views of the surrounding mountains or lakes. Standard amenities across rooms typically include free Wi-Fi, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and safes. Some rooms also feature air conditioning and balconies/terraces. Beds are often described as plush and comfortable.

4. Dining Experience

Llao Llao Hotel offers diverse dining experiences across its multiple restaurants:

• Cafe Patagonia: A family-friendly option serving lunch and dinner, with mountain and lake views.
• Los Cesares: Open for dinner, especially during peak season, focusing on homemade pasta, grilled meats, and fish, including Patagonian lamb and other regional delicacies. Vegetarians should note the menu emphasizes local gastronomy, with game and fish dishes.
• Winter Garden: Serves an extensive salad bar and traditional afternoon tea with pastries, accompanied by countryside views. The afternoon tea is particularly popular and offers a wide buffet of cakes, sandwiches, macarons, and scones, often including bubbly.

The breakfast buffet is a consistent highlight, described as "fabulous" and "excellent" by guests, offering a lengthy spread of hot and cold options, fruits, dairy, breads, pastries, juices, and cereals. While the quality of food in general is often praised as "outstanding", some recent guest feedback suggests that dining can be expensive, and a few older reviews mentioned food being "hit and miss" or "not memorable" outside of brunch.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Llao Llao receive widespread acclaim. Guests frequently describe the staff as "excellent," "friendly," "incredible," "accommodating," and "super helpful" in every way. Many highlight a "family-run feel" rather than a corporate one, contributing to a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Check-in is reported to be easy, and the concierge services are highly appreciated for arranging activities and addressing guest needs.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is undoubtedly one of its strongest assets. Situated on a low hilltop between Lake Moreno and Lake Nahuel Huapi, within Nahuel Huapi National Park, it offers "jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery on all sides". It's a remote setting, providing a tranquil escape, with virtually nothing within walking distance.

• Distance to Bariloche: The hotel is located approximately 25 kilometers (about a 45-minute scenic drive) west of San Carlos de Bariloche city center.
• Transportation: The hotel provides seasonal transportation to the city center of Bariloche and to the Cerro Catedral ski resort, which is about 50 minutes away. Taxis are available, but guests note the cost adds up due to the distance. Renting a car is an option for those wishing to explore independently.
• Airport Access: Llao Llao is about a two-hour flight from Buenos Aires to San Carlos de Bariloche airport, followed by a 22-mile (approximately 1.5-hour, depending on traffic) drive to the resort.

7. Value & Pricing

Llao Llao is a luxury property, and while extravagant suites are priced accordingly, standard rooms can be "downright affordable" due to recent economic developments, making it a compelling option for those seeking a high-end experience. Guests often feel it is "definitely worth experiencing at least once".

• Price Range: Average weeknight prices recorded recently were around $371 USD, with weekend nights averaging $492 USD. Rates can vary significantly by season, with May being the cheapest month and January being the most expensive.
• Resort Fee: A mandatory daily Resort Fee of USD 18 per person (for ages 3 and up) applies, which includes access to various services and activities like stretching, Pilates, archery, rappel, Kids Club, and kayaking.
• Inclusions: Daily buffet breakfast is typically included in the room rate. Virtuoso bookings may also include benefits like room upgrades, complimentary golf, and early check-in/late check-out.

8. Common Complaints

While generally highly praised, some recurring issues and criticisms include:

• Dated Room Decor: Especially in the older Bustillo Wing, the decor in some rooms is described as dated, with older bathrooms and fixtures. There is an ongoing renovation to address this.
• Lack of AC in Older Rooms: Some older rooms may lack air conditioning, which can be a concern during warmer months.
• Remote Location: While a highlight for many, the hotel's remote setting can be a minor inconvenience for guests who wish to frequently visit the city center of Bariloche or explore other dining options outside the resort.
• Food Pricing/Quality: Some recent reviews have mentioned that dining at the hotel can be expensive, and a few guests found the food quality to be "hit and miss" or "not memorable" outside of breakfast and afternoon tea.

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