Tunquelen Hotel

Checked in to a lake view "suite" which was supposed to be the best in the hotel. Bedroom was on the small side and had a seperate sitting room that had a small love seat, a chair the TV and a tiny window. The wall covering in the bedroom was wild, a raspberry color that was a bit bright and out of place. Overall the hotel was on the bland side with the service being not too helpful. I had asked about tickets for the music festivale at the Llao Llao and was told that it was impossible. I went to the Llao Llao a couple hours later and bought tickets for that evenings performance and for the next evening as well. I also had them book a white water rafting trip and the person who took the information told us he would take care of it. Later that day upon our return to the hotel he was no where to be found and the desk clerk assured us we had been booked and would be picked up at the hotel in the morning. We weren't and had to hustle to get a taxi into town and meet the tour organizers. Although they list a "business center" only dial up was available and for the most part impossible to log on, finally gave up and visited a cyber cafe whenever we were in town.

Unique Quality: Great views, the photo is from our room, wonderful grounds and location. They just need to work on their service.

Directions: On the lake just before the Llao Llao

The Tunquelen is a very nice hotel in the Llao Llao Peninsula, overlooking the magnificent Nahuel Huapi lake, 24 kms. (15 miles) from the city center. The drive along the lake coast is very scenic and lined with restaurants and souvenir shops but sometimes with heavy traffic.

Rooms are well appointed and comfortable. For some time the Tunquelen was the top pick in Bariloche. Still a good choice if your budget doesn't allow to stay at its more famous neighbor, the Llao Llao Hotel. Rooms are better than the appartments on the upper floor which are rather simple.

Unique Quality: Great views, quietness and excellent service. Prices are very reasonable. Lake view is worth the extra money.

This is a neighbor of the luxurious and somewhat ostentatious Lao Lao Resort, and owned by the same firm Mares Sur Hotels. It is a bit of a grande dame of a lodge, badly needing some exterior repairs and bathroom renovations, but I would recommend it in a flash. The views are truly awesome, and beyond anything we have experienced in all our travels. From our room on the 3rd floor, I kept snapping photo after photo as the light changed, particularly near the end of the day. The interior is lovely old wood, the rooms a bit small and dated (as mentioned the bathrooms need upgrading), but the feel of the place is wonderful. The staff are attentive, very polite and discrete, the food in the dining excellent. All transfers and activities we needed were handled professionally and efficiently. This is a place to relax, not hop around madly. We needed that break after 5 days rushing around BA and so our 2-night respite here was perfect.

Unique Quality: The Views, the Peace & Quiet, Excellent Staff

Directions: Near Lao Lao Resort