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From art hotels with original Argentinian pieces to chalet-style ski resorts, these are the best boutique hotels in Bariloche – all bookable on Culture Trip.

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into Central Europe upon arrival in Bariloche, Argentina. With a thriving chocolate industry, ski resorts and chalet-like boutique hotels, there is a distinctly Alpine feel to this Patagonian outpost. Yet, on further inspection, it becomes clear that Bariloche has a distinct character. From pine-fringed Nahuel Huapi lake to the hotel restaurants specializing in sizzling steaks and Malbec wine, this Argentinian city is a delightful blend of cultures. These are the best boutique hotels in town.

El Casco Art Hotel
While the original Argentinian art is certainly worth a look, it’s the views over Nahuel Huapi lake that are the real draw. Ingenious design frames those views from every angle: through the glass wall bordering the indoor pool, over steak and scallops at the Patagonia-inspired restaurant and from the bubbling outdoor hot tub at the spa. Art-filled rooms sport dark-wood furnishings and, in some cases, balconies overlooking the lake.

Aldebaran Hotel & Spa
Aldebaran, with an intimate, cabin-like atmosphere, looks back at Bariloche over an inlet of Nahuel Huapi lake. A fire roars in the stone-walled lobby, wicker abounds in the dimly lit rooms and a sauna and pool invite you to unwind. Book your spot at Sirius restaurant, which has just 20 seats, serving smoked meats and asado, as well as a selection of more than 150 wines. Heading out to explore the area? The staff here specialize in organizing ski trips to nearby Cerro Cathedral.

Galileo Boutique Hotel
From the outside, this boutique hotel, located at the base of Patagonia’s premier ski destination (with 53 slopes), resembles a clapboard chalet resort. Inside, however, rooms have a modern feel and range from king-size studios with a jacuzzi to a four-bedroom villa that sleeps up to 10. Unusually, there’s an astronomical observatory on site, with a Celestron telescope and weekly visits from an amateur guide during the winter season. During the summer, staff can organize biking and paddle boarding trips.

Monasterio
On the pine-forested slopes of Cerro Otto, in suburban Bariloche, accommodation at Monasterio is on the larger side – from the junior suite with hydromassage tub to the wood-panelled two-bed cabin, with fireplace and kitchen-dining room. Tired after skiing? A Scandinavian-style spa offers hot-stone massages and facial treatments along with the use of a sauna and pool. There’s also an on-site gym, if you have the energy.

Spotted in the culture trip

Best accommodation in Bariloche/Argentina