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I’m in the lucky position to visit Argentina every year for a conference after which I normally add 5-6 days of leisure time. My traditional bleisure trips. This year I went to Patagonia, more precise the Glacier National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I stayed in both El Calafate and El Chaltén three days to get a good impression of the park. In El Calafate, my home was La Cantera Boutique Hotel. Let me share with you my positive experience but check first the short video impression.
The hotel
La Cantera Boutique Hotel is located a few minutes’ walk from the central avenue on a hill. It has awesome views over Lago Argentina especially from the upper rooms. The hotel has two parts: a lower building and an upper building. In the upper building are also the reception and restaurant located. La Cantera Boutique Hotel is decorated with local Patagonian items and materials. I like this in a boutique hotel to feel more one with the area. When I arrived, I was checked in quickly by the friendly staff. They showed me my room and arranged for me for the next day a glacier trekking (more on that later). Tours can be arranged by the staff and this is conveniently added to the bill. I had a great stay at this locally inspired boutique hotel.
The rooms at La Cantera
The rooms all have names of lakes and mine was called Lago Argentina; the lake I could see from my room. The bathroom is equipped with a bubble bath in which you also need to shower. Amenities are of good quality and replenished daily. The room had a large hall with a working desk, a perfect spot to write this article. The bed is large and comfortable. Maybe the pillows are a bit hard for some people, I thought so too at first, but they slept great. A sitting area is just in front of the windows which was a perfect spot to sit for an hour enjoying the view. I felt at home and had three nights of great rest and did unwind completely.
Facilities at La Cantera
The hotel has several facilities which I used. The front staff arranged for me a tour from the large selection of tours available. I did a glacier trekking and the other day a gastronomical cruise with MarPatag. I didn’t take any massage however but they have a SPA menu in the room to choose from. Wi-Fi is free and for Patagonia standards fast enough to even watch a movie. La Cantera Boutique Hotel offers also a free shuttle to the main street and can arrange any other transfer if you don’t have a car. The staff informed me well about the area and the shuttle was just perfect as I did try the variety of beers the local microbrewery La Zorra offers.
Dining & Drinking at La Cantera
The restaurant and bar are located just next to the lobby. They had some nice craft beers on the menu, although they were from Buenos Aires, I did have to try them. Till midnight they serve any drink you like. The restaurant offers a selection of local and Argentinian dishes. I love meat so I had a rib eye steak medium rare. The dishes have a good taste and are very affordable. In town, there are plenty of other restaurants but these experiences I will share later. Breakfast starts at 6AM till 10AM, which is long enough as most tours leave early morning. I always like two fried eggs sunny side up and they were fried on order. Perfect! The choice includes cold cuts, breads, pastries and cakes, cereals and of course fresh orange juice. I finished my breakfast with a glass of bubbles on the veranda overlooking Lago Argentina.
Conclusion
If you visit the Glacier National Park in Patagonia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you need at least two days and thus three nights. I recommend staying at La Cantera Boutique Hotel as they have a great view and a good location. The food and drinks are reasonable priced and delicious. If you want a massage or tour the friendly staff will arrange that for you. I had a great stay at La Cantera Boutique Hotel and hope to return one day. I’m sure you will enjoy your stay too.
If you would like to know what you can do in and around El Calafate then see one of these options: do a luxury gastronomy cruise and see my other ideas for day trips in Patagonia. I will add more destination information over time.
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For more hotel information and booking options please visit the website of boutqiue hotel La Cantera Calafate:
Website: http://www.hotellacanteracalafate.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lacanteracalafate
Gallery of La Cantera
** All opinions are based on a genuine stay, flight or experience. I’m not affiliated with the hotel, airline or tour operator but I might be (partially) sponsored – or paid. **
