Table of Contents
I visited El Chaltén after a business trip in Buenos Aires together with a trip to El Calafate. It’s the base for several hikes into the Glacier National Park in Patagonia, Argentina. Two hikes are famous: the hike to Lago Torre and to Lago des Tres to see the Fitz Roy mountain. I did both treks and the Don Los Cerros Boutique Hotel & Spa was my home for three nights. A luxury boutique hotel which I highly recommend to everyone visiting El Chaltén. Join me on a tour but let’s start with a short video impression.
The hotel
The Don Los Cerros Boutique Hotel & Spa is located in the middle of El Chaltén on a small hill. This location gives the hotel magnificent views over the town and snowy mountain peaks surrounding it. The nearest airport is in El Calafate which is a 2-3-hour drive away; no quicker option exists to arrive to El Chaltén unless you have a private helicopter maybe. Keep in mind that in this area of Patagonia most tourist related businesses are only open from October to May as in winter nothing is accessible due to the weather conditions.
The hotel has two wings; one with the restaurant on the ground floor and on the second and third floor the common living area. The rooms are located on the three floors in the other wing. I arrived just after lunch time early October which was just the start of the season and there weren’t that many other guests. Check-in was very fast and efficient after which I was taken to my room by the staff. The staff is very friendly and knows the area and especially can advise on the weather which is important if you go out on a hike. After I was settled in I decided to explore town but I found many business still closed and only opening from mid-October onwards. The location is perfect and you can see the hotel from everywhere in El Chaltén.
The Don Los Cerros Boutique Hotel & Spa is a red-brown building which blends perfect with the surrounding area. The interior has a lot of wooden accents and other local materials. Its decorated with items from Patagonia and with the large windows you almost feel you are one with nature. Only the glass is standing in between which is a good thing as winds can get strong. With only 40 rooms the hotel is not large which gives the staff more time for personal attention. I felt welcome and at home at the Don Los Cerros Boutique Hotel & Spa.
The rooms at Don Los Cerros Boutique Hotel & Spa
The rooms are spacious and all named after a famous mountain. My room was 107 and located on the first floor with a magnificient valley view. I had a small tour of the hotel and I think the rooms on the first floor with valley view are the best as they are the largest and have the biggest windows. The best thing of the room was the view; amazing! Second best the bed; comfortable! After that all the rest which wasn’t important because one visits to become one with nature and not to stay inside for a full day. The rooms have a minibar, flat screen TV and a small desk which was good as I did need to reply some emails. The bathroom has all the amenities one requires and is also equipped with a bath. After the long hikes, I had some very good nights of rest in the comfy bed. I enjoyed the room and the moments just sitting and watching the valley in total silence.
Facilities at Don Los Cerros Boutique Hotel & Spa
The Don Los Cerros Boutique Hotel & Spa offers several facilities including a professional spa. At the spa one can bath in the jacuzzi while enjoying the magnificent views of the valley. This is so relaxing after the long hikes; a warm bath to loosen the muscles. If that’s not enough: professional massages are given in the treatment room. If you want with a view too but I would close the curtains during a treatment 🙂 On the second floor is a large common living area where it’s possible to watch a DVD or read a book. It’s decorated in local styles making this a perfect spot to unwind with a glass of wine during the cold evenings. The staff of the Don Los Cerros Boutique Hotel & Spa has great knowledge of the area and you should check with them to make a day by day plan. I did two hikes for one of which they arranged a small shuttle transfer to the starting point and a delicious lunch box. I’ll share the stories of the hikes later. I loved the spa and the staff helped me well choosing the right hikes.
Dining & Drinking at Don Los Cerros Boutique Hotel & Spa
The Don Los Cerros Boutique Hotel & Spa has a bar and restaurant on the ground floor. Two of the nights I had dinner at the restaurant and I can say that the food is of very high standard. I had a perfectly grilled rib eye steak one day and the other day local Patagonian lamb. Of course, paired with a nice bottle of wine. The staff has great knowledge of the local produce and wine. I thank the chef for his delicious creations. After dinner, I suggest to have a locally distilled gin with tonic at the bar. It was different from any other gin I had before and I like gin, so I know.
I didn’t have lunch at the hotel but the lunch box contained a delicious sandwich with Serrano ham and cheese. After I arrived at the base of Fitz Roy I had it for lunch while I watched the mountain peaks. A perfect moment! Breakfast is for me the most important meal of the day. At the Don Los Cerros Boutique Hotel & Spa they serve a delicious breakfast with a wide choice. Eggs are prepared on order which is a service I expect from any upscale hotel. After breakfast a glass of bubbles is the perfect way to start the day while watching, again, the beautiful views. I enjoyed both breakfast and dinner and I can say from experience it’s of high quality.
Conclusion
If you are planning a trip to El Chaltén I highly recommend to stay at the Don Los Cerros Boutique Hotel & Spa. It’s a luxury property offering magnificent views from all the rooms. The staff has great knowledge of the area and will make sure the stay is smooth and efficient. The rooms, living area and spa are all places I enjoyed being at. The food at breakfast, dinner and in the lunch box was delicious and especially the dinner was fantastic. I had a great time while exploring Patagonia, or more specific the area of the Glacier National Park around Fitz Roy mountain. One day I hope to return as I had such a great time. I’m certain you will enjoy a stay as well.
If you would like to know what you can do in and around El Chaltén then see one of these options: Luxury gastronomy glacier lake tour; day hikes from El Chaltén and from El Calafate. I will add more destination information over time.
For more hotel information and booking options please visit the website of Don Los Cerros Boutique Hotel & Spa: Website: http://www.hoteldonloscerrosdelchalten.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hoteldonloscerrosdelchalten
Stay tuned for more stories and subscribe to the newsletter or follow CTB on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram including Instagram stories; on all social media you can find CTB @christravelblog) to get updated information.
Gallery of Don Los Cerros Boutique Hotel & Spa
** 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. **
