Bariloche lies in the province of Rio Negro in the foothills of the Andes. It is situated on the south shore of the Nahuel Huapi Lake and is the main settlement of the Nahuel Huapi National Park. Many of the best places to stay in Bariloche are situated on the lake side and offer stunning views over both water and mountains. Our pick of the best hotels includes properties to suit most tastes and budgets from affordable lake front options to family friendly stays and design led suites which are ideal for romance!

The town, whose name means ‘people from behind the mountain’, was originally part of a route used by the Poya to cross the Andes and remained hidden from the Europeans for a long time. Bariloche in the modern sense developed from a shop established by Carlos Wiederhold, a German immigrant ‘Le Alemana’. The business grew gradually and by the 1930’s the village was redesigned along alpine lines and known as ‘Little Switzerland’. The town is filled with alpine style chalets and keeping with the Swiss theme, there's a bit of a thing for chocolate here too (there are numerous specialist choccy shops in the centre of town).

Today Bariloche is a fashionable holiday resort, attracting tourists from all over the world. There is skiing and all forms of snowsports in the winter months and beautiful beaches to enjoy in summertime, as well as hiking, biking, riding, fishing...or just gazing awestruck at the incredible scenery.

The best places to stay in Bariloche are very busy during peak periods (both summer and winter). So if you're planning a visit, get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Bariloche

For great lake views

Pretty much all of our recommended hotels in Bariloche come with stunning views, but here are our favourites:

• For uninterrupted lake views in town, look no further than the Cacique Inacayal Hotel. This dependable 4 star property has large, light rooms, a cosy lounge to gaze at the sunsets, and a large indoor pool.
• Design Suites Bariloche is a beautifully designed eco-lodge a couple of miles into the countryside along the lake — a great spot to find tranquility in style while still being close to town. It has a lovely outdoor pool overlooking the lake and the snow capped mountains beyond.
• In Playa Bonita, a 10 minute drive west of town, the Rochester Bariloche is an intimate lodge style designer hotel with just 12 rooms — all with views. Plus there's a pampering spa to ease weary limbs.
• And if you want to be even closer to the lake try the nearby Charming Luxury Lodge and Private Spa, which enjoys a dramatic cliff top location and equally dramatic lake views. The suites and lodges are secluded and some boast private hot tubs and saunas. Sheer bliss!
• Bosque del Nahuel is a half hour further along the lake, but well worth the drive. Rooms in this alpine style hotel are bright and contemporary, with lake or forest views, and the hotel has a welcome spa.
• A short distance away, for something more intimate (and romantic), check out the tranquil and cosy Peninsula Petit hotel. With only 11 rooms they are able to offer an attentive, personal service. And the views in the communal areas, through huge expanses of glass, are something else.

For Art Lovers

• El Casco Art Hotel is a modern hotel a short way along the lakeside with lots of contemporary art (they particularly favour the works of important modern Argentine artists) and more great views, plus an excellent spa and Patagonian restaurant.

For fine dining

• For somewhere more secluded, a little further out across the inlet, is the characterful Aldebaran Hotel and Spa. This is a must for foodies — the Sirius restaurant serves traditional Patagonian dishes cooked in the clay oven and of course fabulous Argentinian grills. It's built like a chic mountain lodge with views over the lake, and the rooms are all unique.

For families

• The Monasterio Boutique hotel offers a chic duplex with self catering facilities for families. It's close to town on the slopes of Cerro Otto, has great views, and a family sized swimming pool.
• If you are happy to drive a half hour drive further up the lake, Llao Llao is ideal for a family stay. Nestled on a finger of land between lake and mountains, it offers smart accommodation, a stunning infinity pool and a kids club if you have little ones in tow.

Off the beaten track

• Estancia Peuma Hue enjoys a stunning rural location amid the Nahuel Huapi National Park just 25 mins from central Bariloche. Come here for cosy traditional rooms, delicious food and more outdoor activities than you can fit into one holiday!

• The small and intimate Los Juncos is a restored lakeside villa set in peaceful, charming gardens. Surrounded on one side by forest, it's a real hideaway. They offer a truly personalised service — and there's no TV!

For a self catering apartment or villa

• Lirolay Suites offers suites and apartments by the lakeside in town, each with its own fireplace, terrace or balcony. Breakfast service is available.
• Alternatively we recommend you contact our partners Booking.com who have accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Bariloche?

• Fly to Bariloche airport, just 8km out of town.
• Best time to visit — Bariloche is a popular destination year round. In the cold winter months it is a haven for wintersports enthusiasts and in summer the temperatures can rise to around 25°C.
• If you wish to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include our recommendations in Villa La Angostura,
• Or check out all of our recommendations in Neuquen Province
• Alternatively, contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Bariloche