Llao Llao, The Most Beautiful Hotel in Argentina

The Origins of the Great Hotel Llao Llao

With the arrival of the railway and the creation of the National Parks Law –passed by the National Parks Administration and Nahuel Huapi National Park–, 1934 is a turning point in the history of the City of San Carlos de Bariloche. The area of Lake Nahuel Huapi would cease to be postponed and distant and would start showing the world its tourist prospects and natural wonders.

Two months after such law was passed, a group led by Exequiel Bustillo –first president of the National Parks Administration- set out towards the Nahuel Huapi zone in order to choose the most appropriate spot to build the future hotel. Bustillo was escorted by Antonio Lynch, Ernesto Serigós, the Marquis of Salamanca, Carlos Ortiz Basualdo, his own brother architect Alejandro Bustillo, Francisco Salvatierra and Alberto del Solar Dorrego –golf expert who was part of the group with the aim of studying the chance to build a golf course inside the venue.

The story goes that when they reached the hill located between Lakes Nahuel Huapi and Moreno, in the area known as Puerto Pañuelo, they were dazzled by the view and immediately convinced that they had found the most appropriate nook. It was there that the dream of this great hotel began to materialize. Today, it is one of the most eye-catching in the world.

Returning from the Ashes in the Big Way …

Hotel Llao Llao was inaugurated on January 9, 1938. Featuring Canadian style, with Patagonian cypress tiles and stone base, it used to have 132 luxurious rooms and apartments, a tea room, a commercial gallery and a restaurant seating 500 customers. As it was so far away from the city and means of communication were scarce, it used to house a post office, a telegraph, a branch of Banco Nación and a drugstore.

One and a half year after its inauguration, on October 26, 1939, a fire destroyed the building completely. The strong will of the members of the National Parks Administration to carry on with the project was evident as the Great Hotel Llao Llao was reinaugurated on December 15, 1940.

The exterior wood coating was replaced by concrete and the Patagonian cypress roof tiles by Norman tiles. The Great Hotel Llao Llao soon gained international fame and became a hotel emblem.
Ever since its origin, the hotel has lured aristocrats, diplomats, presidents and distinguished guests. Nevertheless, it was forced to close its doors late in the winter of 1978 due to lack of investments and maintenance.

After a 15-year break, Llao Llao was opened again on July 3, 1993. This time, it presented a new concept: Hotel & Resort, as it is known and enjoyed today.

Llao Llao Hotel & Resort Golf-Spa

Nowadays, the venue includes an 18-hole golf course, a marina, a private beach, a solarium, a 15-hectare lawn integrated into the golf course, two swimming-pools (one indoors and another one outdoors, both of them heated), a health club and spa, a Business center, a playroom, a reading room and a bridge room.

The hotel has 205 rooms, 43 out of which correspond to the Moreno Wing, made up by studios and luxurious suites, a royal suite and two master suites, with imposing views of Lake Moreno and Mount Tronador. All of them have a balcony and a whirlpool tub.

In the Bustillo Wing, the original hotel building, the 162-square-meter Presidential Suite faces Lake Nahuel Huapi. It has a bathroom with hydro-massage, shower with massage therapy, a bathroom with marble coating, a 108-square-meter terrace and a large fireplace in its spacious integrated living-room and dining-room.

Besides, guests have the chance to stay at an exclusive cabin with impressive views of the lawn, the golf course and Lakes Moreno and Nahuel Huapi. The diversity of rooms provides a wide range of options for guests to choose from in order to spend an ideal stay.
The Bustillo Building invites everyone to experience the historical essence of the hotel. Its rooms and suite make guests feel they are staying at a masterpiece. What is more, it is a Municipal Historical Monument.
The Moreno Wing, inaugurated in November, 2007 through a project developed by architects Malbrán, Abruzzini and Orol, offers a postcard at every window. All the luxurious suites boast a terrace, spacious bathrooms with whirlpool tubs and air-conditioning. This new area may be accessed by vehicle and has an independent front desk, a concierge and all hotel services available.

Llao Llao Hotel & Resort Golf-Spa has two large halls: Bustillo Hall and the Great Llao Llao Hall, where breakfast is served every morning.

Activities for All Tastes

The spa is the perfect combination between nature and technology. The most modern techniques regarding face and body programs for both men and women are conjugated with delicate aromas and scents that create a unique environment to relax and enjoy.

The Llao Llao spa specializes in face, cell regeneration, detoxification and revitalization, relaxation, fitness, hydrotherapy and smart dren programs. It has been certified by The Leading Hotels of the World as one of the few exclusive Leading Spas.

The 18-hole golf course was remodeled in 1994 under the direction of architect Emilio Serra. He developed 9 holes with a 3,160-yard game over the former layout. The construction of the second 9 holes dates back to early 1997.

Llao Llao Refuge –strategically located at the base of Mount Catedral- opens during the ski season for the exclusive use of the hotel guests.

Shortly before its first centennial, this is the perfect hotel located in a perfect place. And it continues to be a novelty

Tips

Hotel Llao Llao has also become a gastronomic referent in Patagonia. Offering different options, guests may enjoy everything from Patagonian lamb to the most delicate international cuisine. Likewise, the classic Llao Llao tea and the afternoon happy hours are always served within a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.