Luxury hotels The Singular Patagonia & Tierra Patagonia in Chile’s glacier country:

Patagonia, shared between Chile and Argentina, at the southernmost point of South America, is a very special place. This windswept glacier country at the end of the world attracts more and more well-heeled travelers. So, you find here – in the Chilean part around the Torres del Paine National Park – high-end lodging too. It is not plentiful, often full, and the prices reflect the demand. While touring the area – see my itinerary post – , my husband and I stayed at two luxury hotels in Patagonia, at The Singular Patagonia and Tierra Patagonia.

Before going into the lodging experience at these two places, first an overview of all the upscale hotels in Chile’s Puerto Natales region. This is where the heart of Southern Patagonia is, around the Torres del Paine National Park.

Overview luxury hotels around Torres del Paine National Park Patagonia

There are four luxury hotels in the Torres del Paine National Park Patagonia area to choose from. I start with the one that is right inside the park and end with the one that is furthest away from it. All the accommodations expect The Singular only offer all-inclusive rates and require a minimum stay of three nights in the high season (November to February).

1. Explora Patagonia

This is the most favorably located high-end lodging of all as it is within the park. It is just by the Lake Pehoé, centrally situated for many activities. Staying here requires spending around 3,000 US$ for two per night (all-inclusive). This is in the high season for the standard room (28 sqm), which is simply furnished yet comfortable. The lodge was opened in 1993 and has 49 rooms. Explorations are carried out in small groups.

2. Tierra Patagonia

Tierra Patagonia is just outside the park boundaries by Lake Sarmiento with view of the Torres del Paine. From here to the park entrance you need about 20 minutes by car. They charge around 2,700 US$ for two per night (all-inclusive). And this is true in the high season for the standard room (33 sqm). Accommodations at Tierra are well appointed in a modern style. You find 40 of them at this hotel that was built in 2011. Excursions are available as part of small groups.

3. Awasi Patagonia luxury hotel

This luxury hotel is not far from Tierra Patagonia yet overlooks another part of Lake Sarmiento and the Torres del Paine. The drive to the park entrance lasts longer (45 minutes). This is the most upscale lodging of all and has a high price tag. You have to spend around 3,500 US$ for two per night (all-inclusive). Again that applies in the high season for the standard room. Having said that it is not your normal entry-level accommodation. Instead it is about a stand-alone building with 80 sqm space and offering every luxury. And there are only 14 units at the lodge that was opened in 2013. Plus, you have your own private guide for your explorations.

4. The Singular Patagonia luxury hotel

As mentioned, this is the hotel furthest away from the park. Actually, you need about one and half hour by car to the entrance. It is situated on the banks of the Ultima Esperanza Fiord in Puerto Bories, a few minutes by car away from Puerto Natales. In contrast to the other three lodging options, you can choose here from different rates and there is usually no minimum stay.

In the high season you pay around 900 US$ for two per night for the standard room (45 sqm) on a bed and breakfast basis. The accommodations are originally decorated with vintage and modern furniture, which gives them an eclectic feel. Alternatively, you can book the Half Board option (around 1,100 US$) or the Complete Experience (2,200 US$). In case you do not opt for the latter, you can book excursions separately (carried out in small groups). The Singular Patagonia, which is a former industrial space, was opened 2011 and has 57 rooms.

After this info to the high-end lodging around Patagonia’s most popular national park, now to the two luxury hotels I know from personal experience, The Singular Patagonia and Tierra Patagonia.

Staying in style at Hotel The Singular Patagonia

As I mentioned above, you have to drive quite a bit in order to get to the Torres del Paine National Park from here. And once inside the park, you need more time to reach the individual trail heads. So, The Singular Patagonia is not necessairly a substitute for the hotels in and just outside the park. Instead it may be rather suitable as a supplement for travelers on their way in or out of the park. This is especially true for the ones who want to do one or more full day hikes in the Torres del Paine National Park. On the other hand, the Singular Patagonia’s location is favorable if you want to be near the airport of Puerto Natales. This luxury hotel is only six minutes away from it.

The Singular Patagonia’s back story

The Singular Patagonia is something between a hotel and a museum. From 1915 until 1985 it was a cold storage plant which processed, froze and exported meat from Patagonia. The complex became a National Monument in 1996, a museum in 2004 and a hotel in 2011. All the original turbines and machines are still in place, with labels explaining their function.

The Singular Patagonia is family owned, and this by the Sahli family in the second generation. They put emphasis on reflecting the identity, the heritage, the social and cultural soul of where their hotels are located. Their other property is in Santiago, opened 2014 in the Lastarria neighborhood.

Ambiance/Staff

The Singular Patagonia does not hide that it used to be a slaughterhouse. It stands its ground, serving as proud symbol of the community’s history and traditions. The ambiance here is unstuffy and relaxed. Staff is gracious, accommodative and eager to please you.

Rooms

All the 57 rooms are in the newly built modern annex.

It suits the ancient buildings in which you find the reception, lobby and restaurants. All the rooms have the same glorious view overlooking the Ultima Esperanza Fiord. And this through floor-to-ceiling picture windows.

There is ample space with generous bathrooms.

And you find here a mix of modern and Victorian reproduction furniture.

Restaurants

The main dining spot, Singular Restaurant, serves exquisite French inspired food in a sophisticated yet casual setting.

Chef Hernán Basso prepares refined dishes with local ingredients just as guanaco or austral hake. His signature meal, lamb shoulder for two, is first-rate indeed. If you are on half board, you can choose three courses from the menu. And this meal plan also includes drinks and the house wines. My husband’s and my dinners at The Singular Restaurant were the best we had in Patagonia.

In addition, you find here also Desayunador, the breakfast place,

El Adasdor, specialized in wood-fired meats (not always open) and the Bar for light meals.

Other facilities

On site there is a 280 sqm spa with indoor and outdoor pool, sauna, steam room and treatment units. There are also bikes available so you can explore the surroundings by cycling.

Excursions

The excursions at The Singular Patagonia – included in the all-inclusive arrangement – are varied. They range from their signature full day trip to the Balmaceda Glacier on one of their small privately owned boats to trekking and horse riding outings in the area and full day excursions to the Torres del Paine National Park.

On our stay, the full-day navigation to Fiords and Glaciers by boat did not take place because it was too windy (370 US$ per person), so we settled for two half day hiking tours in the surroundings (120 US$ per half day and person). They are carried out in small groups and are well organized and led. They also include drinks and snacks.

Overall The Singular Patagonia

Although The Singular Patagonia is quite a bit away from the Torres del Paine National Park, my husband and I enjoyed our stay here more than our other at a luxury hotel just outside the park’s boundaries (see below). In my opinion, it offers much more value for money, especially if you choose the half board option. We did so as we were in no need of the third meal per day. Plus, we wanted to be flexible as to excursions. In addition, we liked The Singular’s vibe and the food much better, which were more upscale than it was the case at its competitor.  I would especially recommend this hotel if you do not want to do long and strenuous hikes at every day of your stay (for instance nine hour-hike to the Base of Torres del Paine).

Now to the second lodging we had in Patagonia, which turned out – as mentioned – to be a bit of a disappointment. This in particular given the steep rate of almost 3,000 US$ per day.

Staying in style at Hotel Tierra Patagonia

As to the headline, I have to backtrack a little. We did not receive as much luxury as the high price would suggest. If you really want to stay in style adjacent to the Torres del Paine National Park, then I suggest choosing Hotel Awasi Patagonia instead. While I have not been here, I resided at Hotel Awasi Atacama – post to follow – , which was top notch. And I suppose the experience is not much different at their sister lodge in Patagonia. But back to Tierra Patagonia.

The Tierra Patagonia’s back story

Tierra Patagonia is the middle child of three – the others are in the Atacama Desert and on Chiloé Island. This hotel group was founded by the Chilean Purcell family, who previously also was the sole owner of it. End of 2022, the Australian based ultra-luxury Baillie Lodges acquired a majority share in Tierra Hotels. This collection of luxury hotels had been bought in 2019 by KSL Capital Partners, an investment company.

The Tierra Patagonia is not only thoughtfully built so it almost disappears into the land, it is also a true beauty. The building is of a sweeping, curving shape that is inspired by the wind. And lots of it is finished in local wood, both in the exteriors and the interiors.

Ambiance/Staff

While the property is generous and nicely designed, it is everything but stylish or chic. Despite its modern appearance, it has a rustic and down-to earth flair. Tierra Patagonia is not the place to dress up or to have a sophisticated dinner. Instead, you find here guests in casual gear and also in bigger groups – there was a big German group on our stay. As a consequence of the open plan layout, it also can get quite noisy.

Staff was a bit a mixed package. Whereas the expedition team knows to persuade in every aspect, this is not the case at the restaurant and the adjacent bar. Most servers were friendly and helpful yet some lacked competence and experience. For my husband and me, the approach was a bit too much on the casual side, again in view of the elevated price level.

Rooms

All 40 rooms in the low-lying, two-story building offer uninterrupted views of the Torres mountains, which are on the other side of the lake. It definitely is a highlight to watch the changing scenery through the big picture windows! There are two types of room (apart from the suites), the Standard with 33 sqm and the Superior with 36 sqm. While I found the Superior’s bathroom quite spacious, the bedroom felt a bit cramped to me. Again there is lots of wood in the rooms along with a simple, minimalist decor.

Restaurant/Bar

There is as mentioned a single restaurant with a bar. Coming from the lobby, you pass a few tables by a fire place and a round bar before reaching – seamlessly – the restaurant. If you happen to have a table near the bar, this might be inconvenient. This is especially the case if a large group – the mentioned German party of about 25 persons – has pre-dinner drinks here.

As to food, there usually is a daily changing menu for dinner (barbecue on Saturdays). You can make your choice out of three starters, three mains (meat, fish, vegetarian) and two desserts respectively cheese or ice cream/sorbet. Some dishes were good, other were nothing special. If you are a foodie with certain expectations, you probably will be disappointed by the offer. For sure, value for money is not good enough.

Other facilities

On site you find a Uma spa with an indoor pool that comes with hydro-massage and waterjets. An outdoor whirlpool and yoga sessions in a separate room complete the offer. If you want to make a self-guided walk on the premises, no problem. There is a path to Sarmiento Lake, and you can walk along its edge for quite a long stretch.

Excursions

All the excursions – also the sailing to Grey Glacier, which is highly recommended – are included in the room rate.

Apart from the mentioned sailing it is about exploring the park via walks/hikes, biking or riding, and this in form of half or full day trips. The excursion team does a really good job. A dedicated coordinator advises the guests as well arranges and accompanies the activities. Young guides with much elan carry through the excursions, in small groups. We loved the experience, which also included drinks and snacks.

Overall Tierra Patagonia

At the risk of repeating myself: I do not think that Tierra Patagonia is worth its high price tag. Of course, the building in nothing short of impressive. Plus, the hotel is conveniently located for visiting the Torres del Paine National Park. And last but not least, the excursion team does a brilliant job. But that is it. Rooms are rather small and nothing special. The quality of food is mixed. Service at the restaurant/bar varies. Bottom line, Tierra Patagonia rather feels like an average four-star establishment, and this as absolute wallet breaker! Yet it seems that the demand is there!

Looking back and forward in my Chile & Buenos Aires reporting

My last and first blogpost about Chile and Buenos Aires was about a 20-day itinerary in style my husband and I did. It is first and foremost about My Google Map including all the luxury lodging and fine dining restaurants we were. Plus, I list all the activities we did. This also involves city tours in keywords to Buenos Aires, Santiago and Valparaiso. And everything comes with correspondent pictures.

This very post delivered all the details to our Patagonia stay at two high-end hotels, The Singular Patagonia and the Tierra Patagonia near the Torres del Paine Nationalpark. I will do the same for the Atacama Desert in my next post where we lodged at the Awasi.

Then I will also let you know where to stay and dine in style in Santiago, Valparaiso and Buenos Aires.

Date of stay: November 2023

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The post Staying in style in Southern Patagonia/Chile around Torres del Paine first appeared on Swiss Traveler