Hotel Llao Llao (pronounced as Shao Shao) was designed by the Argentine architect Alejandro Bustillo in 1934 during the creation of the Nahuel Huapi National Park. It was opened to the public on January 9th, 1938, but a fire destroyed the building on October 26th, 1939. The hotel was rebuilt quickly and reopened on December 15th, 1940 and eventually became a popular accommodation of choice for several officials, diplomats and famous guests.
After being closed in 1978 for a period of 15 years (due to a lack of investment and adequate maintenance), the hotel reopened its doors to the public in 1993 under the name of Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, Golf-Spa. In December 2007, the Lago Moreno wing was opened (Llao Llao Deluxe Suites – Moreno Lake Wing) with stunning views of Moreno Lake and Mount Tronador.
Llao Llao Resort Booking
Llao Llao Resort is the only hotel in the Bariloche region to be included in the FH&R collection. Hotel prices can vary widely depending on when you travel during peak season. During the 1st week of April (low season), you can get rooms for $200-300 USD and I used my Amex Platinum $200 credit to good use, which comes with a $100 property dining credit, room upgrade and a 4pm late checkout.
Llao Llao Resort Location and amenities
Llao Llao is surrounded by the Cerro Lopez and Tronador mountain peaks and the Moreno and Nahuel Huapi lakes (see images below).
The hotel has two wings: Bustillo Wing and Lago Moreno wings. The first wing has 162 rooms, 11 studios and 12 suites overlooking the Moreno and Nahuel Huapi lakes and the Cerro López mountain peak. The Lago Moreno wing has 43 deluxe studios and suites: 23 Deluxe Moreno Lake Studios, 17 Deluxe Moreno Lake Suites, 2 Deluxe Master Moreno Lake Suites, and 1 Deluxe Royal Moreno Lake Suite.
The Hotel has a 15-hectare park, including the 18-hole golf course, the marina, beach, solarium, heated indoor and outdoor infinity edge swimming-pools, Spa and Health club with sauna, Fitness Center and other leisure activities. Llao Llao has five restaurants and the popular “Llao Llao Tea” is served overlooking the spectacular view of the Hotel gardens and the breathtaking Nahuel Huapi Lake.
Distance from the airport
The resort is located within a 40 minute driving distance from the Bariloche international airport and there is plenty of free parking in front of the hotel entrance. The hotel entrance is gated with security and only guest parking is allowed.
Llao Llao Resort, Golf-Spa Lobby and Check-in
When booking FH&R hotels with the Amex Platinum card, guests must remember to bring it with them and present it to the agent at the time of check-in to be able to receive the $100 property dining credit. We received a fantastic upgrade to a “luxury studio Moreno lake” which was a $700 per night option.
Luxury Studio Moreno Lake
The room was beautifully designed with a soft queen bed and patio chairs overlooking the mountain and lake. The air conditioner took some time to turn on, but it worked without any issues.
Llao Llao Resort Breakfast
Free breakfast offered by the property is very good, with a separate omelet station along with an extensive buffet section. The view from all the dining areas is unreal with serene lake and mountain views (see image below).
Llao Llao Resort Fitness Center
The fitness center is perfectly adequate with all the needed equipment for burning calories during vacation when you are not planning any hikes.
Llao Llao Resort Heated Swimming Pool
The indoor & outdoor swimming pool is generously heated throughout the year and I enjoyed swimming in the indoor section every day during my stay. The pool was 5 feet deep and a perfect length for doing laps, with a side section that had a hot tub.
Llao Llao Resort in Winter
I can only imagine how beautiful the surroundings are in the winter time at this resort.
Llao Llao Resort Lunch & Dinner
I was forced to eat lunch and dinner at the main restaurant for the sake of finishing the $100 Amex Platinum dining credit, but it was disappointing for the price they charge. I recommend going to nearby restaurants to enjoy the authentic local cuisine (e.g., BRUNCHERIE COFFEE & DELI).
Conclusion
Llao Llao Resort is the most beautiful iconic property I have ever visited in my life so far. I visited several luxury properties with lake and mountain views in Switzerland, Lake Como, Dolomites and Norway but they cost several hundred dollars more per night, and none will match the majestic architecture and scenic views of this property.