Looking for a scenic, affordable stay in Bariloche away from the crowds? We recently checked into Gran Hotel Panamericano and found it hits that sweet spot between price and experience – something that’s surprisingly hard to find in Patagonia.
Set along the iconic Circuito Chico, this 3-star hotel offers vintage alpine charm, lake views, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from downtown Bariloche.
We had such a wonderful stay that I felt compelled to write a hotel review, because it’s a property that should be on your radar!
Gran Hotel Panamericano
✅ Lakeside views and close to nature
✅ Near Puerto Pañuelo for boat excursions
✅ Located on Circuito Chico (scenic circuit)
Quick Verdict: Should You Stay Here?
Short answer: Yes, with the right expectations.
Gran Hotel Panamericano is a fantastic choice if you:
- Want nature, views, and tranquillity
- Plan to explore Circuito Chico and nearby attractions
- Are travelling as a couple or family
It’s less ideal if you:
- Want to be downtown walking distance from restaurants and nightlife
- Prefer modern luxury over rustic charm
Location: Circuito Chico Near Puerto Pañuelo
Gran Hotel Panamericano is located along Circuito Chico at KM22, one of the most scenic stretches in all of Bariloche.
You’re:
- 4 minutes from Puerto Pañuelo (gateway to Isla Victoria, Puerto Blest, and Cruce Andino)
- About 25 minutes from downtown Bariloche
- Roughly 40 minutes from the airport
There’s a bus stop right outside the hotel, which makes it possible to get around without a car. That said, having your own vehicle will give you far more flexibility, especially if you want to explore viewpoints, trails, and hidden corners along Circuito Chico.
Tip: This location is perfect for a second visit to Bariloche or for travellers prioritizing nature over nightlife.
First Impressions: Vintage Alpine Charm
From the moment we stepped into the lobby, the Gran Hotel Panamericano made an impression.
My eyes went to the giant tree trunks that adorned the lobby, the stone reception desk, and the living room’s vaulted ceilings. This hotel has a bit of a retro alpine-resort style that evokes a bygone era.
Not to mention the wide hall with floor-to-ceiling windows with rows of sofas facing towards the lake; the ideal spot for guests to sit down and enjoy the Patagonian landscapes!
We were also welcomed with a shortbread chocolate chip cookie at check-in, which was an unexpected (and delicious!) touch that set the tone for our stay.
Rooms: Rustic Comfort with a Tradeoff on Views
Gran Hotel Panamericano is a mid-size hotel with 46 rooms, including doubles, triples, and family rooms that can accommodate 4 to 6 guests.
We stayed in a standard double with mountain views, and here’s the honest take:
The room itself was cozy and charming, with rustic wood elements throughout, including a log headboard, log nightstands, log desk, log chair, and log footstool. They also had carpeted floors, which I can appreciate in a cooler destination.
The bed had two King-sized pillows and two regular-sized pillows. This came in very handy for us, travelling with a baby, because it meant we could contain her on the bed during her naps.
The bathroom was spacious with a large walk-in shower and good water pressure. It had a toilet and bidet, as is pretty standard in most Argentine bathrooms. The towels were large (always appreciated by my tall husband!) and fluffy, and the shampoo, body soap and conditioner were all almond-scented.
However, the mountain view wasn’t particularly impressive. It was more of a hillside than sweeping scenery due to proximity. Because the mountain views were a bit lackluster, I would suggest opting for the lake views instead.
Ready to Book Your Stay?
If Gran Hotel Panamericano sounds like a good fit, it’s worth checking availability early, especially during peak seasons in Bariloche.
Check prices and availability for your travel dates.
Tip: If views matter to you, upgrade to a lake-view room. These rooms tend to book out first, so consider upgrading if views are important to you.
Dining Experience at Sala Nahuel Huapi
We had the chance to enjoy three meals during our stay at Gran Hotel Panamericano. Breakfast and dinner are served in Sala Nahuel Huapi, a great big salon with floor-to-ceiling windows facing Lago Nahuel Huapi.
On our first evening at the hotel, Sam ordered a classic milanesa napolitana with a side of potatoes. Meanwhile, I had the goulash with Spaetzle (a type of noodle and this one was fried in a pan). This is my go-to dish whenever I’m travelling in Patagonia – you’ve gotta love the German influence!
We paired the meal with a bottle of Malbec, Uxmal by Catena Zapata, which was wonderful. And because we enjoyed the meal so much, we ended up ordering dessert!
They had an award-winning dessert on the menu that had won the dessert category in Bariloche in 2025, so we had to try that! It was the pavlova with a custard filling and a mix of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and a light sprinkling of cocoa powder. It was divine.
As for the service, it was personable, friendly and very attentive.
Breakfast Buffet: Surprisingly Varied
Breakfast at Gran Hotel Panamericano was buffet style with loads of options!
In the baked goods department, there was kuchen, medialunas, chocolate cake, criollitos, and white and whole-grain bread. Plus, there was a special toaster where you could make your own grilled ham and cheese sandwiches.
On the healthier side, there was an array of granolas, cereals and seeds with yogurt, and trays of sliced fresh fruit like oranges, grapefruits and peaches.
Plus, scrambled eggs, cheese and deli meats, and probably a few more items I’m forgetting.
And as far as beverages go, there was orange juice, tea, coffee, milk and kombucha. The latter was a pleasant surprise as it’s something I drink regularly when I’m back home.
Lunch & Casual Dining Options
We also enjoyed a quick lunch at Gran Hotel Panamericano the day of checkout. While lunch is not served in the dining room, there is a simple à la carte menu with quick and easy meals that the staff can prepare for you.
We got the fried empanada duo, we had to choose between beef, trout and lamb, so we opted for trout and lamb since those are distinctly Patagonian flavours. Plus, we also got a pizza with sundried tomatoes and rucula.
It was a surprisingly good meal!
Family-Friendly Features: Garden & Kids Room
After breakfast, we made the most of the break from the rain to go outside and enjoy the garden.
Our daughter loved running down the hill and seeing all the rosehip bushes and rose bushes in bloom in various shades of red, yellow and white. There were also stone sculptures of cherubs playing musical instruments, which amused our girl. She ignored the swings and seesaw in favour of the sprinklers.
One thing we really liked about this hotel is that they had a wide open space for kids to run, but most importantly, it’s all fenced in, so you don’t have to worry about traffic.
I looked at several properties before booking this hotel in Bariloche, and one of the things that sold me was that Gran Hotel Panamericano had a playroom for kids.
Now that we’re travelling with our daughter (who is a toddler!), I’m a bit more intentional about the places I book, and I try to choose accommodations that will work for our whole family.
The kids’ room was a very pleasant surprise, complete with a Montessori-style climbing set with a ladder, ramp and arch. Plus, they had lots of wooden toys for shape-matching and sorting, a soft play mat and a colouring station.
There was also a little library with Spanish titles. We ended up reading El Leon y el Ratón, a book featuring a collection of Aesop’s fables, and we also read some simplified kids’ fairy tales.
One side of the room was dedicated to play for younger kids, but then the other side was more for older kids and preteens, complete with arcade-style games, a pool table and foosball. But we’re not quite at that stage yet!
What We Loved About Gran Hotel Panamericano
- Incredible lake views (especially from common areas)
- Quiet, peaceful setting away from crowds
- Friendly and attentive service
- Great value for money
- Excellent for families with young kids
Things to Know Before Booking
- Not located downtown (you’ll need transport)
- Mountain-view rooms are limited in appeal
- Rustic style and not a luxury hotel
- Best experienced with a car
Who This Hotel Is Best For
- Couples looking for a scenic, relaxed stay
- Families needing space and kid-friendly amenities
- Road-trippers exploring Circuito Chico
- Repeat visitors to Bariloche
Who Should Skip This Hotel
- First-time visitors wanting to stay downtown
- Travellers without transportation or on a tight schedule
- Those seeking modern luxury accommodations
Is Gran Hotel Panamericano Worth It? Final Verdict
Yes, if you value scenery, tranquillity, and affordability.
Gran Hotel Panamericano offers a unique stay that blends rustic Patagonian charm with a fantastic location along Circuito Chico. While it’s not a luxury property, it delivers excellent value and a memorable experience, especially if you’re travelling as a couple or family.
We really enjoyed our stay at Gran Hotel Panamericano, which is why I was so eager to write this hotel review. I found it to be the perfect intersection of price point and quality. Plus, I loved the vintage alpine resort vibe.
If you’re planning to explore Puerto Pañuelo, take a lake excursion, or simply unwind in nature, this is a hotel that deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Ready to Book Gran Hotel Panamericano?
If you’re looking for a peaceful stay surrounded by nature, with easy access to Circuito Chico and lake excursions, this hotel offers excellent value for the price.
Check current prices and availability.
Tip: Prices in Bariloche fluctuate significantly by season, so booking early can save you a lot.
Plan Your Trip to Bariloche
10 Bariloche Day Tours to Soak in Nature
How to Spend 2 Action-Packed Days in Bariloche
A Guide to Bariloche’s Chocolate Shops
Bariloche’s Brewery Scene: Where to Drink Craft Beer
5 Walking Tours to Get to Know Bariloche
When to Visit Bariloche Season by Season
GROUP TOURS – If you’d rather join a group tour to travel in Argentina, check out Gadventures.
CAR RENTAL – To explore Argentina beyond the cities, the best way to do so is by renting a car. Discover Cars offers rentals across the country.
BUS TICKETS – Bus travel is a great way to see Argentina. BusBud offers numerous routes.
TRAVEL INSURANCE – Don’t leave on your trip without booking travel insurance. You can get a quote on SafetyWing.
HOTELS – Booking.com offers accommodations to suit all budgets and travel styles.
TOURS – For a variety of tours and activities, have a look at Viator.