Wondering where to stay in El Calafate, Argentina? We’ve got you covered with this list of hotels to suit every traveller’s budget!
El Calafate is a bucket list destination in Patagonia. This town is the gateway to the southern end of Los Glaciares National Park and more importantly, the famed Perito Moreno Glacier, which is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world.
It’s also a destination where you can enjoy all sorts of outdoor adventures like going on boat tours to see glaciers, kayaking the milky waters of La Leona River, spending the day at an estancia, going on 4×4 adventures across the Patagonian steppe, and so much more!
Because there are so many fun things to do in El Calafate and your itinerary is likely to be action-packed, you’ll want to make sure you have a relaxing place to return to at the end of the day.
In this El Calafate hotel guide, we’re going to highlight the best luxury hotels, high-end hotels, mid-range hotels, budget-friendly hotels and hostels. That means you can choose the best accommodations to suit your budget and travel style.
Luxury Hotels in El Calafate
Imago Hotel & Spa
Imago Hotel & Spa is a luxurious 5-star hotel in El Calafate.
Guests can choose between master suites and junior suites, or double, twin and triple rooms. The room’s key features are the large windows overlooking Lago Argentino.
Imago Hotel & Spa has its own on-site restaurant, Cicero Bistro, which offers international cuisine and Argentinian gourmet specialties.
The hotel also boasts a spa and wellness centre where guests can indulge in massages, hydrotherapy, and other relaxation treatments. Perfect for unwinding after a busy day exploring Los Glaciares National Park and the Perito Moreno Glacier!
The hotel also has a gym for those who want to keep up with their fitness routine, though there’s plenty of trekking to enjoy around these parts.
“We had a very relaxing stay in a great room with a fabulous bathroom that included a jacuzzi bath , walk in power shower an adjoining living room and fantastic views. I had an amazing massage – back and neck and the swimming pool was lovely after a day visiting the glacier and national park . The staff were all very professional and helpful.” – Gerry from Ireland
Review via Booking
Address: Calle 669 N°40, El Calafate
Xelena Hotel & Suites
Xelena Hotel & Suites is a luxury property set on the shores of Lago Argentino in the outskirts of El Calafate.
The hotel offers a variety of suites and standard rooms with either lake or garden views.
Guests can enjoy a heated indoor-outdoor pool, jacuzzi, and dry sauna, as well as massages and spa treatments.
Xelena Hotel & Suites offers 4 different gastronomic options for guests: Mora Restaurant for Patagonian cuisine and an exclusive selection of wines, Pierrot Bistró Lobby Bar for cocktails and tapas-style dishes, Coral Coffee Shop for breakfast, and Huerta & Fuegos which is the hotel orchard and is open during the summer months for evening drinks.
“The staff were brilliant . The reception staff on more than one occasion when out of their way to help us ,they were friendly and efficient and a credit to the hotel . Same with the bar staff and restaurant staff . And a Special mention to shuttle bus driver who waited for us after we got back from a 3 hour coach trip from el chalten . The pool is fantastic with great views of lago argentino , the man who runs the pool is also very friendly and efficient. The Rooms are spacious and comfortable and Kept very clean . Everything about this hotel exceeded my expectations, it was like a holiday from an holiday after 4 nights in Buenos Aires . But the staff made the biggest difference , they were brilliant . The guide on the coach tour to el chalten who was unconnected with the hotel told us this was “the best hotel in El Calafate “ I can’t argue with that.” – John from United Kingdom
Review via Booking
Address: Rene Favaloro 3500, El Calafate
High-end Hotels in El Calafate
Hotel Kosten Aike
Hotel Kosten Aike is set in an Alpine-style boutique hotel situated right in the centre of town, just two blocks from the main street making it a convenient location for travellers who want to be in the heart of it all.
The hotel’s name comes from the native Tehuelche language – kosten meaning wind and aike meaning place, and ‘windy place’ is quite fitting for El Calafate! Rooms are bright, spacious and incorporate Tehuelche design elements.
Hotel Kosten Aike also boasts numerous gastronomic options including Restaurant Ariskaiken for fine dining, Asador Kampen for traditional Argentine BBQ and Patagonian lamb, and Bar Aura for afternoon tea (locally known as merienda) and evening cocktails.
The hotel has spa facilities which include a hot tub, a sauna, a Scottish shower and a massage room.
“This is an outstanding hotel. It’s just off the main strip so quiet. The hotel is very luxurious with games room, gym, spa etc. The staff are outstanding, very accommodating, extremely helpful and speak Spanish and English which was a great help. The rooms are big and luxurious and the breakfast was outstanding with a huge choice of cooked, breads, cakes, cereal etc. I would very much recommend this hotel. It was a delight staying here.” – Ann from United Kingdom
Review via Booking
Address: Gobernador Moyano 1243, El Calafate
Hotel Posada Los Alamos
Hotel Posada Los Alamos is one of the top-rated 4-star hotels in El Calafate.
The hotel is centrally located and offers double rooms either twin or standard. Rooms have views over the organic garden and the mountains on the horizon.
Hotel Posada Los Alamos provides a full range of modern spa facilities and an indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows. It also has its own small 18-hole par 3 golf course.
The hotel has several on-site dining options; La Posta for a la carte regional and international cuisine, Humus Resto Bar for cocktails, El Águila for snacks or drinks in the lobby bar, plus they also have a wine cellar where you can arrange a wine tasting.
“The hotel has fantastic facilities, the spa is wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The rooms themselves were spacious with a large bathroom and comfy beds. Breakfast was delicious with lots of choice. The location is within easy access of the lake and the town centre.” – Roisin from United Kingdom
Review via Booking
Address: Ingeniero Hector M. Guatti 1350, El Calafate
Mirador del Lago
Mirador del Lago is a hotel that overlooks the shores of Lago Argentino. It is a beautifully designed property with lots of stone and wood accents giving it a warm, rustic feel.
Guests can choose between 3 different types of rooms including standard rooms, superior rooms with either garden or lake views, and suites with balconies that overlook the lake.
Mirador de Lago also has its own in-house restaurant called La Bahía where guests can enjoy dishes like Patagonian lamb, trout and homemade pasta. They also have their own snack bar where you can order light meals and drinks.
“The location was excellent. Just on the edge of town where it was a bit quieter and with a great view of the lake. The breakfast was the best on our trip. Great selection of pastries!” – Andrew from Australia
Review from Booking
Address: Avenida del Libertador 2047, El Calafate
Mid-range Hotels in El Calafate
Hostería Cauquenes de Nimez
Hostería Cauquenes de Nimez is located in the north end of El Calafate just 50 metres from Laguna Nimez, a nature reserve where you can see all sorts of birds including flamingoes.
Part of the charm of this guesthouse is the fact that it’s decorated using antique furniture, plus the oak wood floors and stone walls add some rustic charm to the place.
All the rooms at Hostería Cauquenes de Nimez come with their own ensuite bathroom.
The front desk can also help organize various activities such as horseback riding, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and birdwatching.
“The team were very welcoming and helped with organising trips and advising on the local area. The rooms were really warm and cosy, ideal after day trips to ice glaciers! The location is ideal for walking into the centre of El Calafate but also having the nature reserve on the doorstep. Overall, great value for money.” – Laura from United Kingdom
Review via Booking
Address: Calle 303 Nº 79, El Calafate
Hotel Quijote
Hotel Quijote is centrally located just 1 block from Avenida del Libertador, which is the main thoroughfare in town.
The hotel offers 3 different types of rooms to suit all travellers: economy, comfort and duplex.
An American-style buffet breakfast is served daily, and they also have a cafe and bar service throughout the day.
Staff are bilingual and speak Spanish and English. Luggage storage can be arranged if needed.
“The staff were very helpful and spoke English. The breakfast was quite nice and in a pretty room. The entrance and lobby of the hotel was attractive. Location was great, two blocks from downtown shops and restaurants.” – Nadine from USA
Review via Booking
Address: Gobernador Gregores 1191, El Calafate
Hotel Picos del Sur
Hotel Picos del Sur is located in the east end of El Calafate just a short stroll from the centre of town.
This is a spacious property with a big lawn, an outdoor terrace and lounge chairs where visitors can enjoy the outdoors.
Guests can choose between twin rooms, double rooms and triple rooms, all with their own en suite bathroom.
“Rooms were large and clean, and the view from our room was great. There’s good WiFi and large communal areas. Location is only a 10min walk from the bus terminal and you can easily walk to restaurants in the centre of town.” – Sarah from United Kingdom
Review via Booking
Address: Puerto San Julian 271, El Calafate
Budget-friendly Hotels in El Calafate
Posada Larsen
Posada Larsen is a small 6-room guesthouse on a quiet side street a short walk from the centre of town.
The guesthouse features twin, double and triple rooms with views of Lake Argentino and the Andes Mountains
The guesthouse has heated floors, free Wi-Fi, and private parking.
They serve a traditional Patagonian breakfast with lots of home-baked goodies.
“Lovely Posada only 10min walk from the centre. Beautiful views of the lake from bedroom and breakfast room. Irina, the manager was very welcoming and helpful before check-in and throughout our stay. Delicious breakfast. Highly recommended.” – Francesca from Italy
Review via Booking
Address: Puerto Deseado 223, El Calafate
Kau Kaleshen
Kau Kaleshen is a little oasis tucked away just one block from the main street surrounded by greenery. It’s as central a location as you can get, while still offering tranquillity.
The guesthouse has 12 rooms with access to a central garden. You can choose from single, double, triple and quadruple rooms.
Buffet breakfast is served daily including coffee, tea, juices, pastries, homemade bread, cheeses and more.
They have their own on-site restaurant and their specialty is fondue! They also serve traditional Patagonian dishes featuring trout and lamb.
“The front desk staff were knowledgeable, patient and friendly. The location in the center of town but one block away from the noise makes this place an oasis like it’s name implies…house of the rising sun. Make sure to have dinner at the restaurant! The food, waitstaff and ambience are amazing and unforgettable.” – Ellen from USA
Address: Gobernador Gregores 1256, El Calafate
Hostels in El Calafate
America del Sur Calafate Hostel
America del Sur is a small hostel chain with locations in both El Calafate and the neighbourhood of San Telmo in Buenos Aires.
Their hostel in El Calafate is located in the northeast end of town, making it a short and pleasant 7-minute walk into the centre of town.
The hostel is built in that classic Patagonian design with lots of wood elements, large windows that offer sweeping views of Lago Argentino, and a large communal area where travellers can hang out and plan the upcoming day’s adventure.
America del Sur Calafate Hostel offers different types of rooms. You can choose from a private room with an ensuite bathroom, a private room with a shared bathroom, a triple room, a quadruple room or a 6-bed dorm.
This hostel also features floor heating, free Wi-Fi, a communal kitchen and a laundrette.
“It was the best hostel I ever stayed at – the social area is super cozy and with the most amazing view. People staying there are super social. The rooms are good, the breakfast too and the reception is also a travel agency. Will 100% come back.” – Annika from Spain
Review via Booking
Address: Puerto Deseado 153, El Calafate
Lago Argentino Hostel
Lago Argentino Hostel is a family-run business by people who are passionate about tourism. The hostel is centrally located just 2 blocks from the main avenue.
This hostel has a beautiful garden which is especially beautiful when the lupins bloom. A continental breakfast is served daily and guests can also make use of the communal kitchen to cook their own meals.
In terms of accommodations, this hotel offers double and triple rooms with private bathrooms, or double rooms and dorms with shared bathrooms.
They offer free parking with your reservation and luggage storage is available upon request.
“The garden was so beautiful and had so many great smelling flowers! There was a cute little cat that wandered around and was so friendly! The room was so comfortable and the location of the hostel was very convenient to walking into town.” – Emily from USA
Review via Booking
Address: Campaña del Desierto 1050, El Calafate
FOLK Hostel
FOLK Hostel is located in the east end of town, just 200 metres from the El Calafate Bus Terminal.
The hostel has a garden, a shared lounge, a communal kitchen and luggage storage.
They have a variety of different room types to suit all sorts of travellers. You can choose from double rooms with a private bathroom, double rooms with a shared bathroom, 4-person dorms and 8-person dorms.
They serve a very simple buffet-style breakfast with bread, cereals, yogurt, fruit and hot and cold beverages. You can also order a pre-packed lunch if you’re planning a full-day excursion around El Calafate.
“Lovely hostel with great kitchen and good location. Love the common area and friendly staff. Really great showers as well! Breakfast was okay, nothing special. Would definitely recommend staying at Folk” – Alberto from Denmark
Review via Booking
Address: José R. Haro 424, El Calafate
Read More:
- How to Visit Perito Moreno Glacier with a Tour
- Visiting Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate
- 2 Days in El Calafate Itinerary
- El Calafate Day Trip to a Working Ranch
- Getting from El Calafate to El Chaltén
- Patagonia with Gadventures: Which Tour Should You Choose?
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.