Nicely spaced trip. Plenty of “ spare “ time. Suggestions were practical & although hard work - fitness wise, worked.
Most things ….. within the teams control, worked well.
Hotel Reviews
Oldie but a goodie. Could be SO much better with good grounds people, a tidy up and some renovations. Menu basic but OK.
Authenticity & Character
Oldest in the NP. A bit tired but adequate.
Location
Views are incredible.
Staff
Lovely, young enthusiastic staff.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean. Bedding to die for. Just older & “ tired” rooms & grounds.
Hotel Las Torres Patagonia
Torres del Paine
Excellent location wise. Views OK. Meals above average quality & presentation. Expensive but so much better than daily transitioning in & out of the park if not serious hiking.
Authenticity & Character
Estancia feeling. Loved the daily horses release and round up.
Location
Right on the track to the towers base, W & O.
Staff
Tried hard - many new, inexperienced staff - lots of mistakes made and service forgets.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bedding divine. Big rooms. Views expansive but not stunning. Bath was great after a hike - but had to request a plug.
Hotel Lago Grey
Torres del Paine
View. Room. Bedding. Food. Bar & relax area.
Authenticity & Character
Fits well in the environment.
Location
View is stunning. Very windy most days I think.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very comfortable hotel.
Hotel Carpa Manzano
Punta Arenas
Small-ish, but comfortable rooms. Bit dated & tended to be noisy. Probably better offering in town. Walk in & out is borderline.
Authenticity & Character
Nice enough rooms. Dated.
Location
A little distant from downtown.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Was adequate.
Weskar Lodge
Puerto Natales
Nice view. A little distant from town in tough weather. Probably better offerings downtown and mire distractions. Restaurant meals hit & miss and no variety presented each day.
Authenticity & Character
Authentic use of wood. Cosy rooms & sit down area.
Location
Great views. Just that little dar from anything.
Staff
Tried. English & understanding requests etc, was difficult.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lovely bedding. Comfortable smallish room. Lits of woid. Nice.
Holiday Inn Santiago - Airport Terminal
Santiago
Excellent location at airport ( if that is what you want ). Nice rooms. Good bedding. Interesting enough food. Could do with a Daily Change / Soecial.
Authenticity & Character
Airport hotel.
Location
If that is what you want - between Domestic & International.
Staff
Hit & miss. Service not #1 priority. Wait, wait, wait for actual attention. Slow service but seemingly “ a thing “ in Chile - in their own good time !
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great beds & linen.
Activity Reviews
Kayaking in the Magellan Strait
Chile
Not that “ exciting “ an activity really to be really honest. Lot of preparation & time taken ( pick up / drop off / gear up for kayaking / transfer to water edge / instruction / kayaking & then reverse ). Minimal wild life, birdlife etc …… limited English & no really “ spotting “ or information.
Quality of Experience
Not that interesting.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Limited English or “ interpretation “ .
Tour to Torres del Paine National Park with Overnight
Chile
Great way of getting to the NP rather than a private transfer or large bus. Very early start as it was a one-way for us , on a return same day tour. Enjoyed Milodon Cave and information. Stops for vistas & photographs. Tour guide was very informative.
Quality of Experience
Milodon Cave visit & explanation boards. Vistas.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide on departure said we would have “ quiet time “- so all could catch up on rest …… till after Puerto Natales. Then proceeded to TALK ALL THE WAY to the driver & back and forth. No rest for anyone. Driver spent more tome looking at the guide whilst in conversation - than concentrating on the road. Very un-nerving ! A good driver ….. BUT ! Guide had excellent knowledge and was firth coming if asked..
Transport
Nice new vehicle. Close quarters. We had a seat between us because we PAID for it with luggage cost.
From Pehoé to Las Torres
Torres del Paine
José - nice nan - knowledgeable, good English. Recommended.
From Las Torres to Lago Grey
Torres del Paine
Horseback Riding in Patagonia
Puerto Natales
Thoroughly enjoyed. Nice horses. Well groomed & cared for. Just wish I was riding fit ! Very sore body the next day. My wife who is a novice enjoyed too.
Quality of Experience
Vistas.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Could have done with a rear guide / rider to manage “ slower “ horses / riders. Insufficient supervision in my opinion.
Transport
Great ….. arranged well there & back.
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
