Where to stay in El Calafate: The best areas and hotels

Planning a trip to Argentine Patagonia and still haven’t decided where to stay in El Calafate? Don’t worry, we’ve put together a detailed list of the best hotels and areas to stay in El Calafate, Argentina.

El Calafate is a base city for exploring various tourist spots in Argentine Patagonia, including the Perito Moreno Glacier, the main attraction in the region. The city is quite small but very charming.

Most of the activity is centered in the tourist downtown area, where the majority of services are located. Additionally, the main attractions in this region are the natural landscapes, hiking trails, and viewpoints, so most of the excursions take place outside the city.

List of the best hotels to stay in El Calafate:

Where to stay in El Calafate, Argentina?

El Calafate is a small town with a wide range of good hotels and inns, so choosing the best place to stay isn’t too difficult. However, there’s always a spot that’s more suitable, depending on your travel style and budget.

The most recommended areas to stay in El Calafate are the downtown and the hotels along the lake. Below, we’ll explain the advantages and disadvantages of staying in each area and give you tips on the best hotels.

Downtown: The best place to stay in El Calafate

If you plan to do most things on foot and stay close to bars and restaurants for going out at night or grabbing a coffee, the best place to stay in El Calafate is in the downtown.

We recommend staying right in the heart of town, in the area between Perito Moreno Street and Ezequiel Bustillo Street, preferably near Avenida del Libertador. This is where most of the city’s activity is concentrated, with many shops, bars, restaurants, cafés, and banks.

This area is very safe, and by staying here, you can do almost everything on foot, including going out at night for dinner or to a bar. Walking everywhere also saves you from relying on taxis, which can sometimes be quite expensive.

Staying in the downtown area also makes it easier to access public transportation if needed. For your convenience, we’ve selected the best hotels to stay in El Calafate, right in downtown:

• Hotel Kosten Aike: The best overall hotel to stay in El Calafate. This charming hotel is located right in the downtown area and features spacious rooms with very comfortable beds. The hotel also offers great leisure options and an excellent breakfast.
• Hotel Posada Los Alamos: The most complete hotel in downtown El Calafate. This traditional hotel provides a full range of services and is beautifully decorated. The rooms are large, and the rustic décor creates a cozy atmosphere. Additionally, the rooms have garden views, and the hotel features a spa, a pool, and a varied breakfast.
• Kau Kaleshen: A charming and cozy family hotel located just one block from Avenida del Libertador. This is a simple and comfortable hotel with a homey feel, good service, a lovely garden, and breakfast.
• Hotel ACA: A well-located hotel in El Calafate, just one block from Avenida del Libertador, housed in a historic stone building. The hotel has large, well-lit rooms.

Hotels with lake views: The best place to relax

If you’re looking for a quieter place to relax and enjoy a beautiful view, hotels with lake views are great choices for where to stay in El Calafate, especially if you have a car. The main highlight of these hotels is the view of the lake.

So, if you plan to stay outside the tourist zone, it’s only worth it if you’re in a hotel with a lake view and good amenities, so you can fully enjoy the hotel’s facilities.

Due to their more remote location, hotels outside the tourist center are ideal for those who don’t plan to go out much at night, whether they have a car or don’t mind relying on taxis.

We’ve selected the best hotels to stay in El Calafate with lake views:

• Mirador del Lago Hotel: A hotel for relaxing and unwinding with a lake view. This hotel is close to the lake, so a beautiful view is guaranteed. The rooms are spacious, and the décor is rustic. The hotel is a bit far from downtown, making it ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy the amenities.
• Esplendor by Wyndham El Calafate: This hotel is located near the tourist center of El Calafate (1 km away, or 0.62 miles), so even if you stay here, you can still do a lot of walking if you don’t mind walking a bit. The hotel is very elegant, offers excellent service, and has room options with lake views. It’s the best hotel for enjoying the lake view while still being close to downtown.

Did you enjoy our tips on where to stay in El Calafate, Argentina? Also, check out the best places to travel with friends.