Four thumb hotels by region
While not quite up to the consistency levels of the 5 thumb properties, these are, never the less, very good properties and certainly worth considering in any itinerary.
Chile
Nayara Hangaroa
Formally the Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa, the property was acquired in 2020 by the opulent Nayara Resorts collection, who hitherto specialised and excelled in Costa Rica’s high-end hotel industry. The result of this partnership is a superb resort offering a luxurious, all-...
More...Terrantai Lodge
This is a superb option for anyone looking to stay in a historic, intimate lodge that is more boutique bed & breakfast than luxury resort. Terrantai Lodge was originally a 19th century house that, due to its age and proximity to San Pedro’s church, remains part of the...
More...Hotel Desertica
A former farm house and orchard, Hotel Desertica, along with Terrantai Lodge, is our pick of the hotels that do not offer the all-inclusive packages in San Pedro de Atacama. This 12-room property prides itself on...
More...Casa Atacama
An excellent alternative in the San Pedro area for those who don’t have the budget for the 5-star big hitters such as Tierra, Alto, Cumbres et al. Casa Atacama knows it cannot match their grandeur, so instead focuses – successfully – on providing comfortable, private...
More...Hotel Boutique Casablanca BCW
Hotel Boutique Casablanca BCW is situation in the centre of the Casablanca Wine Route. This secluded property, originally a country mansion dating back 120 years, is the perfect spot to base yourself whilst exploring the superb wineries in the area. Another advantage is that...
More...Noi Blend Hotel Colchagua
A beautiful spot to relax in amongst the vines of Colchagua. The Noi Blend hotel is only a 10 minute drive from the town of Santa Cruz; but in our opinion there is little reason to leave this gorgeous property! Other than, of course, to explore the numerous vineyards dotted...
More...Ecuador
Hotel Carlota
Where does one start in describing this superlative, boutique hotel in Quito’s Old Town? The property was built in 1905 by a French architect as a private house. The owner’s grandmother purchased the home in 1966 and in 2016 he converted the building into a 12-bedroom hotel...
More...Hotel Mama Cuchara
A member of the select Art Hotels Ecuador group (with hotels also in Otavalo and Cuenca), this Colonial-era property is awash with an impressive private collection of native art. Most of the pieces – from paintings and sculptures to jewellery and ceramics – are available for...
More...Albemarle Galapagos Boutique Hotel
A boutique hotel in Isla Isabela’s Puerto Villamil, the Albemarle is a bright and welcoming property – with an entrance that spills right on to soft sands and palm trees! We recommend one of the balcony rooms, so you can count the marine iguanas and sea lions sunning themselves...
More...Scalesia Galapagos Lodge
Situated in the highlands of Isla Isabela, Scalesia Galapagos Lodge offers an immersive highlands experience in luxurious safari-style tents. Spread across a 40-acre plot on the slopes of Volcan Sierra Negra, the tents are surrounded by native flora and fauna (including trees...
More...Royal Palm Galapagos Hotel
Set on a 325-acre private plot in the Miconia Highlands of Isla Santa Cruz, the Royal Palm Galapagos Hotel is an impressive estate that could keep one happily entertained without ever having to leave the grounds! The royal moniker comes from Prince Charles’ visit in 2007, and...
More...The M/Y La Pinta
With a capacity of 48 passengers, La Pinta is one of the larger luxury-class options in the Galapagos, but also has an excellent range of activities and amenities. Originally a Caribbean casino boat, La Pinta was completely refitted back in 2009 as a specialist Galapagos yacht...
More...Angermeyer Waterfront Inn
Built on the site of Gus Angermeyer’s cave, one of the first European settlers on Santa Cruz, the Angermeyer Waterfront Inn embraces the spirit of this pioneering family and combines it with the comfort of today’s mod-cons. The result is a stylish property built out of local...
More...Napo Cultural Center
Napo Cultural Center offers a truly unique opportunity, lodging in the protected Yasuni National Park with the local Kichwa people. Whilst the accommodation might not be luxurious it certainly very comfortable; and the bilingual guides are both knowledgeable and passionate...
More...Peru
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge can rightfully boast to have the best location for visiting Machu Picchu, but that is where the bragging ends. Whilst all other properties are situated approx. 20 minutes down the mountain in Aguas Calientes, the Belmond sits proudly at the...
More...Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa
The latest and most contemporary, luxury property on the Sacred Valley hotel scene. The Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa is the largest property in the area, but the dizzyingly high ceilings, spacious gardens and expansive interiors provide a very tranquil setting. A real bonus...
More...Argentina
Estancia Peuma Hue
Set at the end of the Gutierrez Lake, around 30 minutes drive from Bariloche, Estancia Peuma Hue is an idyllic getaway. The series of buildings and cabins that make up this private and secluded enclave are all built from local wood and have superb views out onto the lake beyond...
More...Estancia Los Potreros
The first of the main estancias in the region, Estancia Los Potreros is located around a 45 minute drive from the airport, in the hills themselves. The land was once a fully working cattle ranch and, today, while they do still work the cattle a few sheep, it has mainly be...
More...Luma Casa de Montaña
An eight-suite hotel just outside of Villa la Angostura, Luma is a family-run lakeside retreat in Argentina’s Lake District. With big airy suites looking out over the lake, homemade food and a menu that changes daily, Luma is a home from home and a tranquil base from which to...
More...The Melia Iguazu Hotel (formerly the Sheraton)
Without doubt, the Melia Iguazu (formerly the Sheraton) really has the pick of the views of all the lodges and hotels of the area as, being located right in the Parque Nacional, it is afforded views over the falls themselves. This is also a benefit as, when the park opens, it is...
More...Yacutinga Lodge
A quirky alternative to staying in Puerto Iguazu, Yacutinga Lodge is located along the river from the falls and offers the chance to stay out in the wilds, right in the heart of the forest. For this reason the lodge itself is fairly simple but, with the range of activities that...
More...Club Tapiz
Club Tapiz is a small winery set out in the vineyards that surround Chacras de Coria and really benefits from both worlds...the sweeping views as well as the small town, nearby. Featuring a whole host of superb facilities such as a great pool, an outstanding restaurant, and...
More...Fierro Hotel
An all-suite boutique hotel in Palermo Hollywood, the Fierro Hotel is a cool and modern property in one of the best areas for nightlife in Buenos Aires. At a similar price level to the Mine Hotel in Palermo Soho, it has bigger guest rooms and caters to a slightly younger...
More...Finca Adalgisa
Set in a small winery in the Chacras region of Mendoza, the Finca Adalgisa is absolutely charming and is a perfect spot from which to base explorations of the area. All of the rooms are fairly simple in design and layout, but the real charm of the property and surroundings is in...
More...Finca Valentina
Our pick of the properties outside of Salta, Finca Valentina provides the perfect mix of being able to explore the city and still come away and relax in peaceful surroundings. With horse riding, cooking classes, mountain biking and trips to explore the local ruta del vino all...
More...La Cantera Lodge
On the whole, this hotel provides is a good compromise between price and location. La Cantera will appeal to clients looking to keep costs down but stay somewhere more interesting than in town. This is a good recommendation if your budget doesn’t stretch their budget to at...
More...Nuss Hotel, Palermo Viejo
Located in the heart of the Palermo Viejo district, the Nuss Hotel is another great option for those that are wanting to get a feel for what the nightlife and ambience of this superb area is like. The rooms are well appointed and a good size and, a rarity in the smaller hotels...
More...The Design Suites
Modern and stylish, the Design Suites Salta is located right in the heart of town and is a popular choice for those that are after something intimate, funky and modern. Like its sister properties in Buenos Aires and Bariloche, they have really paid attention to the details and...
More...The Esplendor
Centrally located in the town, on a small hill, the Esplendor El Calafate is another of the good quality hotels that has opened in downtown. The cavernous entry hall is the first thing that impresses, along with the comfortable dining and sitting area, all with superb views....
More...The Panoramic Hotel
The sister hotel to the Iguazu Grand, the Panoramic Hotel can boast the best views of any the hotels in Puerto Iguazu. Looking out over the meeting point of the Parana and the Iguazu, across to the banks of Brazil and Paraguay, the setting for the hotel could not really be...
More...Las Lengas Hotel
A sister property to the Albatros, Las Lengas Hotel has recently had a refurbishment and so has the look and feel of a contemporary hotel as you walk in. The best feature of the hotel is the view from the dining area. The rooms are fairly simple and, in our view, could be seen...
More...Peninsula Petit
A haven of tranquillity and warm hospitality on the banks of Lago Nahuel Huapi, Peninsula Petit is a consistent favourite for us in the Lake District and for good reason! Nestled into the hillside on a tranquil peninsula between Bariloche and Llao Llao and less than an hour’s...
More...The Mine Hotel
The Mine may not have the “Wow” factor but it does has a lot going for it and does a good job to appeal a wide rage of customers. This hotel has plenty of charm with a contemporary twist. Some people may feel like they are staying in a glammed up hostel rather than a top...
More...Vinas de Cafayate Wine Resort
Arguably the best alternative to the Patios de Cafayate, and at a fraction of the price, the Vinas de Cafayate Wine Resort is a great little property that sits on the small hill that overlooks the town, offering outstanding views, simple accommodation and seclusion without being...
More...CasaSur Palermo
One of the larger hotels in Palermo, CasaSur is a great choice for those wanting to be in trendy Palermo Hollywood while having access to plenty of facilities. In an area of the city where most of the hotels are small and boutique, CasaSur Palermo stands out for its modern...
More...Correntoso Lake and River Hotel
The Correntoso Lake and River Hotel is located right on the shores of the Nahuel Huapi Lake and offers a tranquil haven to rest and revitalise. Having been here for around 70 years, the hotel has a familiar feel to it, combining Beech and Lenga woods and plush leather and...
More...Faena Hotel and Universe
Wholly designed by the French designer, Philippe Starck, to enter the “Universe” of the Faena Hotel and Universe is a fairly magical experience of unicorn heads and dimly lit tango dens. The rooms, again, are amazingly designed with whites and luxurious reds everywhere....
More...Hosteria El Pilar
The Hosteria El Pilar is the only accommodation around El Chalten that actually sits in the park itself and so has a leg up to start with as far as walking and views are concerned. It is around a 20 minute drive out of the main town to get to it, and the hosteria itself has been...
More...Tipiliuke Lodge
Still working as a cattle Estancia, Tipiliuke Lodge is a true home away from home. Nestling in a forest to the north of St Martin, this private getaway offers five star treatment in a relaxed and cosy atmosphere. Perfect as a base for the many activities such as horse riding,...
More...Hosteria Senderos
A great recent addition to our recommended hosterias portfolio, the Hosteria Senderos is one of a handful of properties that we strongly recommend in El Chalten. Well located in the centre of the village and offering views to the Fitz Roy, great service and great food, there is...
More...Hotel Charming
The Hotel Charming is a simple base for those wanting to stay outside of the bustle of Bariloche but still be able to go into town in the evenings. With a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and rooms that can be connected to create self-contained apartments, it’s a great option...
More...Hotel Clasico
In the buzzy Palermo Hollywood district of Buenos Aires, Hotel Clasico is a great option for those wanting a comfortable and well-located base for exploring Buenos Aires. Its modern design and close proximity to a number of good restaurants make it an easy hotel to recommend for...
More...Loi Suites Chapelco Hotel & Spa
Located approximately 10 minutes drive to the north of St Martin de los Andes, the Loi Suites Chapelco Hotel offers outstanding views out across the fairways of the private golf club to which it is annexed. The hotel has been built to the highest standards offering, in addition...
More...El Cortijo Hotel
The El Cortijo Hotel is both small and intimate, located in the small town of Cachi on the famous driving circuit out of Salta to Cafayate. Usually used as a single night stop over, it has all of the facilities that you can ask for from a simple hotel. The building was once a...
More...Casa Los Sauces
Owned by the infamous Presidente, Cristina Kirchner, Casa Los Sauces is certainly one of the more prestigious hotels in town. Set down by the waterside, it is a series of small residences holding either 3 or 4 rooms in each. The quality of each is very high and each of the rooms...
More...Destino Sur
Destino Sur is a new arrival in the now fast developing town of El Chalten, Argentina’s trekking capital. It is certainly not cosy and small like some of the lodges present here and so like the nearby Los Cerros, it does stand out a little amongst the properties in this sleepy...
More...El Casco Art Hotel
Definitely the pick of the “out of town” hotels, the El Casco Art Hotel is one of the top hotels in the region. As the name implies, the main theme of the hotel is based around art, which is featured in all the rooms and main areas. The rooms are opulent and luxurious and all...
More...Las Hayas Resort Hotel
Set up in the mountains that overlook the town, Las Hayas Resort Hotel has long been the place to stay in the Tierra del Fuego. Today, we are not so sure if it should still hold this mantle. The views from the hotel are undeniably stunning, looking out to the Beagle Channel and...
More...Mio Hotel
The Mio is owned by the Catena wine producing family and has something to offer a design sensitive boutique hotel orientated clientele. We think this hotel perhaps lacks substance in places so we are not so sure it is worth the price tag. However, this is purely an aesthetic...
More...Park Hyatt Hotel
Far and away the most impressive of the city hotels, the Park Hyatt Mendoza sits in pride of place right on the Plaza Independencia. Originally the Plaza Hotel, the hotel today is a clever combination of the new and the old. The facade of the old hotel has been maintained, with...
More...Posada Salentein
The Posada Salentein is a small posada that is located not far from the Salentein winery and is owned by the same. They currently offer accommodation for up to 32 people in three main areas…two houses of 4 rooms and one larger and newer area with a further 8. The real benefit...
More...The Four Seasons
Located just down the road from the excellent Park Hyatt, the Four Seasons Hotel, Buenos Aires is a slightly poorer version in our view. Similar in concept to the Hyatt, the hotel made the decision to use the old town house as a venue, rather than for clients, thus negating it...
More...Hotel Alto Calafate
The Hotel Alto Calafate is a hotel that very much lives up to its name. Built on a small hill that overlooks the main town, it had been designed along the lines of an Alpine chalet. The rooms all face out to the town and, beyond, Lago Argentina and so, from everywhere, you are...
More...Hotel Mirador del Lago
Hotel Mirador del Lago is a very reliable choice if you are looking for a reasonably priced, comfortable property near the centre of El Calafate. The hotel is only a short walk from the main ‘strip’ of downtown; and with its slightly elevated location, also offers good views of...
More...La Cantera
Hotel La Cantera is a small boutique hotel built into the hillside in El Calafate. As long as you don’t mind taking the hotel’s shuttle into town in the evenings, the good service and comfortable accommodation make it a more than adequate base for a couple of nights in El...
More...La Comarca Hotel
Set just off the main road, La Comarca Hotel has a great feel to it, offering a nice and open layout with individual rooms and parking. They really have the luxury of space, which is felt both in the rooms (which all have a balcony) and in the restaurant. If you are after a...
More...Lares de Chacras
Lares de Chacras is a quaint little property that has a lot to offer. Another of the great little properties in the Chacras de Coria region of Mendoza, it is certainly one of the hotels we often recommend to our clients who are looking for a good base while they explore this...
More...Casa de Adobe
Unlike its neighbour, La Comarca, the Casa de Adobe feels like it doesn’t have enough space and there is a feeling of rooms and communal areas being squashed on top of each other in order to get everything in. If you can look past this feature, however, the Casa de Adobe is a...
More...Hotel Cacique Inacayal
Situated at the edge of town, the Hotel Cacique Inacayal is probably our pick of the town hotels. Unlike hotels such as the Edelweiss, it is located right on the edge of the lake and so offers outstanding views. The rooms are all well designed and feature the sorts of amenities...
More...Las Terrazas Hotel Boutique
Las Terrazas Hotel is a great little hotel, set into the hillside to the west of Tilcara and looks back across the town to the famous Quebrada de Humahuaca beyond. Each of the 9 rooms features their own balcony and have a light and airy feel to them. We think that this is the...
More...El Calafate and El Chalten
Blanca Patagonia
A new addition to our list of recommended hosterías in El Calafate, Blanca Patagonia is a cosy and welcoming 12-bed B&B located on the way out of El Calafate. While the location on the edge of town may not suit everyone, for us the sweeping lake views and quiet position more...
More...Colombia
Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia
Named after a Colombian waterlily found in the Amazon, the Sofitel shares the flower’s attributes of beauty and strength. Or so the hotel tells us! What we can say is that this 5-star property has successfully combined contemporary, French design with a Colombian influence....
More...The Orchids Hotel
The Orchids Hotel is an intimate 6-bedroom property is the heart of the Candelaria neighbourhood. Dating back to 1892, the building was formerly a private home, which was restored and opened as a hotel in 2014. The neoclassic style has been embraced throughout, with each...
More...Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Transformed from a 1621-built convent to a hotel in 1995, the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara is a landmark hotel in Cartagena’s Old Town. There are few better examples of successfully adding contemporary decadence to a beautiful, colonial treasure. This is one of only 5 Sofitel’s...
More...B.O.G. Hotel
The B.O.G. Hotel is a contemporary, uber-chic property that is perfectly at home in the trendy, buzzing La Cabrera district. Purpose built in 2013, renowned interior designer Nini Andrade took inspiration from Colombia’s two most precious commodities – gold and emerald. This...
More...Charleston Santa Teresa
The Charleston Santa Teresa is an imposing property within the warm interiors of Cartagena de Indias’ walled old city. Originally a 17th-Century monastery, it’s former lives include a factory and a police station; before being very tastefully converted into a hotel in 1996....
More...Four Seasons Hotel Bogota
Four Seasons Hotel Bogota raised the bar for luxury accommodation when it opened in 1993 and has maintained these high standards in the face of ever-growing competition. Arguably its greatest rival, The Sofitel, is right next door. This is no coincidence, being situated in...
More...Las Pampas
Estancia Puesto Viejo
Estancia Puesto Viejo is arguably one of the best polo estancias that you can get to within an hour of Buenos Aires. However, this is definitely not the only reason to come here. Featuring a stunning farm style setting, comfortable rooms and a swimming pool with sweeping views,...
More...Estancia El Ombu
Estancia el Ombu is one of the oldest and most distinguished of the traditional estancias that still operate in the Pampas region outside Buenos Aires. Featuring stunning scenery, traditional food and a rustically charming homestead, the estancia is one of the last true...
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