Arelauquen Lodge, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, San Carlos de Bariloche

We stayed here last minute for 10 days after the airbnb we had booked for several weeks lost internet. I was a bit concerned since the reviews varied, but we had a stellar experience. First, the room we had was fantastic. Perfectly clean, amazingly comfortable bed, plus a killer view. Great shower and bathroom, and great water pressure and zero issues with hot water (which we experienced across the board in Argentina). The room had a nice small kitchenette that we made use of since we were there for a long time. The setting is ideal and just gorgeous. The lounge area has a picture perfect view and is a great area to work during the day, as well as have a drink at night. We did order veggie sandwiches one night there and those were not great, but that was the only negative. And, the hotel is fair, there is no VAT tax on food (in the lounge anyway), plus no service charges either. The food and drink prices were reasonable, too, surprisingly less than the golf course restaurant next door. The hiking in the area is great! You just need to walk up a few minutes to get to this nature reserve which has several great trails that have wonderful lake views, beautiful trees and birds. We did both long and short hikes, all were great so you can dial in how much you want. The area has extensive security. It did take a little while to get in but they set you up with this facial recognition, pretty slick. Be prepared with your passports and reservation information when you get to the gate, as it is a bit of a process. Then, be sure to take your room key with you if you go out as you might need to show it as they do guard the trails as well that go through their private property. But all professionally done. The staff here are all very pleasant and very helpful. Housekeeping was outstanding. We didn't have it every day but when we put the "please clean" card out the room was quickly cleaned by the time we got back, every time.

Arelauquen Lodge is located within a private country club where many Argentinians own beautiful homes, giving the area an air of exclusivity. However, while the surroundings feel premium, the hotel itself does not deliver a 5-star experience (despite claims). At best, it’s a functional 4-star stay, lacking a clear vision for guest experience or connection with the surrounding nature. The Good - *Staff:* The team is kind and eager to help. With better management and direction, they could excel, but currently, they’re limited by the hotel’s shortcomings. - *Room:* The room meets Marriott standards (e.g. bedding, functional everything), and the room was generally comfortable. However, the kitchenette felt unnecessary, the furniture was dated, and small details like crooked lamp shades gave the room a neglected, bygone feel. - *View:* The view from the lobby is lovely, giving a good glimpse of Bariloche’s beauty. It isn't exceptional compared to other resorts we visited in the area, but it was very nice nevertheless. - *Food:* Dinner at the restaurant was delicious, albeit overpriced (but that is as expected at a hotel). The waitstaff was attentive and charming, adding warmth to an otherwise uninspiring stay. Missed Opportunities - *Vibe & Music:* The atmosphere was confusing. Instead of rustic or relaxing music that matched the lodge’s natural surroundings, the hotel played electronic dance music—even at breakfast—making the space feel out of sync with its environment. Suitable and equally low-effort alternatives could've been instrumental covers, standard piano/elevator music from the 90s, or a lo-fi playlist from Spotify... Anything but EDM with your eggs at 7am. - *Bonvoy Recognition:* I know Bonvoy Gold is not a big deal, but receiving the worst room in the hotel (ground-floor "mountain view" facing a parking lot, next to unpleasant smelling lobby bathrooms) was disappointing. With the curtains drawn for privacy, the room was dark and uninviting. I politely requested a higher-floor room, but no one followed up (the hotel was mostly empty, so definitely other rooms in the category available). - *Operations & Housekeeping:* Several operational details fell through. For instance, housekeeping didn’t service our room despite leaving the "make up room" sign out all morning (we left at 9am, came back at 2pm to an unmade room; ironically, the only staff member I consistently saw was someone mopping the lobby floor). - *A Lack of Guest Experience:* The lodge seems to cater primarily to golfers looking for someplace functional to spend the night, leaving other guests with little to do. Activities were not suggested at check-in, and staff seemed to not have much to offer when inquired about things to do (I asked a few different staff members at the front desk but to no avail). It seems like the Arelauquen club may have offered activities for guests to access (based on other reviews) but this was not evident while we were staying there. - *Li

I recently revisited what used to be a charming retreat, now operating under the Marriott brand, and unfortunately, my experience left much to be desired. My first encounter with this establishment was nothing short of amazing, but this return visit fell short in numerous ways. While the beautiful views and serene location remain unchanged, the hotel now lacks the personality and warmth it once exuded. What struck me most was the apparent identity crisis the hotel seems to be experiencing. It attempts to portray itself as upscale but exhibits signs more akin to a budget establishment, leaving guests like myself uncertain about its direction and overall appeal. One of the most disappointing aspects post-refurbishment was the addition of small kitchens in the rooms. These kitchens, equipped with microwaves, oversized fridges, cooktops, and sinks, felt unnecessary and detracted from the ambiance. Moreover, the noise and light from these appliances were disruptive, especially during the night, and despite complaints, no action was taken to address the issue. During one evening, a blackout occurred in our room while I was in the shower. Despite being offered another room for the night, the lack of communication and inconvenience of switching rooms, especially considering the late hour and our tiredness, further marred the experience. The hotel's response lacked even a simple apology for the inconvenience caused, highlighting a lack of attention to guest comfort and satisfaction. The accommodations themselves were subpar, with uncomfortable pillows and dated decor, contributing to an overall lackluster experience. Even the spa, marketed as a relaxing escape, felt impersonal, with the pool often littered with dead bugs and leaves, detracting from any sense of relaxation or rejuvenation. Location-wise, while we appreciated the hotel's off-the-beaten-path setting, its distance from the city center proved inconvenient, especially considering the absence of drop-off or pick-up services. Relying on unreliable taxi services, compounded by the necessity of paying in cash as taxis do not accept credit cards, added unnecessary stress to the stay. Addressing this issue should be a priority for the hotel management, offering guests more convenient transportation options. The culinary experience was equally underwhelming, with monotonous and uninspired breakfast offerings that left me disinterested by the end of the week. The dinner menu, while passable, lacked variety and clear descriptions of dishes. To top it off, when I inquired about a late check-out as a loyal Marriott Bonvoy member, I was met with a shocking fee from the general manager. Charging around $150 for a mere two-hour extension felt exploitative and showcased a blatant disregard for guest satisfaction. It left a sour taste in my mouth and reinforced the impression that the hotel prioritizes profit over guest experience. Overall, my return visit to this hotel was a disappointment. It's evident that