Choosing the right hotel in Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas is the town that visitors to Torres del Paine usually fly into, but it's also a destination in itself, attracting wildlife enthusiasts keen to spot penguins and whales. Although there aren't really any luxury hotels in Punta Arenas, there are some lovely smaller hotels bursting with character, and if you're just spending one night you'll find plenty of choice when it comes to basic, no frills accommodation at a reasonable price.

Upmarket: The four upmarket hotels we recommend are a combination of classic and more contemporary styles, and although not the most luxurious, they provide a good level of comfort and a central location
Boutique: Our boutique recommendations are smaller but bursting with character. They are a little further out of town, but worth the walk!
No frills: This is your go-to accommodation for basic comfort on a tighter budget, or perhaps for single night stop-over
Estancias: Escape the town and get a real taste of Patagonian culture; you'll receive a warm welcome at these guesthouses run by gauchos whose families have lived here for generations

Accommodation types

Upmarket

Rey Don Felipe

Hotel Rey Don Felipe is set back a little from the hustle and bustle of the centre, on a quiet road, but still only a ten-minute walk from the main square of Punta Arenas. The hotel is a comfortable and convenient resting spot on your way in/out of the airport, and the helpful staff will ease the stress of travelling. There is Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, as well as a gym and spa. The breakfast is very good too!

Cabo de Hornos

A centrally-located hotel, right on the main square, with views of the Magellan Strait. It's a five-minute walk from the bus station, port, and main high street for restaurants. Cabo de Hornos has a polished, business-like feel to it, and is a perfect base for those looking for something classic and comfortable. The food is not outstanding, but there are lots of other options on your doorstep.

Hotel Dreams

The modern one of the bunch, Hotel Dreams is characterised by its glassy architecture and bustling, large hotel feel. There is a clear emphasis on fun, with live evening performances, a fantastic Sky Bar at the eleventh floor, and the southernmost casino in the world. Guests can also relax in the hydra spa and swim in the infinity swimming pool, which flaunts the hotel's privileged views of the Straits of Magellan, and, beyond, Tierra del Fuego and the Mirador Hill ski slopes.

Jose Nogueira

Situated right on the main square, this hotel is in a fantastic central location, just five minutes walk from the main street of restaurants and cafes, the bus station and the port. It has a slightly less polished feel than the other upmarket hotels in the town, but is in a beautiful old building with more character than the other upmarket options.

Enquire about upmarket accommodation

Swoop says

Many of the hotels in Punta Arenas are located right on the central square near to the main street full of restaurants. The smaller, more characterful hotels tend to be a little further out, but offer a peaceful refuge from the hustle and bustle, and a more unique experience.

Boutique

Yegua Loca

A quirky 1920s heritage house in the foothills of Cerro de la Cruz with lovely views over the Magellan Strait. Yegua Loca is furnished with authentic vintage furniture and decorations, and each room is themed on a traditional Patagonian trade. It's only a few minutes walk from the main street and the waterfront, and is next to the walkway to Mirador de la Cruz where you can take in panoramic views of the city and Magellan Strait.

Ilaia

Cute and characterful, the Ilaia is a small, light and airy refuge from the hustle and bustle of the town. It is around a fifteen-minute walk from the central square, on a quiet street, with big windows and natural furnishings. It is run by two lovely sisters, who also offer yoga sessions. The hotel is dotted with inspirational notes and murals, and has a lovely relaxation room at the top that is made entirely of glass. The breakfasts are homemade and delicious.

Hotel La Colet

A hidden gem set back in the foothills of scenic Cerro de la Cruz and overlooking Punta Arenas and the Magellan Straits. Hotel La Colet has a warm, welcoming, homely feel and is bursting with character. It was originally built in 1934 and has been remodelled to a high standard. The hotel also has lovely gardens and a vast, delicious breakfast buffet. Each room is different, the largest of which is the ground floor front room with beautiful garden views. It's about twenty minutes walk from the central square, but worth it.

Enquire about boutique accommodation

What our customers think

La Yegua Loca was a great, quirky hotel with excellent service and food and a spectacular view!

Jami & Don California, USA December 2017

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The Yegua Loca was an interesting fun boutique hotel with good location. We really enjoyed the one night we stayed here

Ashleyanne VanDetjen Switzerland November 2018

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No Frills

Carpa Manzana

Clean and comfortable, the Carpa Manzano offers few surprises, as would be expected at this price point. Guests, however, repeatedly note the particularly helpful staff that work here. It is a little out of town, fifteen minutes from the main square, and a fifteen-minute drive from the airport. The dining area is lovely and open, with views over the town. Although the rooms are basic, they have everything you need.

Chloe says

I've visited most of the hotels in Punta Arenas and there are some fantastic quirky and characterful properties that I absolutely love! The Yegua Loca and the Ilaia are my personal favourites, but wherever you stay, a top tip would be to ask for a room with a view over the Magellan Straits.

Chloe O'Keeffe Patagonia Specialist

FAQs about hotels in Punta Arenas

Which part of town should I stay in?

If you want to be in walking distance of shops, bars and restaurants then staying near the central plaza is ideal. For better views, or more peace and quiet you might prefer one of the more peripheral hotels (still only 10-15 minutes from the centre). If you're taking a cruise, it's often nice to be located close to the pier, so anywhere near or to the west of the central plaza is ideal.
How can I get between Punta Arenas and Torres del Paine?

There are regular daily buses from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales for around $15 USD per person. From Puerto Natales you can reach Torres del Paine by bus, or join a group that departs from Natales (most of them do). If you want to stay in one of the luxury hotels in Torres del Paine, most of them include transfers all the way from Punta Arenas.
I have a free day or two in Punta Arenas, is there anything to do there?

Yes, contrary to popular belief, there are some wonderful excursions from Punta Arenas, most notably an incredible humpback whale feeding area that can be visited as a one, three or seven-day trip by boat, and also a very special King Penguin colony, the only one outside of Antarctica! There are also some interesting local attractions including museums, a micro brewery, a cemetery and some viewpoints to walk to.
Find out more about things to do in Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas Hotels: How can we help you?

If you’re looking to arrange somewhere to stay in Punta Arenas, we can help you in one of two ways:

As part of a multi-day activity trip
We can help you plan and arrange a multi-day activity trip, such as a hiking, kayaking or horse-riding trip, to fit in with the rest of your plans. We’ll help you arrange the logistics of the trip too, such as how you’ll get to and from the trip departure point and where you’ll stay before and afterwards. Ask about arranging a multi-day activity trip.
As part of a tailor-made itinerary
With 15 years' experience in Patagonia, we’re experts at creating bespoke itineraries. We'll work with you to design a 2-3 week - or longer - holiday based on your exact requirements, from hiking trips to flights, bus trips, transfers and, of course, your accommodation. Find out more about Tailor-made trips.