Where to Stay in San Martin de los Andes: The Best Hotels and Lodges Near Chapelco
San Martin de los Andes is the most beautiful ski town in Argentina -- and where you stay makes a real difference to the trip. Here is what we know about the best accommodation options near Cerro Chapelco, from lakefront hosterias to boutique mountain lodges.
San Martin de los Andes has a reputation among Patagonia regulars that Bariloche sometimes overshadows from the outside: it is smaller, quieter, more architecturally coherent, and -- for skiers who want a town that feels genuinely Argentine rather than a mountain resort built for visitors -- it is often the better base. The proximity to Cerro Chapelco makes it a natural choice for anyone prioritising that resort, and the town itself rewards the extra effort of getting there.
But choosing where to stay in San Martin is not straightforward. The options range from lakefront properties with serious views to simple in-town guesthouses, and the difference in experience between them is significant. Here is what we have learned from repeated trips and from the guests we have sent there.
How Far Is Town from the Mountain?
Cerro Chapelco sits about 20 kilometres from San Martin de los Andes, connected by a paved road that takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes in normal conditions. There is no ski-in ski-out accommodation at the base, so everyone who stays in town is making the same drive up and back each day. This is worth knowing in advance -- it is not a hardship, but it is a different rhythm from Bariloche, where some accommodation sits much closer to Catedral.
The upside is that the drive itself is pleasant, and the town has a warmth and character that pure ski-base accommodation never does. Most guests find the trade-off well worth it after their first evening in San Martin.
Hosteria Tunquelen
Tunquelen sits on a peninsula on Lago Lacar about 4 kilometres from the town centre, surrounded by lenga beech forest. It is one of the older and more distinctive properties in the region -- a collection of wooden cabins and a main lodge building that has a sense of place that newer hotels rarely achieve.
The setting is genuinely extraordinary: the lake views from the rooms and terraces are among the best of any accommodation in the Lake District, and the isolation from town (there is a shuttle) makes it feel more like a private retreat than a hotel. It is not cheap, and the distance from town means you are somewhat dependent on the property for evening options, but guests who stay there tend to describe it as the highlight of the trip.
Best for: couples, guests who want seclusion, anyone for whom the setting is a priority.
Patagonia Hideaway
A smaller, more recent boutique property within the town itself, Patagonia Hideaway is the option for guests who want a high level of finish and attention without the remoteness of Tunquelen. It sits within easy walking distance of the main restaurant strip and the lakefront promenade, which makes evenings in San Martin much more accessible.
The rooms are well-designed by Argentine standards and the breakfast is consistently good -- a detail that matters more than it sounds on ski trip mornings when you need a proper start before the drive up. The owners have ski trip experience and can help coordinate lift passes, equipment, and guide recommendations.
Best for: couples and small groups who want boutique quality with town access.
Hotel Chapelco Ski and Resort
The only accommodation that sits at the base of the resort itself -- about 18 kilometres from town -- Chapelco Ski is the practical choice for families with young children or skiers who want maximum time on the mountain without the daily drive. The property is functional rather than characterful, but the on-mountain position is genuinely useful, particularly on mornings when first tracks and fresh snow are the priority.
The trade-off is that you are isolated from San Martin in the evenings. The resort has a restaurant, but the town's options -- which are much better -- require the drive back. Families with smaller children who are not eating late often find this a fair trade. Adults who want to make the most of San Martin's restaurants and atmosphere usually prefer staying in town.
Best for: families, skiers prioritising first tracks, groups less interested in the town itself.
What to Look For When Choosing
Beyond the specific properties, a few factors consistently make a difference:
Breakfast included. Ski trip mornings are early and it is useful not to be organising food from scratch. Most hosterias in San Martin include breakfast; check before booking.
Parking. If you are renting a car -- which we recommend for flexibility -- confirm that the property has dedicated parking. Street parking in town gets competitive in peak season.
Check-in flexibility. San Martin is a long journey from Buenos Aires regardless of how you arrive. Properties that can hold luggage and accommodate a late check-in without drama are worth choosing over those that cannot.
How We Help Our Guests Choose
For guests booking through Ski Patagonia Co., we recommend accommodation based on the specific group composition and what matters most to them -- whether that is setting, town access, proximity to the mountain, or a combination. We have stayed at or visited most of the properties in San Martin and can give honest guidance rather than generic recommendations.
If you are planning a trip centred on Chapelco and want help thinking through where to stay, get in touch via our trip planning form. You can also read more about what San Martin offers as a ski base in our Cerro Chapelco vs Cerro Catedral comparison to see how the two resorts and their surrounding towns compare.