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

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

I typically spend a hundred nights per year in a hotel - easily over a thousand in the last 20 years and remember maybe 10 of them. This place is in the top 5. Although a Marriott property, the lodge is small - about 20 rooms I guess. It's in a gated community with a golf course and very expensive homes. The security gate takes some time the first time you go through, but they give you a code to use after that. The scenery can only be described as stunning. The pictures don't do it justice. You'll find yourself staring out the window without realizing it. I did a Grand View room which is on the top floor with views in three directions. It had a kitchenette, dining table for three, a king bed, two arm chairs with a coffee table and a spacious bathroom. Incredible water pressure. Even with all of that, the staff is really the best part of the hotel. Marianna, Bruno, Rosario and Denis were very friendly and very invested in making sure we had a great time both in the property and exploring the area. Although the hotel is in a very posh setting, they make it casual and comfortable. Other reviews mention the staff, but they truly are the best. Granted the inflation in Argentina is a bit crazy, but we felt it was the best value of any hotel we have ever stayed in when we got our bill. Personally, I would never consider staying anywhere else in Bariloche.