Hotel El Casco Art Hotel

Perched elegantly on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi in Bariloche, Hotel El Casco Art Hotel is Argentina’s first dedicated art hotel. Originally conceived as a private residence, it was transformed by the Zurbarán Collection into a sophisticated gallery of luxury living. Every corner of the property is curated with over 500 masterpieces by renowned Argentine artists, creating an atmosphere where high-end hospitality meets the profound beauty of Patagonian nature. It is a sanctuary for travelers who appreciate fine art as much as a breathtaking landscape.

Rooms & Accommodation

The hotel features 33 exclusive suites, each named after the artist whose original works adorn its walls. The rooms are divided into Nahuel Huapi Suites, which offer direct, floor-to-ceiling views of the lake, and Bustillo Suites, which overlook the meticulously manicured gardens and the surrounding mountains. Each room is a study in understated luxury, featuring oversized beds, Italian linens, and spacious marble bathrooms with deep-soaking tubs. Private balconies or terraces allow guests to breathe in the crisp Andean air in total privacy.

 

Dining

The award-winning El Casco Restaurant is a destination in its own right, helmed by world-class chefs who celebrate the flavors of Patagonia. The menu focuses on “Modern Argentine Cuisine,” featuring regional stars like Patagonian lamb, lake trout, and wild berries, all paired with an extensive cellar of the country’s finest Malbecs. Guests can enjoy a gourmet breakfast while watching the morning mist lift off the lake, or indulge in a sophisticated “Five O’Clock Tea” served with artisanal pastries in the elegant main salon.

 

 Facilities

The wellness experience at El Casco is centered around the Health Club & Spa. Facilities include a heated indoor-outdoor swimming pool that seems to merge with the lake, a Scottish shower, a sauna, and a state-of-the-art gym. The property also boasts one of the most beautiful private gardens in the region, featuring sculptures and quiet paths that lead directly to the hotel’s private pier. For art lovers, the common areas serve as a living museum, with dedicated spaces for the works of masters like Juan Lascano and Raúl Soldi.

 

Activities

Located just 15 minutes from downtown Bariloche and the base of Cerro Catedral (South America’s premier ski resort), the hotel is perfectly positioned for year-round adventure. In the summer, guests can depart directly from the hotel’s pier for private sailing excursions or fly-fishing trips on Lake Nahuel Huapi. The concierge can also arrange guided treks through the Nahuel Huapi National Park, canopy tours, or private chocolate tastings in the town’s famous artisanal boutiques.

 

Sustainability & Community

Hotel El Casco is deeply committed to the cultural and environmental preservation of the Lake District. By housing and promoting the Zurbarán Collection, the hotel acts as a vital patron of Argentine fine arts, bringing national heritage to an international audience. Environmentally, the hotel employs advanced water filtration systems to protect the lake and prioritizes sourcing ingredients from local organic farms within the Río Negro province. This “KM 0” philosophy reduces the carbon footprint of their world-class dining while supporting the local agricultural community.