Recommendations for Choosing and Booking Ushuaia Accommodations

Rising out of the Beagle Channel and ringed by the snowy, white peaks of the Martial Mountains in the north, Ushuaia certainly feels at the far edge of the South American continent, if not the world. An embarkation point for cruises through the fjord systems of Chilean Patagonia to Punta Arenas and out along the Drake Passage to Antarctica, this city sees its fair share of tourists and an impressive selection of top quality Ushuaia accommodations have sprung up to welcome even the most discerning visitors.

To make sure you don’t miss out on checking into Ushuaia’s most comfortable hotels, we’ve compiled this list of recommendations of things to consider before you book and our favorite hotels to stay in on your next vacation in Ushuaia.

1. Be organized with your booking

With over 400,000 visitors arriving in Ushuaia each year, booking accommodations with plenty of anticipation, particularly in peak system, is a sensible idea.

Most of Patagonia is heaving with tourists during the months of December through February meaning that there’s a lot more competition when it comes to securing the most comfortable lodgings.

If you plan to visit in the main tourist season, make sure you don’t miss out; reserve your accommodations at least three months in advance.

2. Location, location, location

Ushuaia might not be the largest city in Argentina, but it pays to shop around and consider the location of your hotel. Ushuaia accommodations range from properties directly in the center of town and close to amenities such as supermarkets, cafes and restaurants, as well as those further out, where restaurants and spas on site mean that you don’t have to travel far to dine or relax in style.

Wherever you stay, be assured that public taxis and buses are on hand to take you to the area’s top attractions, including Tierra del Fuego National Park, a place of stunning fjordside pebble beaches and hiking trails with panoramic vistas of the Beagle Channel and beyond.

3. Organize your airport transfer

Whichever hotel you choose, make sure you plan your transfer from Islas Malvinas Airport, if arriving by plane. Situated around 4-miles (7km) from the center of town, the airport is served by local taxis or you can organize a transfer directly with your hotel.

Offices for car rental, including Hertz and Avis, are located at the airport if you plan on hiring a vehicle to places in Patagonia beyond Ushuaia.

4. Recommended Ushuaia Accommodations

Hotel Los Cauquenes

Set in an enviable location on the very edge of the Beagle Channel, a short distance from the city center, Hotel Los Cauquenes is one of the top luxury choices of accommodations in Ushuaia.

Their plushest lodgings are their suites which have separate living rooms, jacuzzis and beachside terraces. There are also superior and standard rooms offering either Beagle Channel or mountain views. The resort’s facilities comprise an onsite spa, swimming pool and gym, all with unique viewpoints of the water.

Their restaurant serves gourmet, dishes inspired by traditional Patagonian fare, including a selection of seafood and lamb, while their more informal bar area has 100 different wines to sample and lighter meals.

The reception desk at hotel Los Cauquenes can arrange tours visiting the local area, including cruises along the Beagle Channel and treks around the Martial Glacier. There is also a shuttle service provided by the hotel which connects residents directly with the city.

Hotel Arakur

Panoramic views over the city of Ushuaia, the Beagle Channel and the surrounding mountains await at elegant Hotel Arakur. These incredible vistas continue in the rooms, with views of the bay or the mountains available for guests.

With indoor heated pools and an outdoor infinity pool and gym, there’s plenty to keep you occupied during the day, although the guided hiking tours into the nearby Reserva Natural Cerro Arakur to see native flora and fauna allow guests to see more of the region. There is also an hourly shuttle service to the city.

The facilities at Hotel Arakur include La Cravia Restaurant, which serves up typical Patagonian flavors, including lamb and spider crab, while their two bars, one by the pool and another in the lobby, have a variety of drinks and lighter bites, including delicious sharing platters.