With its status as the gateway town for Torres del Paine National Park, Puerto Natales is likely top of your travel bucket list for Chile.
While some pass through on their way stay in one of Torres del Paine’s selection of hotels, if you’re booked to hike the W trek or O Circuit or want to visit the park with a day tour, you’ll spend at least one night in Puerto Natales.
Luckily, despite its rural location, it’s a busy enough town, with plenty of accommodation and dining options for every budget.
I’ve visited the town on multiple occasions and stayed in its best lodgings (including one of my absolute favorite hotels in Chile), which is why I’ve compiled this list of the best places to stay in Puerto Natales.
Best luxury hotels
The Singular
The Singular Patagonia ($510 USD double), is part-hotel, part-museum. Proudly honoring an important piece of Patagonian heritage, the hotel serves to preserve the Frigorífico Bories National Heritage site, and the antique machinery that made it the most important cold storage plant in Chilean-Argentinean Patagonia is still visible for guests to see.
The hotel offers a special hybrid of relaxation-meets-nature for their guests, and with floor-to-ceiling windows in all rooms, the panoramic views on offer from bedrooms and communal areas truly are spectacular.
Located a five-minute drive away from Puerto Natales, The Singular provides numerous excursions for their guests, including hikes to Torres del Paine National Park, kayaking trips at Sofia Lake, and horseback riding.
After a long day exploring, guests can head back to The Singular to relax in the outdoor seasonal pool, indoor pool, hot tub, or sauna, or treat themselves to a spa treatment in the wellness center.
Best boutique hotels
Hotel Simple Patagonia
On clear nights, sunsets across the sound are spectacular from the vast windows of Simple Patagonia ($277 USD double with sea view), 4km north of Puerto Natales.
Channeling the barns that once populated the region, the buildings are simple, while inside is a modern warm design, with underfloor heating, large tiled baths, and astonishing views from the living and dining area and bedrooms (best are rooms 8 and 11).
The three-course dinner menu employs local ingredients to produce top-quality dishes. The breakfast buffet is similarly impressive and is included in the rates.
Weskar Lodge
Just over 1km north of Puerto Natales, 30-bedroom Weskar Lodge ($170 USD – $340 USD double), with sweeping views of the sound, makes an excellent escape from the bustle of town.
Tastefully decorated with rough-hewn woolen wall hangings and rustic wood-panel walls, the bedrooms vary significantly depending on the rate. Skip the cramped basic interior bedrooms and opt for a superior that’s roomier and with a view.
Guests can rent bicycles to get into town, although the on-site restaurant’s menu, featuring local ingredients such as guanaco and king crab, means you don’t need to leave the property to dine well. Be aware that the Wi-Fi is poor, and the hotel closes for one month during winter; closure dates change each year.
VinnHaus
Get hotel-quality bedrooms with hostel ambiance in the elegant VinnHaus ($249 USD double), a converted 1920s house with modern touches (electrical sockets fit any international plug).
The five en suite rooms are lovingly dressed in antique furniture and have huge windows overlooking a grassy terrace. Dorms are sizable, with blinds for privacy and access to large, spotless baths. The small café is a communal living area; guests get a discount on the light bites and coffee.
Hotel Altiplanico Puerto Natales
The architecture of Hotel Altiplanico Puerto Natales ($196 USD double) was designed with two things in mind: taking full advantage of the beautiful views on offer in this mesmerizing part of the world, and creating homely private spaces for guests to enjoy silence and reflection from.
With Puerto Natales a 2km drive away, guests can make use of the free parking on offer, along with free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, and access to a hot tub.
There’s also a communal living room and a common TV room for those looking to meet other travelers, and the restaurant offers a whole host of Patagonian specialties for guests to enjoy.
Best mid-range hotels
AKA Patagonia
AKA Patagonia’s ($139 USD double, $172 USD double with private hot tub) unique style certainly provides a great base to explore the surrounding areas from – and is great for families looking for somewhere cozy to rest and recharge.
Each room features a desk, private bathroom, and a balcony to take in the mountain views, and a continental breakfast is included in the rate. There’s also a shared lounge and terrace for those looking to meet other travelers.
It’s a little out of town, with Puerto Natales located just over 5km away, so you will need to take a taxi or drive to get here – but it’s oh-so-worth it for those looking to experience true Patagonia.
If the budget allows, opt for a room with a private outdoor hot tub – there’s nowhere better to stargaze from after a long day exploring!
Hotel Vendaval
If you’re looking for a hotel that’s closer to the action, Hotel Vendaval ($104 double) could be just what you’re looking for.
Located in downtown Puerto Natales, 200m from the Main Square, guests can make use of the on-site bar and restaurant, or enjoy the various eateries within a short walking distance.
There’s also a communal garden, terrace, and shared lounge available, access to free WiFi throughout the property, and all 23 bedrooms come with a private bathroom.
Airport transfers are also available, with Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport located 7km away.
Hotel Costaustralis
Hotel Costautralis ($200 USD standard twin, $220 USD superior double with sea view) is located right on the seafront, with many rooms offering sea and Patagonian mountain views.
Found in the heart of Puerto Natales, it’s the perfect base to explore all the city has to offer – or to wile away the hours watching the beautiful scenery from your bedroom and communal area windows.
Guests can make use of the free Wi-Fi, room service, and the daily free breakfast buffet, and packed lunches can also be arranged for those heading out on an early excursion. The hotel also provides free bikes to guests looking to explore the waterfront.
Best guesthouses
Patagonia Swiss House
With friendly Swiss owners and a relaxed atmosphere, Patagonia Swiss House ($140 USD double with private bathroom) makes a perfect pre- or post-hiking lodging. The atrium and living area has shocking lime-green walls, but this doesn’t affect the tranquility.
Most bedrooms are simple but clean, large, and with en suite baths. Central heating and carpeted floors complete the offerings. Knowledgeable staff can organize tours and equipment rental.
Hostel Amerindia
At tidy, modern Hostel Amerindia ($77 USD double with private bathroom), 14 large bedrooms have individual heaters. Most have private baths, and all have comfortable beds, quirky modern decor, and access to a number of snug communal areas with squishy sofas and wood-burning stoves.
The Wi-Fi doesn’t reach all rooms, so opt for one close to the communal areas. There’s an attached café specializing in vegetarian and vegan food.
Yaganhouse
Cozy, modern Yaganhouse ($70 USD private room with ensuite, $59 USD private room with shared bathroom, $25 USD bed in a mixed dorm) offers excellent value in a modern setting. Large, bright, airy bedrooms are decorated with woolen textiles.
A huge communal kitchen and living area look out onto a small garden. Of the nine bedrooms, four have en suite baths. They rent out good-quality camping gear for some of the cheapest prices in town.
Sheuen Patagonia
Located a 15-minute walk from the Puerto Natales bus station, and an 8-minute walk from the downtown area of the city, Sheuen Patagonia ($83 standard double with shared bathroom, $148 superior double with private bathroom) is a great base to explore from.
There’s free Wi-Fi available throughout the property, free parking, and a free breakfast included, with laundry facilities also available for an additional fee. The front desk team can also help provide further information on local tours and excursions.
If you book Sheuen Patagonia, make sure you head to the 4th floor for a beautiful panoramic view of the city.
Arte Brisa Hostal Boutique
Only a 15-minute walk into the hub of Puerto Natales, Arte Brisa Hostal Boutique ($77 twin, $87 triple, $92 family, $92 quadruple) offers comfortable rooms and free breakfasts for adventurers visiting the area.
Puerto Natales bus station is located nearby, and with free parking also available, it’s a great option for those traveling by road.
There’s also free WiFi, the option to have a packed breakfast for those booked in for an early excursion, and a shared lounge to relax in, making it a real home-from-home.
Quadruple, triple, twin, and family heated bedrooms are available with a private bathroom, making it one of the most flexible and affordable options in the city.
Treehouse Patagonia
Only 700m away from Maria Auxiliadora Church and within walking distance of the Puerto Natales bus station, Treehouse Patagonia ($95 double) is a great option for those looking for a cozy night’s stay.
This guesthouse has four different bedrooms with heating, cozy interiors, and a comfortable common area to meet other travelers and relax in.
There’s also a shared kitchen if you’d prefer to cook for yourself, room service, and a continental breakfast available – and the Treehouse Patagonia team is happy to assist with excursion bookings and advice.
Hostal Camino de Santiago
Family-run Hostal Camino de Santiago ($161 double) features 11 rooms, free private parking, a garden with a terrace, and a bar and restaurant – all within walking distance of the Puerto Natales Main Square and the bus station.
With single, double, family, and triple rooms available (some with a patio), there’s a fair amount of flexibility, and the building is heated throughout, making it a very cozy base to explore from.
There’s also free Wi-Fi, continental and American breakfasts, and bike hire (the area is known for great cycling routes so it’s well worth an afternoon trip out!)
Passionate about hospitality, the family is also more than happy to help assist with any tourist information and excursion bookings and are happy to provide personalized breakfast requests, where possible and when booked in advance. A paid airport shuttle service is also available to nearby Teniente Julio Gallardo.
Best self-catering apartments
Trotamundos
If you’re looking for self-catered apartments, Trotamundos is a brilliant option ($131 USD split-level apartment). With a fully equipped kitchen, private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, and two bedrooms per apartment, it really feels like a little slice of home.
For those who don’t want to cook all the time, a continental breakfast is also included in the room rate, available from the condo hotel, and guests are still within walking distance of the main area of Puerto Natales to make full use of the various restaurants scattered around the city.
Located five miles from Teniente Julio Gallardo, a paid airport shuttle service is also available.
Best hostels
BigBang
Friendly English-speaking Marcela runs a tight ship at spotless Big Bang ($71 USD double). Rooms are on two floors around a grassy garden and are simply decorated. Most have en suite baths. Wooden floorboards and thin walls can mean noise carries between rooms.
An ample breakfast of home-baked bread, fruit, and eggs is served in a somewhat formal dining and living area. There’s a small kitchen for guest use. The Wi-Fi only reaches communal areas.
Wild Hostel
If you’re looking to be right in the heart of the Puerto Natales action, Wild Hostel ($80 USD double with shared bathroom, $90 USD double with private bathroom) is the one for you.
With free Wi-Fi, a daily American breakfast, a shared lounge, a communal terrace (featuring barbecue facilities), and an on-site restaurant and bar, there are plenty of places to relax and meet fellow travelers.
For those unsure of which excursions they want to book, the friendly team on hand can also help with suggestions and can make the tour bookings for you.
El Patagónico Hostel
With a free continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi throughout the property, a shared lounge, and a shared kitchen, El Patagónico Hostel ($60 USD double with shared bathroom, $71 USD double with private bathroom, $29 USD single bed in dormitory) is a great option for those on a budget.
Centrally located in Puerto Natales, the Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport is only 4.3 miles away, with the bus station a mere 11-minute walk away. The friendly team on hand can assist with tour bookings, and can also arrange shuttle services should they be required.
Looking to plan your trip to Torres del Paine National Park? Read my guide to how to get to Patagonia, this comprehensive rundown of everything you need to know before visiting Torres del Paine National Park, plus these Patagonia travel itineraries to help you plot your route.