What is the best area to stay in San Martín de los Andes?

The town centre, within walking distance of the main plaza and Lago Lácar, is the most practical base. Most hotels, restaurants, and tour operators are concentrated here. For a more secluded experience, cabañas (self-catering chalets) in the forest on the outskirts offer a more private Patagonian setting.

Should I stay in town or near Chapelco for skiing?

Most visitors stay in San Martín town and take the shuttle or drive to Chapelco (approximately 40 minutes). There is limited on-mountain accommodation at Chapelco itself. Staying in town gives you more restaurant and services options in the evening; staying at the base of the mountain suits those who want to maximise ski time.

When is San Martín de los Andes most expensive?

July and August (ski season) and January (peak summer) are the most expensive periods. In July–August, mid-range hotel rates rise approximately 30–50% above shoulder prices and rooms book out weeks in advance. Book 6–8 weeks ahead for ski season, particularly for the better hotels.

Are there good budget options in San Martín de los Andes?

Yes - several hostels and small guesthouses in the town centre cater to the backpacker market. Dorm beds start at approximately ARS 13,000–20,000 per night as of 2026; private rooms in guesthouses from approximately ARS 40,000–70,000. Cabañas on the outskirts can work out cheaper per person for small groups.

Are there lakeside hotels in San Martín de los Andes?

A small number of properties have direct lake access or views across Lago Lácar. The most notable is the Hotel del Lago, which sits directly on the lakeside. Most hotels in the centre have partial views; true lakeside properties are limited and book out early in summer.

Where to Stay in San Martín de los Andes

San Martín de los Andes has some of the most attractive accommodation in Argentine Patagonia - partly because the town’s strict building codes have prevented the architectural chaos of larger lake district towns, and partly because the combination of lake, mountain, and forest setting is genuinely exceptional. Hotels here range from small family-run hostels to timber-and-stone mountain lodges with fireplace lounges and lake views. The cabaña (self-catering chalet) format is particularly well-developed here.

Best Areas to Stay

Town Centre (Microcentro)

The main concentration of hotels, restaurants, and services sits within a 10-minute walk of Plaza San Martín. Staying in the centre puts you close to the lake beach, the pier for boat trips, and the main shopping and café streets. It’s the most practical base for visitors without a car.

Lakeside and Near the Shore

A small number of properties are closer to the lake itself, either on the main beach road or slightly elevated with lake views. These tend to be slightly more expensive than equivalent town-centre hotels but offer a significantly better setting.

Outskirts: Cabañas in the Forest

San Martín has a well-developed cabaña market - self-catering timber chalets set in forested plots on the outskirts of town. These suit families or groups wanting more space and privacy, and can represent good value per person for parties of 4–6. Most are 10–20 minutes from the centre by car.

Near Chapelco (for skiing)

A handful of apartments and small guesthouses operate near the Chapelco base, primarily aimed at ski families. These book out entirely in peak July–August and are not available outside ski season.

Budget: Hostels and Guesthouses

Hostel del Sur (Town Centre) - A comfortable backpacker hostel a few blocks from the main plaza, with both dorm and private room options. Clean facilities, helpful tour advice, and a social common area. Dorm beds approximately ARS 14,000–20,000 per night as of 2026; private doubles approximately ARS 45,000–70,000.

Puma Hostel (Town Centre) - A newer hostel with good facilities and a welcoming atmosphere. Popular with the outdoor-sports crowd. Dorm beds approximately ARS 13,000–19,000 per night as of 2026.

Hostería Antares (Town Centre) - A small, well-priced guesthouse with private rooms and attentive family-run service. Slightly more comfortable than a hostel but at similar prices. Private doubles approximately ARS 55,000–85,000 per night as of 2026.

Mid-Range: Hotels with Character

La Cheminée Hotel & Spa (Town Centre) - One of the best mid-range addresses in San Martín, with well-designed rooms that use local stone and timber, a good spa with pool, and an excellent location close to the lake. Double rooms approximately ARS 130,000–200,000 per night as of 2026. Books quickly in ski season and January.

Hotel Sol de los Andes (Town Centre) - A solid, well-maintained hotel in the centre with comfortable rooms and an included breakfast. The service is professional; the common areas have the alpine wood-and-stone aesthetic typical of San Martín. Approximately ARS 100,000–160,000 per night as of 2026.

Hostería Patagonia Jardín - A small hotel in a garden setting a short walk from the centre, with pleasant rooms and good breakfast. The garden is a real plus in summer. Approximately ARS 90,000–140,000 per night as of 2026.

Cabañas Los Abedules (Outskirts) - Self-catering cabañas for 2–6 people in a forested setting 3 km from the centre. Each cabaña has a kitchen, fireplace, and private deck - a genuinely Patagonian experience. Approximately ARS 120,000–200,000 per cabaña per night as of 2026.

Upscale: The Best Hotels in San Martín de los Andes

Hotel del Lago (Lakeside) - The most atmospheric hotel in San Martín, sitting directly on the shores of Lago Lácar with unobstructed mountain and lake views from many rooms. The building is in keeping with San Martín’s alpine style - stone, timber, and pitched roofs. Double rooms approximately ARS 220,000–360,000 per night as of 2026. The on-site restaurant is one of the best in town. Books months ahead in peak season.

Hotel Patagonia Plaza (Town Centre) - An upscale town-centre hotel with well-appointed rooms, a spa, pool, and a solid restaurant. Professional service and reliable infrastructure make it a good choice for business or leisure. Approximately ARS 200,000–320,000 per night as of 2026.

Le Village Hotel - A small, design-forward boutique property with just 16 rooms, each individually decorated. The personalised service and quality of the common areas set it apart. Approximately ARS 210,000–350,000 per night as of 2026. Strong reputation for the breakfast and attention to detail.

What to Know Before Booking

Book early for peak seasons: Ski season (July–August) and summer high season (January) both require booking 6–8 weeks ahead for the better properties. Shoulder seasons (October–November, April–May) have much better last-minute availability and significantly lower prices.

Cabañas for groups: Self-catering cabañas can work out ARS 30,000–60,000 per person per night for a group of 4–6, making them competitive with mid-range hotel rooms at a fraction of the cost per person. Most have fireplaces, which is essential for winter stays.

USD rates: Budget rooms from USD 25–45, mid-range USD 80–150, upscale USD 180–320 as of 2026.

For what to do during your stay, read our things to do in San Martín de los Andes guide covering the lake activities, ski resort, and hiking trails in detail. Tours in the lake district are a useful option for visitors without a car who want guided access to the surrounding national park.

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