The Design Suites luxury hotel mini-chain operates several successful properties in Argentina, but this particular boutique, situated in the far-flung reaches of Patagonia, distinguishes itself with a design by the renowned architect Carlos Ott. His thoroughly contemporary creation mixes eco-friendly functionality with quirky cool: the exterior’s smooth glass and blond wood contrast with the rugged granite of the asymmetrical structure, and inside, rough planks of driftwood serve as coffee tables in front of utterly fashionable leather couches.
The environmentally conscious spin was motivated, no doubt, by the hotel’s location, near some of the world’s most visually striking glaciers, and pristine glassy lakes that stretch further than the eye can see. The well-appointed hotel takes full advantage of Patagonia’s natural wonders — Design Suites faces out to one of the lakes, and daily excursions cart awestruck guests to see truck-sized chunks of ice fall off a glacier — and, in turn, the hotel serves as one of the only design-minded accommodation options in this remote region.
Sixty guest rooms, all outfitted in earth tones and forest green, feature sophisticated decor and pared-down furnishings like updated sixties-style desk chairs and reading lamps that look like they just won first prize at a design fair. While standard rooms face the dusty steppe, the pricier suites offer sweeping views of the lake through the picture windows. Like other Design Suites properties, this branch comes complete with an art gallery, restaurant, fitness center, and free wireless internet access.
author watson@mouselink.net, source www.tablethotels.com