If You’re Spending a Night in Puerto Natales . . .

Before and after your adventures with Fantastico Sur or Hotel Las Torres, you might find yourself spending a night in Puerto Natales. The seaside gateway to Torres del Paine reaps the benefits of its proximity to the national park with restaurants that run the gamut of food experiences and hotels that suit just about everybody’s tastes and standards.

The Singular Patagonia is considered one of the best hotels in the area. Located on the shores of the Señoret Channel, it’s only a five-minute drive from the Puerto Natales city center. Originally the Bories Cold-Storage Plant (1915), the building was declared a national heritage site in 1996 but was later transformed into a full-service hotel with a restaurant and bar, spa with indoor/outdoor pool, and incredible views through huge windows overlooking the water.

Inspired by traditional Patagonian sheep shearing sheds that slant into the wind, Remota Lodge is located on a 12-acre property overlooking Last Hope Sound about a mile outside of Puerto Natales. Created by award-winning architect Germán del Sol, the design is dramatically modern yet fits right in with the awesome natural surroundings. Each of the 72 rooms offers views of the mountains, fjords and glaciers. Among the lodge’s amenities are pool, sauna, outdoor Jacuzzis, bar and one of Patagonia’s top-rated restaurants.

The chateau-style Hotel Costaustralis is located along the waterfront, five blocks from the main square and commercial area of Puerto Natales. Views of the far-off Andes or nearby Last Hope Sound are offered from the 112 guest rooms and suites, spread across four floors.

On a much smaller scale (11 rooms) but also with awesome views is the Simple Patagonia Hotel. They added “simple” to their name because that aptly describes the architecture, which takes full use of the surrounding wide-open spaces. The Simple features a restaurant serving homemade traditional local cuisine, bar and lounge. Located 2.8 miles from Puerto Natales.

Steps away from the bay and the main square but close to Gallardo Airport, Hotel Martin Gusinde is well situated to explore the town. It boasts 28, smallish but comfortable and newly renovated rooms. But this is not the place to stay if you want incredible views.

Located right in town, Keoken Patagonia Bed & Breakfast is next to Plaza de Armas and Puerto Natales Casino. A three-star bed & breakfast with seven individually decorated rooms, it offers breakfast, WiFi and free self-parking. Private bathrooms are not ensuite.

For clients on a budget, The Singing Lamb Hostel is a comfortable, clean and convenient place to stay in Puerto Natales. The digs include two nine-bed dormitories, a six-bed dorm and nine private rooms with their own bathroom (and a choice of one double or two single beds). The newly renovated kitchen is available to guests throughout the day and homemade breakfast included in the price. Free wifi, locker rentals, laundry facilities, on site bar and book exchange. Clean and green.

Over on the culinary side, visitors are once again spoiled for choice in Puerto Natales.

Located a street back from the waterfront and attached to the Amerinidia hostel, Aldea is one of the town’s best bets for creative, fresh and tasty local cuisine and a good wine selection. The restaurant promises “slow food” and exceptional service. The menu changes daily depending on what’s fresh, but could include grilled clams or lamb tangine. Reservations highly recommended.

Another great choice for Chilean specialties is Restaurante Cangrejo Rojo, known for its seafood including octopus and king crab pie, as well as lamb stew. For those a little more adventurous when it comes to eating, items like sheep testicles are also on the menu.

Meat lovers should check out Asador Patagonico and its flame-seared lamb, steaks and sweetbreads. The warm ambiance is enhanced by heat from a fire pit where the meat is being cooked. Good wine menu too.

If pizza and craft beer is your craving, Pizzeria Mesita Grande is a lively place where patrons sit at long tables while sharing wood-fired pizza, fresh salads and their latest Patagonian adventures. The menu includes offbeat local toppings like salmon or lamb well as the traditional favorites. Another favorite for pizza and crepes is La Guanaca.

If you’re in the mood for something completely different, Afrigonia restaurant is owned (as the name implies) by a Zambian and Chilean couple. Lamb masala, salmon cabiche, curried shrimp and more.

Cerveza Baguales is a craft brewery serving not only their own brews but also a wide selection of other local and worldwide beers, plus a good selection of wine. Among the food offerings are burgers, ribs, tacos, quesadillas and fries.

For some of the region’s best coffee and pastries, pop into Patagonia Dulce. In addition to free wifi and pleasant background music, the café is friendly and efficient, the sort of place you might expect to find in Switzerland rather than the edge of the South American wilderness. Its cakes, tarts, cookies, brownies and handmade chocolates are delicious and delicate.