LAS BALSAS ARGENTINA
Las Balsas
Bahia Las Balsas sin número, Villa La Angostura, Neuquén, Argentina
www.lasbalsas.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Relais & Chateaux
Shareholders
Privately Owned
Date of Creation
1988
Hotel General Manager
Ignacio Centroni – actual GM acting. Ignacio has become our “Keeper of the Candel” since 2005. Member of Clefs D’Or Internationl, he has become the heart of the house, the main host and because of the that, the one that takes the rudder of the house, managing all the operation.
Hotel Positioning
5-star boutique hotel ; Relais & Chateaux since 1995
Development Strategy
We become member of Relais & Chateaux since 1995, being the first Relais & Chateaux of Latin America. Since then we still work hard to empower the R&C 5C attributes: Calm, Courtesy, Character, Cuisine and Charme in order to advancethe current luxury tourism trends of the “always-changing” industry.
LAS BALSAS
History & Story
The hotel was originally built in 1988. Since then his blue facade has become an iconic reference point from every corner of Kraft bay. The years passed and the needs were making the hotel grow in pursuit of better service. So it was built a new restaurant with its unique wine cellar, 3 more rooms and the magnificent Spa. Today Las Balsas is an ample residence located on the shores of the magical Nahuel Huapi lake, which for more than 25 years has hosted guests seeking for calmness and relaxation. Since 1995 is an exclusive member of Relais & Chateaux, a collection of the finest hotels and restaurants in the world, that combines tradition and modernity to the delight of those who love making their trips, the art of living.
Date Renewal
New Studio Suite rooms, general decoration, Spa area
Date added extensions
1995 – 2000 – 2014 – 2015 – 2016
Main Strengths, Special Touch
More than 20 years of improving hospitality with the Relais & Chateaux expertise. Calm, Courtesy, Character, Cuisine & Charme after all these years are still the same characteristics that make our service a different experience, highly valued by our visitors.
Location
More than 20 years of improving hospitality with the Relais & Chateaux expertise. Calm, Courtesy, Character, Cuisine & Charme after all these years are still the same characteristics that make our service a different experience, highly valued by our visitors.
Key sites/activities in the area
Different options suggested by our Concierge Ignacio to enjoy our National Park Ignacio suggest some big must’s outdoors options to enjoy our National Park in the best way. • Northern bays & Arrayanes forest: Make two steps away from your room, and embark yourself in a lake cruise. Discover the famous Myrtle protected forest with our local guides. Be ready for PATAGONIA! It is a 4 hours tour on a boat cruise on private service basis with tapas, snacks & drinks included. Bird watching and Fishing equipment available on board. • Andes trails, Cascades & Miradores: Enjoy yourself going up in the mountains through the woodlands.Discover the native flora using the same old paths the pioneers used many decades before. This is a half day tours with professional local guides on private service basis. • Kayaking / Leading the Oars: Enjoy kayaking among the bays and shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake. Departing from Las Balsas pier with a local guide. No advance experience is needed to enjoy this trip. This is also a private service basis of about 3 hours tour that includes professional guide plus equipment • Riding the hills: Join the fun of horse riding through miles of scenic open mountains. Enjoy the peace and quiet as you meander along the Bonito River. Discover • Nahuel Huapi National Park with our experienced guides. It is a 2 hours ride and no advance experience is needed to enjoy this trip. • Tributo Montaraz: Get ready to become a passionate naturalist for a day. Discover species of fauna & flora from the Southern shore Forests in North Patagonia with experienced naturalist guides. Enjoy yourself listening & watching endemic birds. Get identification tips and learn uses for native plants. • Trout’s & flies: Prepare your equipment and “jump” into your gear! Discover the Limay River going down stream on a cateraft boat. Learn the details and techniques of fly-fishing. Be ready for wade the best spots of northern Patagonia. Catch & release mandatory. In this case we always recomend to book the activity in advance. Includes in and out transfer (50 min drive from Las Balsas), professional english speaking fishing guide, full board regime and fishing equipment included.
Fun Facts
Tax Free for foreign tourists – New Regulation – As of January 2, 2017, accommodation services for tourists residing abroad is tax free. The National Ministry of Tourism has put into effect these regulations through which foreign tourists who accredit residence abroad and have contracted accommodation services by themselves or through a travel agency, will benefit with 21% tax free. To access this benefit, payment must be made by debit card or credit from abroad or by transferring foreign currency from abroad, either directly with the Hotel or through your Travel Agency or DMC. In order to be able to prove your residence and payment method, we will ask you to complete this form (download) at the time of requesting the reservation. The refund does not apply in case of cancellation penalties or non-show (non-use of the accommodation service). For more information on how to access this benefit, please contact us at: info@lasbalsas.com.ar / +54 294 4494308.
Children’s Corner
We don’t have any Children’s corner as the hotel is too small and we have a Child Policy. According to our infrastructure, and because SAFETY is the most important thing, we can only welcome children over 6 years.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
10 Charming lake views rooms – All are individually designed and decorated to a world-class standard. The rustic, the classic and the modernity combine to create a feeling of timeless elegance. We have 6 Suites in total, divided into 3 Corner Suite and 3 Studio Suites, and 4 Standard Lake. Number of Luxury rooms: 3 Corner Suites: Lago, Bayo & Muelle.
In all the room, the beds are dressed with thread count Egyptian cotton bedding and we also have a feather pillows available just in case. There is a heating system that can be regulated through each radiator. The rooms also include an electronic safe, LED TV 32” with Satellite TV, telephone, a CD Player with Radio, Ipod dock, Clock and Alarm included. Offering exclusive bath amenities by L’Occitane and there is always a ladies vanity kit, just in case. There is always a makeup mirror and hairdryer available. You will also find a double set of robes and slippers. Complimentary WiFi broadband is available in all the rooms they are all non smoking rooms with no exception.
Corner Suite: An excellent mixture between classic and rustic touch in the decoration. The refinement in the decoration and colours chosen suggest a charming and warm ambient that invites to enjoy the privacy. The Corner Suites (70 SQM – 750 SFT) have all wooden floor and a choice of King Size or Twins beds, dressing-room, desk and a complimentary well-stocked minibar, in addition to a breathtaking view of the lake. The bath is amazing, with separate shower and tub, very spacious and very illuminated. Extra bed is possible but have in mind that 3 persons is the maximum allowed for this room.
Studio Suite: A modern touch, carefully decorated and very well equipped. Wide open spaces and picture windows overlooking Nahuel Huapi Lake. The Studio Suite (55 SQM – 600 SFT) have a variety of king size or twins beds, a dressingroom and a desk in addition to a breathtaking view of the lake. The bath is very modern concept, with separate shower and tub, very spacious and very illuminated. Extra bed is possible but have in mind that 3 persons is the maximum allowed for this room.
Standard Lake: Cozy and simple, in these rooms (25 SQM / 270 SQF) our guests may find a beautiful view of Lake Nahuel Huapi, with double queen size beds. The private cosy bath combines shower and tub and also offering exclusive bath amenities by L’Occitane. In this case, no extra bed is possible to be added and the maximum persons than can accept are only 2.
Restaurants & Bars
Las Balsas Gourmand. Good taste, excellence in service and hospitality are combined in a field with romantic and super exclusive dyes. Combining the traditional flavours of Patagonia, fused with flashes from the old continent, our Chef Franco Pautasso and his team, propose an interesting and delightful menu at its finest. This gastronomic experience takes place in a charming and relaxing ambient, specially designed to enhance the satisfaction of the senses, where everything seems to match perfectly well: the tastes and flavors, the ambient, the views, the romantic candlelighted dinner and the warm attention of our team. Calm, Courtesy, Character, Cuisine & Charme, after all these years, are still the same motivational engine that makes our service highly valued by our visitors.
Specialities: Patagonian Trout, Patagonian Lamb, Dear (seasonal), mushrooms and berries. • Half Board plan
Wellness
The Spa at Las Balsas is a space that was specially designed for relaxation, rest and enjoyment of body and mind. Ideal for recovery after a day of skiing or hiking in the mountains. All the building is facing the lake, so the guest will have those stunning landscapes also while doing fitness work or while swimming in the pool. Facilities: 200 sq m / 2.152 sq feet area facing the lake – Heated in/out swimming pool
• Jacuzzi
• Sauna
• Pilates
• Fitness area
• 2 jet showers
• 2 massage rooms for general therapies and body treatments
• Relaxation room
Corporate & Celebration Events
Las Balsas is a very distinguished hotel that can be turned into a very private place for high-level business meetings or social events. It is a very attractive choice for special events. The Playroom can be set and personalized for any specific requirement. Also our exclusive restaurant can be set in different formats and can be adapted, including also the terrace and part of the garden and pier. The playroom is a very private and spacious room full of natural light and is equipped with all the technology needed. Playroom & Restaurant: Air conditioning – LED 47” – Wifi & Access Point – Adjustable furniture – Beverage & coffee break service. Capacities and Formats:
• Restaurant: Reception 80 pax – Banquet 80 pax – Boardroom 30 pax
• Playroom: Reception 50 pax – Banquet 40 pax – Theatre 50 pax – Classroom 40 pax – U-Shape 25 pax – Boardroom 25 pax
Hotel and restaurant Awards
• Traveller Choice by Trip Advisor
• World Travel Award
Number of employees
22