Have you stayed in Torres del Paine?

I traveled to TDP last March. The problem is that there is no reasonably priced place to stay near the park. The refugios are overpriced at about US$100 to sleep in a dormitory and eat mediocre food. I stayed at Hotel Las Torres for $US265 per night and thought that this was poor value for the money. TDP is a beautiful place, but it is not any more scenic than the area around El Chalten in Argentina. In El Chalten there are inexpensive B and Bs, hostals and upmarket hotels. You can do great day hikes and return to great meals, hot showers and a cozy place to stay. If I had it to do over again I would have skipped TDP and flown to El Calafate done the Perito Moreno Glacier and then spent three or four days in El Chalten.

Chorle1. Thanks for the info. Please tell us more about El Chalten. We are just back Alaska and really don't want to see anymore glaciers. We liked the rugged beauty of TDP. Will be find that in El Chalten?

Thanks VERY much

Obviously chorle has a special thing for El Chalten! Having only been to TdP, I can't compare the two.

I stayed at Hotel Las Torres and thought the staff was excellent. It is convenient if you want to hike to the base of the Towers. I did not do the all inclusive package.

I also stayed at the Refugio Torres Central and paid $51 for the dorm bed "armada" so I'm not sure what she/he is quoting, must be the all-inclusive rate including food.

I agree about seeing too many glaciers.

Unfortunately I think you'll find there is virtually no feedback on TdP here on Fodors. Your best bet is to read the reviews on Tripadvisor.

I stayed at the Explora, and had a great time. Not because of staying at Explora, but because the park was great. We didn't have the best luck on the weather, but still enjoyed ourselves. One of these days we will go back. While we didn't stay there, this place looked really nice, and I'd explore it when looking to go back:

http://www.justinandcrystal.com/SouthAmerica2008/IMG_5431.JPG

It was about 6 or 7 miles from the Towers.

mistadobalina, that is a picture of the Hotel Las Torres where I stayed.

I stayed at a hotel on the shores of Lake Pehoe and thought it was FAB and although I don't remember the name of the hotel or the price, I'm a real budget traveler so either I got a special deal from a friend (which is possible) or it wasn't That expensive.

Here are pictures so that in your research you might recognize it: http://averysenioryearabroad.com/Chapter.aspx?id=73

I stayed 2 nights and it was a highlight of my years of travel. Of course every guide in the park was exclaiming over the magnificence of the weather during my time there so I can't say it is always as glorious.

Love your photos.

Your hotel is "Hosteria Pehoe".

Thanks mlgb! I've updated my 'story' for future reference.

The Cuernos are fantastic, aren't they.

You certainly did have magnificent weather.

Here is a wider angle view of H. Pehoe for those who are interested, showing the setting.

http://picasaweb.google.com/kiwifann/TorresDelPaineCuernos#5298023745544020754

The rooms at Hosteria Pehoe have no views and are very simple, BUT the view from the upstairs sitting room is spectacular! You might read a page in a book and look up and the view has changed, I even saw a rainbow one day. Most of the views I've seen here are probably taken from the Mirador Condor..cross the road and climb the "hill" to the top. The condors are usually flying much lower though. Be careful on the climb up there if windy..those soft, cushiony, looking bushes are prickly and hard. I got blown off my feet into a bunch of them along the path. Another option is to stay near Glaciar Grey at Hosteria Grey, but that's where the boats leave to see the glaciar up close, so it could become crowded in the lobby and restaurant. I have never stayed there and think it might be quite nice at night and early morning. Explora is probably a nicer hotel, but I don't think the view can get much better than Hosteria Pehoe. I was spellbound by all of the Chilean Patagonian scenery and fauna!