Could anyone recommend a nice hotel with a good restaurant in the same area as Explora, but somewhat less expensive? Thank you.

avrooster, santiago, drdawggy? Anyone?

You must be tired of me answering your questions by now, but you did say, "anyone"...

You're pretty much limited in terms of available accomodations in Torres del Paine. You've got the following:

Hosteria Las Torres
Hosteria Pehoe
Hotel Explora Salto Chico
Hosteria Rio Posada
Hosteria Lago Grey

I think there are a couple on the borders of the park, as well.

Here's a map:

http://www.bigfootpatagonia.com/img/mapafinal_TP.gif

You can find Hotel Explora pretty much in the middle on the shores of Lago Pehoe. It's a good location - being central to the park - but Hosteria Pehoe has an even better site on an island in the middle of the lake with fantastic views of the Cuernos. The most famous photographs of Torres del Paine are taken from here with the lake in the foreground and the the cuernos del paine in the background.

Hosteria Las Torres also has a good location for launching a long dayhike up the Valle Ascensio to the Mirador Las Torres, a great viewpoint to see the towers. From their website, they also offer packages with tours and excursions.

www.lastorres.com

Hosteria Lago Grey seemed nice, and you can do the boat tour of Lago Grey all the way up to the Glacier which is pretty fun. You can also get dropped off for dayhikes from the ferry.

What you could do is do a couple of nights at Hosteria Las Torres and a couple of nights at Hosteria Lago Grey (the hosterias can arrange for transfers within the park). Do daytrips from each. This way you get to see most of the park.

No,no, no, lifelist. Not only do you have a marvelous screen name, you have been extremely helpful to me. I appreciate all your good counsel. The main reason I had not directly pressed you on the issue of hotels was you said you were camping.
Thank you so much for giving so freely of your time and advice. I will ask for more as I go along with my plans.

Sorry, cmcfong. I am proud to have had my name uttered in the same breath as drdawggy's!!!! He is now a Buenos Aires LOCAL EXPERT on trip advisor.com

Santiagov does not post here any more. Ask him anything you want on tripadvisor.com

About your question, I did not answer simply because I don't know.

Thank you, avrooster. I am sorry santigov has left, he posted some interesting information. I am glad you are still here, your posts are charming and useful.
Thank you for taking the time to respond.