Modernist lakeside lodge
Built into the volcanic shoreline, this mid-century lodge opens toward Lake Villarrica with low timber lines and uninterrupted walls of glass.
“The hotel looks exactly as it did when it opened in 1950, a modernist masterpiece perched beside a snowcapped volcano, the cantilevered lounge overlooking Lake Villarrica.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Mid-century Bauhaus architecture by Jorge Elton, framed in native timber and glass.
Remarkable
Run continuously by the founding Pollak family beside Lake Villarrica since 1950.
Notable
A preserved 1950 lakeside compound that once hosted Queen Elizabeth and Neil Armstrong.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The 1950 Bauhaus-inspired hotel, with its glass walls and its terraced gardens overlooking Lago Villarrica, looks as relevant … as ever.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Pucón sits two kilometres along the shore, with Villarrica Volcano rising just south of town.
1 of 5
The rooms
Every bedroom looks out across Lake Villarrica, paneled in native timber and warmed by an original wood-burning fireplace.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated pool is carved into volcanic rock beside an open fireplace, extending through glass into the gardens.
The spa
Restaurant Parque Antumalal
Floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the lake, and the kitchen prepares southern Chilean dishes with produce from the organic garden.
How it began
Czech refugees Guillermo and Catalina Pollak started here with a lakeside tearoom in 1944, serving kuchen to visitors arriving by boat.
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.