Set on the shores of the shimmering Nahuel Huapi Lake, Design Suites Bariloche is an emblem of refined design and Patagonian splendour. Opened in 2004 under the direction of architect and owner Daniel Mochón, the hotel has grown to become one of Argentina’s most distinctive luxury retreats. With 78 rooms and suites featuring private jacuzzis, panoramic views, a striking art gallery, an indoor/outdoor heated pool, and a full wellness centre, every corner of the property is designed to enhance guests’ harmony with the surrounding landscapes. In 2025, the hotel was honoured with the Luxury Lifestyle Awards title for Best Luxury Scenic View Hotel in Río Negro, Argentina, celebrating its exceptional design, service, and lakeside allure.

Guiding and leading this extraordinary property is Laura Madariaga, who serves as the General Manager. Under her leadership, the hotel continues to weave together personalised guest experiences, architectural integrity, and a strong sense of place. Laura’s vision, operational strategies, and passion for guest connection make her an ideal voice to share the story behind the hotel’s continued success.

Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, leads our interview, bringing over 17 years of expertise from the Luxury Lifestyle Awards and deep insight into the evolving world of luxury.

Alexander Chetchikov:  Congratulations, Laura, on your recent LLA recognition as Best Luxury Scenic View Hotel in Río Negro! What does this award mean to you personally and to the team at Design Suites Bariloche?

Laura Madariaga: Thank you very much, Alexander!
We are truly delighted to receive this important international recognition.
This award is a reflection of the passion and dedication that every member of our great team puts into their work each day. It’s an honor that fills us with pride and motivates us to keep striving for excellence at Design Suites Bariloche.

AC: The hotel’s design is often noted as a highlight – the interiors, vistas, and integration with nature. How do you balance ambitious design objectives with functionality, guest comfort, and operational sustainability?

LM: At Design Suites Bariloche, every architectural and design decision seeks to highlight the natural beauty that surrounds us, while ensuring functionality and comfort for our guests. We believe true luxury lies in simplicity, harmony, and a genuine connection with the environment.

From the materials we choose to the way our spaces are conceived, we prioritize sustainability and operational efficiency without compromising on warmth and aesthetics. The result is a hotel that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to Patagonia’s landscape.

AC: Personalised service is frequently mentioned as a hallmark of the guest experience here. Could you share a few examples of customised or unexpected guest experiences that your team has delivered?

LM: While Patagonia is known for its vastness and extremes, Bariloche is actually one of Argentina’s most accessible destinations. As a major tourist city, it offers excellent air and land connectivity, which greatly facilitates our daily operations.

In addition, being part of Design Suites Argentina, with sister hotels in Buenos Aires, Salta, and El Calafate, provides us with strong organizational support. Our central offices in Buenos Aires play a key role in areas such as logistics and purchasing, allowing us to operate efficiently even in a remote setting like Patagonia.

This structure allows us to focus fully on delivering exceptional guest experiences. 

AC: Wellness offerings, indoor/outdoor pools, and connections to nature are integral to the guest experience. How do you envision the wellness programme evolving, and what role will local culture and nature play in that evolution?

LM: Wellness at Design Suites Bariloche has always been deeply connected to nature. Our surroundings —the forests, mountains, and lake— naturally invite relaxation and balance. We envision our wellness program continuing to evolve in that direction: offering experiences that integrate body, mind, and the unique spirit of Patagonia.

AC: With over two decades since the hotel’s opening, how do you preserve the founding spirit and original design ethos while updating, renovating, or refreshing the property to stay current and competitive?

LM: From the very beginning, Design Suites Bariloche was conceived as a space that fuses design, art, and nature. More than twenty years later, that founding spirit remains the essence of everything we do.

Each renovation or update is approached with great respect for the original concept: we seek to improve, not replace, anything that distinguishes us, as we know that’s what our guests appreciate.

AC: And finally, what is your vision for Design Suites Bariloche over the next few years? Are there new services, expansions, partnerships, or philosophies you hope to bring to life?

LM: We have exciting plans for the coming years. The project is a magnificent expansion that will include new rooms, a larger restaurant, and an event space.

Our goal is to consolidate Design Suites Bariloche’s position as a destination not only for leisure travelers but also for the corporate segment: those who value distinctive and inspiring spaces for their meetings and business events.

This new phase will allow us to continue growing, staying true to our essence: design, warmth, and a deep connection with the environment.

Thank you, Laura, for sharing your vision and experiences with us; it is clear that under your leadership, Design Suites Bariloche continues to embody the perfect balance of design, nature, and heartfelt hospitality, offering guests a truly memorable connection to Patagonia.

Go to https://www.designsuites.com/bariloche.php to book your next memorable experience today.