Hotel AWA
One Michelin Key (2026)
Hotel Details
Location
Hotel AWA · Puerto Varas, Chile
Key Highlights
- ✓Stunning Views and Location: Perched on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, the hotel offers panoramic and "incredible" views of the Osorno Volcano and the lake from almost every vantage point.
Traveler Expert Review: Hotel AWA
Our summary of verified traveler experiences.
Hotel AWA, Puerto Varas, Chile: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin One-Key Property
Hotel AWA in Puerto Varas, Chile, stands out as a luxurious and highly acclaimed retreat, earning a Michelin One-Key distinction for a "very special stay." Guests consistently praise its stunning architecture, breathtaking natural surroundings, and exceptional service, making it a memorable destination in the Chilean Lake District.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The overall sentiment for Hotel AWA is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their experiences as "amazing," "fantastic," "stunning," and "first class". Review scores for comfort and staff are particularly high, often reaching 9.7 and 9.8 out of 10 respectively. It is widely considered a top-tier luxury hotel that often exceeds expectations.
2. Key Highlights
Guests are most captivated by the hotel's:
- Stunning Views and Location: Perched on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, the hotel offers panoramic and "incredible" views of the Osorno Volcano and the lake from almost every vantage point.
- Exceptional Design & Architecture: The hotel's five-story structure of concrete, glass, metal, and wood is a "stunning example of Chile's specific brand of warm, organic modernism," designed by the owner who lives on-site. Guests frequently mention the "amazing architecture and design."
- Personalized Service: The attentive and friendly staff consistently receive high praise for their kindness, professionalism, and "incredible attention to detail."
- Comprehensive Amenities & Activities: Hotel AWA provides a luxurious spa with a panoramic indoor swimming pool, sauna, hammam, and hot tubs. Guests can enjoy direct lake access with complimentary kayaks and bicycles, and the hotel's tour desk can arrange various excursions such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and skiing. It's also recognized as Chile's first hotel to obtain B Corporation certification, highlighting its commitment to sustainability.
3. Room Quality
The rooms and suites at Hotel AWA are consistently described as "fantastic," "beautiful," "huge, well-appointed," and "stunning." Each room is fitted with a king-size bed, a private bathroom featuring a spa bath, a fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic lake and volcano views. Suites offer additional comforts like a seating area and a balcony. The interior design is often lauded as flawless, contributing to a "hygge experience." Housekeeping is reported to be superb, with two services daily.
4. Dining Experience
The dining experience at Hotel AWA is a significant draw, featuring a restaurant that offers "delicate regional cuisine" and a "refined farm-to-table experience." Ingredients are often locally sourced, with some produce grown in the hotel's organic garden. Guests consistently praise the "fantastic food" and "amazing food presentations & quality." A complimentary breakfast is served daily, including continental and buffet options with cooked-to-order items like omelettes made with free-range eggs, muesli, pastries, and fresh-baked bread. Special dietary needs, such as peanut allergies and gluten intolerance, are meticulously accommodated, with the kitchen going so far as to create special desserts for guests.
5. Service & Staff
The service and staff at Hotel AWA are frequently highlighted as a major strength. Guests consistently report "very friendly service," "helpful service," and "attentive friendly staff." Many describe the staff as "wonderful," "professional and kind," and demonstrating "incredible attention to detail." From seamless airport pickups to knowledgeable guides for excursions, the staff's dedication to guest satisfaction is evident.
6. Location & Accessibility
Hotel AWA is situated directly on the picturesque shores of Lake Llanquihue, offering a secluded and tranquil setting. While providing unparalleled views of the Osorno Volcano, it is located approximately 17 miles (about a 20-30 minute drive) from Puerto Varas's city center. The hotel offers free on-site parking and can arrange airport shuttles from El Tepual Airport (PMC), which is about 25 miles away, for a surcharge. Guests should note that Uber services are not available in this exclusive area. The location serves as an excellent base for exploring the national parks and natural wonders of northern Chilean Patagonia.
7. Value & Pricing
As a luxury, Michelin-Key property, Hotel AWA is considered an investment rather than a budget option. Guests generally feel that the "stunning" experience and "perfect" facilities make it "totally worth the money." Nightly rates can vary significantly by season; for example, prices have been noted to start around $560 per person including meals and activities during certain periods. Average weeknight prices were around $555, with January being the most expensive month (22% increase) and April being the cheapest (17% drop). The hotel offers various packages, including bed-and-breakfast, half-board, and full-board options.
8. Common Complaints
While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted:
- Restaurant Service: On rare occasions, guests have found the restaurant staff to be "a little helpless" or "not familiar with the service process."
- Breakfast Selection: While good quality, one reviewer noted the breakfast selection was "on the small side" and did not always offer orange juice.
- Spa/Restaurant Proximity: A minor point mentioned by some is having to pass the restaurant entrance to get to the spa, though most guests, given the hotel's retreat-like atmosphere, do not find this to be an issue.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted:
Google Reviews
458 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Steven Pearson
This is an excellent hotel. The view from the room on the fourth floor was simply stunning. Well worth the upgrade. The staff are very keen to ensure you have a good experience too. We were disappointed with dinner the first night that we stayed but the manager and staff couldn’t do enough for us. The food for the rest of our stay was very good. The private beach area by the lake is tranquil and ...
Vasilis Noitakis
5 stars from start to finish! Hotel AWA in Puerto Varas is an amazing property overlooking Lake Llanquihue and the stunning Osorno Volcano. The rooms are very spacious and feature a walk-in shower, a bathtub, and floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views of the lake and volcano. The amenities were excellent, and the welcome tray with a variety of treats was extremely thoughtful and delicio...
Response from the owner
Thank you so much for this wonderful review and for sharing your experience at Hotel AWA. We’re so happy to hear that you enjoyed the atmosphere, the comfort of your room, and those beautiful views o...
Selen Cam
I am not entirely sure this property meets an international five-star standard. Some expected amenities were not readily available and had to be requested multiple times. The professionalism of the staff was inconsistent. While some team members were excellent and attentive, others appeared disengaged and indifferent. The rooms were smaller than expected and did not feel particularly well mainta...
Response from the owner
Dear Selen Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience with us. We’re truly sorry that your stay did not reflect the level of comfort and care you were expecting. We regret the...
Kelsey Johnson
This was one of the best hotel experiences we’ve ever had. Was it expensive? Yes. Was it worth every penny? Yes. The food was amazing, the room was beautiful, the included tours were AMAZING and very thoughtful (shout out Allan), and the service was above and beyond. Every single person on staff was wonderful and accommodating the entire time we were there. Also we love russio, the hotel cat.
Response from the owner
Dear Kelsey, thank you for sharing such wonderful feedback. Hearing that the food, the room, the included excursions, and especially our team exceeded your expectations means the world to us. Allan wi...
Tony W
I had this hotel saved as a place I really wanted to visit for years, and I finally had the opportunity to stay for five days, alternating between the Villa Suite and the Suite. Hotel Awa is relatively small, enhancing its exclusive atmosphere. The architecture, decor, and ambiance are excellent, and the views of Lake Llanquihue and Osorno Volcano are impressive. On clear days, you can see the sno...
Response from the owner
Dear Tony : thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review. We’re truly delighted to know your long-awaited stay at AWA lived up to your expectations. It was a pleasure having...
Jasper Tennyson
A beautifully designed lakeside hotel with big windows overlooking the water and the volcano. Rooms are spacious, bright and incredibly peaceful. The whole place feels like a retreat, perfect for switching off and enjoying nature.
Response from the owner
We’re glad you enjoyed the experience. Thank you for choosing AWA for a moment of rest and reconnection with nature.
About One Michelin Key
One Michelin Key is awarded to hotels that offer a very special stay. These properties are characterized by their unique personality, high quality, and ability to create memorable experiences for guests.
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