Arriving at this hotel looks like you are going to a barn; even as you drive in it looks like you are in a barn.  However, once you are through the door you realize that you have arrived in a special place.

The hotel is built in a 1915 post Victorian Cold Storage Plant called the Frigorifico Puerto Bories, which was declared a national moment in 1996.  The plant was a huge business for the area and employed many local families, as well as families from other areas of Chile who came for the opportunity to work and build a better life.  

Our guide’s family had come from the Island of Chiloe, very far north from this little outpost.  The Singular Hotel has worked hard to preserve, and even to brig back to life this important part of Puerto Natales history.

Combining history, an industrial style type of design, and luxury The Singular creates a real, unique experience for guests. 

It has one of the prettiest restaurants and bar areas of all the hotels in Chile, filled with antiques and fireplaces; cozy seating with tasteful Patagonian style accents are everywhere.

The food and the service in the restaurant are wonderful.  I am still thinking about the scallops with artichoke, or the hare and mint whole grains that I loved.  Equally as wonderful, our waiter helped us to try new wines from Chile with each course.  

The guest rooms are big and have a huge window with an amazing view facing the sea and the glacier–topped mountains.

A large, and extremely comfortable bed, and a tastefully decorated room with a chair to cuddle up in and enjoy the view make the room warm and relaxing.  The bathroom has a big bathtub and a separate shower.  There is also a dressing closet so your room does not get overrun by your luggage.

Patagonia can be quite cold, so a visit to the pretty, half indoor/half outdoor heated pool (also set nicely to enjoy the view) is a must.  

The Singular has a sauna and a steam room, as well as a spa in case you want to book a massage.  

The excursions were very nice.  Most are in the Puerto Natales area, but there are also two full day excursions offered into Torres del Paine National Park.  One of the excursions into the park is very active offering three hikes; the other is a more relaxed tour by van.   

For a complete experience of Chile’s Patagonia, I suggest staying at The Singular in Puerto Natales for two nights, and then moving to a lodge within the Torres del Paine National Park.   

We really enjoyed arriving after a long flight and relaxing in the spa the first night, ending with a great meal.  The next morning we had a wonderful, half-day navigation on their comfortable boat to the Balmecedo and Serrano Glaciers.  

We were back to the hotel in time for lunch and an afternoon horseback ride.  The next day we checked out and moved into Torres del Paine National Park. 

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