Paraguay – Hotel del Lago in San Bernardino

A Historical Hotel and Art Gallery Looking out Over Ypacarai Lake

Dec 8, 2008

The historical hotel of San Bernardino offers relaxation and culture, stylishly designed rooms radiate comfort and a gallery exhibits a changing selection of artworks.

Each year large numbers of Paraguayans flock to their "summer capital" of San Bernardino, where the sparkling blue lake of Ypacarai brings relief from the stifling Paraguayan summer heat. For the out of season vacationers San Bernardino offers an oasis of peace and quiet. In bustling summers or quiet winters, the historical "Hotel del Lago" is an attractive choice for accommodation throughout the year.

In the old neighbourhood of San Bernardino, along one of its shaded cobbled streets, historical Hotel del Lago fits in with the surroundings of large mansions and picturesque houses. Its location along the shore offers panoramic views over Ypacarai Lake and a refuge from the summer madness downtown.

In 1888 a German traveller, Guillermo Weiler, discovered San Bernardino, then a tiny hamlet only reachable by ferry from Aregua, on the west side of the lake. Realizing San Bernardino's potential he predicted it would become a major holiday destination, and he became one of San Bernardino's founding fathers. He constructed two hotels, a harbor, and initiated regular steamboat crossings of the lake. Under his supervision a hippodrome was built and he subsequently organized the first horse races in San Bernardino. In 1910, Weiler’s sons added a second floor, two towers and a new entrance on the other side of the hotel.

Although Hotel del Lago is no longer in the family's possession, the historical hotel has kept the pleasant ambience of the past, upgraded with the modern amenities. The reception, named after Guillermo Weiler, leads to an elegant restaurant with wooden floors and cabinets. Along its walls, Hotel Lago's history can be read from ancient black and white postcards and photographs. The adjacent "Cira Mocarda", named after a Paraguayan visual artist, has changing exhibitions with art works that are for sale. Outside the restaurant are a small pool and a large, secluded garden.

The bedrooms have single, double, triple or matrimonial beds. The low budget traveler has the option of sharing a room of four, paying a fixed price per bed. All rooms offer amenities like air conditioning, safes and wi-fi internet connection. The rooms are situated along a wide, cool veranda with lounge chairs and hammocks, offerings views over the lake. One of the towers contains a suite, "La Tigresa"; named after Hilda Ingenohl who was a French-German pilot, musician and nurse around 1900 and a frequent guest of the hotel. According to the story she was as wild and tender as a tigress, hence the name.

The website of Hotel del Lago contains information in Spanish and English, and gives additional information about prices and [organized] activities in San Bernardino and surroundings, like visiting indigenous communities where handicrafts are sold, or participating in workshops where artisans teach their crafts.

Cultural Activities in Paraguay

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