If you are in enamored with the American West, you'll love your stay at this quaint B&B. You will feel at home In this beautifully decorated lodging with each room displaying its own personality. Jorge and Veronica are wonderful hosts who share with their guests their love of the region's history. Jorge , an avid student of Pategonia's land and culture, is the photographer of several published books of the area.

Dick Smart

We stayed at Canela for 5 nights and it was fantastic! This was our first stop in Patagonia and we were treated to a beautiful room, sparkling clean bathroom, and more delicious breakfast than we could eat! But much more importantly, our hosts were born and raised in Patagonia and will share their stories and histories if you want to learn it! Jorge is an accomplished photographer and author, and he knows the history of Patagonia backwards and forwards. There is a lovely living room area for the guests filled with books and photos of the area. Veronica was raised on a sheep estancia and she provides some of her grandmother's cake recipes for breakfast (along with fresh fruit, cereal, toast, croissants etc) and will help you with any plans for shopping, eating, and places to visit.
Our main goal was fishing, and Jorge had it set up for our guide to come to the house and meet us soon after we arrived. When we left, we forgot our fishing boots... and they had them sent by bus to our next destination so we were ready for the next day's fishing!
When we return to Patagoina, we will retrun to Canela!

After spending close to three weeks at several beautiful hosterias and hotels from San Martin de los Andes to El Bolson, we were ready to get home. What we found in Esquel at Hosteria Canela was a home away from home. We had a lovely room with an entrance at the side of the house, complete in every regard including an electric tea pot.

The morning we arrived in Esquel we had stopped by the station of the Old Patagonia Express; we hadn’t anticipated wanting to do it and had no reservation, and the only time we had (other than fishing) was that very afternoon. Unfortunately, it was booked up. Veronica, the owner of La Canela, offered to try to find us a spot. She did so, with an agency she knew of. When the tickets arrived we weren’t there, so she paid for them. A few days later she booked us on the all-day lake cruise. She acted as if these services were normal, and I think for her they are.

Then there was Jorge, her husband. He is a photographer, and in our room was this amazing photograph that could have been taken in the 1880s west. The contrast between light and dark were stunning, and I remarked on it, asking if it was available for sale. Before we left I was presented with a copy. Jorge had found the negative and taken it down to a studio to duplicate! He wouldn’t even allow me to pay the charge for making it.

One last thing – many of the hosterias, including Canela, wouldn’t take credit cards, and wanted a deposit to hold the room (it was early January, the highest of the high season). I found out it was very expensive to send money by Western Union, and asked Veronica what to do. She said not to worry, that she would trust us (and have scones waiting for us when we arrived). I used her reply in emails to other hosterias, and none of them required us to send the deposit.

In addition to all, Jorge and Veronica are very interesting people, whom we hope to see again and call friends.

The Canela is a B & B (approx 120 pesos) situated about 15 minutes walk from the centre of Esquel, amongst a variety of cabañas and residential homes.

You can easily walk into town, or take a taxi.

On arrival we were warmly welcomed by the owner Veronica, who is a lovely and bubbly lady, who pretty much makes your stay here.

We arrived late and Veronica greeted us outside and showed us to our section of the house (there are a number of rooms situated around the centre dining room). Each room area has its own access door and private bathroom.

We asked when we should be up for breakfast and Veronica assured us that breakfast would be served whenever we were ready...this was a major bonus after hotels rigid breakfast schedules, which do not cater for a lie in!

Breakfast is excellent, with juices, coffee, cereal, fruits, yoghurt, toast, baked goods and made to order omlete.

Such a welcoming atmosphere and one of the friendliest women you could ever meet, made this one of our favourite places ever!

If you are feeling a little ragged and homesick, this is the place to go and recharge your batteries.

NB. Veronica and her husband Jorge (also very nice, but is not involved in the day to day running of the B & B) speak flawless English and are a mine of information on all things Patagonia (Jorge is a renowned photographer, with many books to his name).