Redeveloped Meat Refrigeration Plant now a Luxury Hotel Celebrates 100 Years

A former meat refrigeration plant now a luxury hotel celebrates the building's 100 year anniversary in 2015.

The Singular Hotel in Chilean Patagonia is an architectural masterpiece, constructed on the site of a former meat refrigeration plant on the scenic shores of Last Hope Sound, just 5km north of Puerto Natales, the gateway town to Torres del Paine National Park.

The luxury hotel gets its inspiration from - and retains parts of - the original abandoned structure, and was built in what is now called post-Victorian Industrial style. The lofty ceilings, pieces of restored machinery and small museum keep alive the memory of when the sheep was king in the early 20th century. A modern wing of huge, glass-fronted guest rooms overlooking the waterfront is attached to the main building. Décor and furnishings are the epitome of understated good taste; with discreet Patagonian motifs featured around the property and recall contemporary loft living. There is a heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool, saunas and steam room, and a medley of massage services are offered. The restaurant presents a menu that showcases unusual local ingredients such as white strawberries as well as regional stalwarts king crab and Magellan lamb.

Guests are offered a true outdoor Patagonian experience; there is a choice of 20 excursions into the national park and around, with guided trekking, kayaking, biking and birdwatching.

A 2-night stay in November 2014 costs from £1,807pp. The price includes flights, return transfers from Punta Arenas airport, full board and excursions. Prices are subject to availability.

Four other quirky hotel buildings in Latin America are:

Hotel Quinta Real: A former bullring located in colonial Zacatecas, Mexico. The last bullfight was held in 1979 It was converted into a hotel in 1989.

Canopy Tower Hotel: A former radar tower located close to Panama City. It's jungle location makes it the ideal for bird watching, rooms are at canopy level.

La Purificadora: A former 19th century water-purifying factory now a contemporary boutique hotel. Located in colonial Puebla, near Mexico City, the city is famed for its food and is  where the recipe for mole poblano (chocolate and chilli sauce) originated.

Luna Salada: This small, isolated and utterly magical hotel, built entirely of salt blocks, overlooks the spectacularly surreal Uyuni salt flats (Bolivia) from a low bluff – giving an impression of being on the edge of another planet.