Really interesting write up. I am not able to see the pictures. At any rate, we have been to Punta Arenas and stayed at that hotel before. Pretty basic and the only Spanish tv was an issue for George, but the food was good. Agree that Punta Arenas is nicer than Ushuaia though one of our favorite restaurants in the world is in Ushuaia.

I sort of feel like crossing the Drake Passage is part of the Antarctica experience though. We aren't bothered by rough seas. I do know that some people won't go to Antarctica due to the Drake, so this is a good option for them I suppose.