Santiago de Chile is nestled in a bowl-shaped valley between the Andes Mountains and the Cordillera de la Costa (Chilean Coastal Range). Hidden among its office blocks and skyscrapers are some unique boutique hotels noted for their imaginative design and architectural flair. Most offer personal service that sets them apart from the business hotels that comprise many of the city’s accommodations.
## Discovering Santiago: A Luxurious Exploration of Boutique Hotels
Santiago, the vibrant capital of Chile, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and modern sophistication. For the discerning traveler seeking an unforgettable experience, the city boasts a collection of exceptional boutique hotels, each with its own unique charm and personality. Let’s embark on a journey to explore some of the finest accommodations Santiago has to offer, delving into their distinctive features and surrounding attractions.
**The Singular Santiago: Where Classic Meets Contemporary**
Prepare to be transported to a world of impeccable style and refined elegance at **The Singular**. Stepping into the decadent lounge bar, which also serves as the reception area, is akin to entering a flawlessly designed realm where classic aesthetics seamlessly merge with contemporary sensibilities. The crowning glory of this luxurious establishment is undoubtedly its rooftop infinity pool, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
**The Singular** features 62 meticulously designed rooms, categorized into three distinct options: the cozy Patio rooms, the Classic rooms with subtle Asian influences, and the remarkably spacious Singular rooms and Singular Suites. Regardless of your choice, expect a sophisticated neutral color palette complemented by fine fabrics, expansive windows that flood the space with natural light, and an unwavering emphasis on providing the utmost in creature comforts.
Each room is thoughtfully appointed with king-sized beds, ensuring a restful night’s sleep, as well as iPod docking stations compatible with both British and US AC power sockets, catering to the needs of international travelers. The Singular Suites take luxury to the next level, boasting not one but two marble-paneled bathrooms, each equipped with generously sized tubs, inviting guests to indulge in moments of pure relaxation.
Strategically located in the heart of Santiago’s trendiest neighborhood, **Barrio Lastarria**, **The Singular** places you amidst a vibrant tapestry of boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, bars, and cafés. However, a culinary experience at Restaurant **The Singular** is a must. Here, French-inspired dishes are masterfully recreated using the freshest, highest-quality seasonal produce sourced from throughout Chile.
For those seeking rejuvenation and wellness, the hotel’s spa offers a comprehensive range of relaxation treatments. The well-equipped gym is open 24 hours a day, catering to guests’ fitness routines. And, of course, no visit to **The Singular** is complete without ascending to the rooftop pool and bar, where you can soak in the stunning views of the snow-capped peaks that majestically surround Santiago. It’s the quintessential spot to savor a delightful sundowner, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
**Hotel Magnolia: A Seamless Fusion of History and Modernity**
Immerse yourself in the captivating blend of old and new at the **Hotel Magnolia**, Santiago’s first urban-design hotel situated in the city’s historic downtown area. This architectural gem seamlessly combines a 1920s neo-Gothic facade, reminiscent of a bygone era, with the sleek lines of modern design. Marvel at the original marble staircases and antique armoires, juxtaposed against the contemporary chequered black-and-white marble floors, steel-and-wire walkways, and ultra-modern light fixtures.
The **Magnolia** holds a special place in history as the former home of the daughter of one of Chile’s most prominent politicians. Today, it features a beautiful library, providing a tranquil space for reading and reflection, and a rooftop bar offering captivating views of **Santa Lucia Hill**.
The hotel’s 42 spacious rooms and suites are adorned with a calming neutral color scheme. Unique design elements include handcrafted headboards made from native woods, each meticulously painted with stunning Patagonian landscapes, bringing a touch of the region’s natural beauty into the heart of the city.
While the downtown Santiago area offers a plethora of dining options, the **Magnolia Kitchen**, housed within a glass-roofed atrium, is an experience in itself. Specializing in modern Chilean cuisine, the restaurant showcases innovative dishes such as hake with pumpkin puree and octopus with yellow chili sauce, tantalizing the taste buds with authentic flavors. The bar elevates Chile’s signature pisco sour cocktail with a creative twist, incorporating avocado and radish for a unique and refreshing taste. A carefully curated selection of wines from boutique vineyards further enhances the culinary experience.
**The Aubrey: A Tudor Mansion with Bohemian Flair**
Nestled at the foot of **San Cristóbal Hill**, **The Aubrey** stands as a testament to Santiago’s rich history and artistic spirit. This four-story, 1920s mock-Tudor mansion, once the residence of a renowned politician, holds the distinction of being Santiago’s first-ever boutique hotel. After a meticulous three-year restoration, **The Aubrey** reopened its doors in 2010, offering an intimate and personalized experience.
The hotel features 15 individually decorated rooms spread across two buildings, each showcasing its unique character and charm. Original features such as parquet floors, exposed beams, and grand wooden staircases have been carefully preserved, adding to the hotel’s authentic ambiance. From the spacious, monochrome Manarelli room to the loft rooms with their vibrant splashes of color, each space is designed to delight. The smaller yet equally luxurious Constitución and Pavilion rooms offer a cozy retreat, with the latter featuring captivating animal-themed murals created by local artists. Rain showers are a standard amenity, and one of the Pavilion rooms boasts an al fresco whirlpool tub on its private patio, perfect for unwinding under the stars.
**The Aubrey’s** prime location at the northeast corner of **Barrio Bellavista** is a major draw. Within a couple of blocks, you’ll find two of Santiago’s most iconic attractions: the historic 1925 funicular, which ascends steeply to the summit of San Cristóbal Hill, offering access to a cable car with breathtaking views of the sprawling metropolis below, and **La Chascona**, the whimsical former residence of Chile’s beloved Nobel laureate poet, Pablo Neruda. **Bellavista**, once the city’s red-light district, has transformed into Santiago’s bohemian enclave, brimming with vibrant nightlife, unique boutiques, and avant-garde galleries. For those eager to explore beyond the neighborhood, the nearest metro station is conveniently located just a few blocks south of the hotel.
**Hotel Ismael 312: Edgy Design with Park Views**
Located in the heart of **Barrio Lastarria**, the cultural and artistic hub, **Hotel Ismael 312** stands as an edgy design hotel offering captivating views of one of the city’s largest green spaces, **Parque Forestal**. This modern establishment is also conveniently located just steps away from several of Santiago’s top art galleries.
Behind the hotel’s striking stone-and-glass facade lies a collection of 44 contemporary, minimalist rooms, including a single suite. Floor-to-ceiling windows and the sparseness of furnishings create a sense of spaciousness and allow natural light to flood the interiors. The carefully chosen high-end furnishings, including excellent beds, leather sofas, and Valdes chairs at the desks, demonstrate a commitment to quality and attention to detail. All rooms feature private balconies, providing guests with their own outdoor sanctuary. While the standard rooms are compact, splurging on a room with a park view is highly recommended, offering a tranquil and picturesque backdrop.
The hotel’s design incorporates indigenous textiles in the common areas, adding a touch of local flair. A 3D map of Santiago’s districts, displayed on the lounge wall, resembles a captivating piece of abstract art. The service at **Hotel Ismael 312** is known for being slick and helpful, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay. The rooftop pool and bar provide stunning panoramic views of **Barrio Lastarria**, perfect for relaxation and socializing.
For art enthusiasts, **Hotel Ismael 312** is ideally located. Just two blocks west lies the **Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes** (fine art museum), showcasing a diverse collection of classical and contemporary works. For those seeking contemporary photography, art, and sculpture, the **Museo de Artes Visuales** (visual art museum) is a mere half-block away, while the **Museo de Arte Contemporaneo** (museum of contemporary art) can be easily reached via a short metro ride. Other major attractions, such as **Santa Lucia Hill**, are located just five minutes south, while the main **Plaza de Armas** and the **Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino** (pre-Columbian art museum) are a pleasant five-block walk west.
**Hotel Paris Londres: A Budget-Friendly Historical Gem**
Experience the charm of a bygone era at the affordable and atmospheric **Hotel Paris Londres**. Nestled on a pedestrian-only cobbled street in Santiago’s **Paris-Londres** neighborhood, located in the historic center, this hotel evokes the ambiance of a European capital city. A long-time favorite among budget travelers, this handsome building dates back to 1929 and offers 26 rooms.
Each room features high ceilings, parquet floors, and ample natural light streaming through large windows. Antique touches, such as gramophones, vintage cameras, and clocks, add to the hotel’s historical appeal. Some rooms offer en-suite bathrooms, while others share facilities.
Despite its historical setting, **Hotel Paris Londres** provides modern conveniences, including a reliable WiFi connection throughout the property (though it tends to be stronger in the common areas). A continental breakfast is served on the roof terrace, offering a delightful start to the day. With numerous dining options located within a few blocks, and easy access to public transportation (the main metro line is just two blocks away), the hotel is perfectly situated for sightseeing. **Santa Lucia Hill**, the main square, the presidential palace, and the city’s best museums are all within a short walking distance. While the staff’s English proficiency may vary, they are all eager to assist guests with information about nearby attractions and can arrange airport transfers and taxis.
**Le Rêve Boutique Hotel: Tranquility in Providencia**
Escape the city’s hustle and bustle at **Le Rêve**, an elegant, vine-covered 19th-century mansion located in a quiet enclave within the upmarket **Providencia** neighborhood. This tranquil retreat offers 31 rooms and suites, each tastefully decorated with marble-and-glass bathrooms, light-wood furniture, and charming lemon-striped wallpaper. Floor-to-ceiling French doors open onto either the peaceful street or the lush greenery-filled courtyard, while superior rooms and suites boast their own private balconies.
In keeping with its 19th-century, French-style mansion ambiance, **Le Rêve** exudes understated luxury. While the hotel does not have a pool or spa, it offers a delightful lounge with an honesty bar, perfect for enjoying pre-dinner drinks. The service is warm, personalized, and attentive. The excellent breakfast spread, served in the courtyard, includes made-to-order eggs, cereals, and fresh fruit, providing a delightful start to the day.
**Le Rêve’s** convenient location in eastern Santiago provides easy access to the embassies. A few restaurants and bars are within a short walk, and the vibrant restaurant scene of **Barrio Lastarria** and the nightlife of **Barrio Bellavista** are just four metro stops away.
**Hostal Boutique CasAltura: Colonial Charm in Santiago Centro**
Step back in time at **CasAltura**, a two-story colonial mansion dating back to the early 20th century. This historic building has been welcoming guests for nearly 40 years and is currently run by the fifth-generation descendant of the Lezaeta Roldan family, who originally occupied the home with their 14 children. This cavernous home boasts 19 rooms, offering a mix of double, triple, single, and dorm-style accommodations, with some rooms sharing bath facilities.
While the mansion has been thoroughly restored and modernized, it retains many original touches, such as polished parquet floors and antique rocking chairs, adding to its unique charm. The helpful, multilingual staff are delighted to provide sightseeing recommendations, and guests can enjoy comfortable common spaces, a tranquil roof terrace with shady seating areas, and a fully-equipped kitchen.
Located in **Santiago Centro**, the heart of the city, **CasAltura** is flanked by the park stretching along the **Mapocho River**, which bisects Santiago from east to west. The hostel is a short three-block walk north of the **Plaza de Armas**, the city’s main square. With attractions such as the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art and the **Presidential Palace of La Moneda** just a short stroll away, as well as numerous cafés and restaurants, **CasAltura** is an excellent base for exploring Santiago’s historical and cultural landmarks. The nearest metro station is two blocks west of the hostel, providing easy access to attractions further afield.
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