The Best Hotels in Chile

@afar
 on 2022.02.03
Multiple locations
16 Places
@afar
The best hotels in Chile provide guests with a unique sense of place. Palacio Astoreca blends in with the colorful mansions of Valparaíso, while Tierra Atacama is as otherworldly as its surroundings. For a local feel, book a room at La Rêve. Credit: Collected by AFAR Editors, AFAR Staff

"Le Rêve rises up like a dollhouse from a street lined with bars and restaurants in the leafy neighborhood of Providencia. Completely renovated in 2011, this pretty boutique hotel works on a B&B basis, the idea being that guests make the most of the surrounding eateries. However, tea, coffee, and snacks are always available, and there is an open kitchen so guests can poke their head in the fridge when peckish. This gives the hotel a unique, homey feel. Behind the white shuttered windows, communal areas include a lounge area with an honesty bar and a library stocked with international books. The dollhouse feel continues inside with details such as an elegant green velvet sofa, blue and white ceramics, and waitresses dressed in French maid outfits. Rooms are equipped with wireless Internet access."

Photo courtesy of Le Rêve, Santiago

The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago

Hotel · Monserrat

"Purpose-built as the first Ritz-Carlton in the Southern Cone, this Santiago hotel opened its doors in June 2003. When guests enter the impressive red-brick building, they are enveloped in a sense of occasion—paneled woodwork, ornately framed paintings, and staff dressed in suits and tuxes. All the trimmings delivered so well by the Ritz brand. Tradition is the name of the game, both in service and style. The rooms are classic, with touches of Latin America in the artwork. The bathrooms are a high point—large, decked out in marble, and stocked with indulgent Asprey amenities. One of the most striking design features is the domed glass roof that tops the hotel. The view of the Andes is fantastic from the rooftop, and the best part is a swimming pool, so you can swim surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Service is a strong point (not always a given in Chile ). You know you’re in good hands at the Ritz-Carlton."

Photo courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago

"A simple and stylish hotel in a converted 1920s townhouse, Lastarria Boutique Hotel opened in 2011 on a sleepy corner of its namesake Santiago neighborhood. The 14 bedrooms have an old-school feel with classic furniture and creaky parquet floors. Here you can get away from the city's hustle and bustle but still be within easy walking distance of the bars, restaurants, and galleries of Lastarria. The leafy internal courtyard with a small swimming pool has a “secret garden” feel and offers a nice dose of privacy in the city. A small terrace at one end is serviced by the Deli Lounge Restaurant and makes a fine spot for breakfast or afternoon tea. The 14 rooms were decorated with colonial times in mind, and the hotel as a whole reminds one of days gone by with its old floorboards, sash-covered windows, and dark wooden furniture. A perk for families: Lastarria Boutique Hotel offers childcare services."

Photo courtesy of Lastarria Boutique Hotel

The Aubrey

Permanently Closed

"The Aubrey sits at the edge of Barrio Bellavista, a few steps from Santiago ’s bottle-green 1925 funicular (which takes visitors up to Cerro San Cristóbal ) and just below the zoo (sometimes guests can hear the animals when they're lying by the pool). Open since 2010, this 15-bedroom boutique hotel is housed between two 1920s mansions built by the same architect. The larger of the two houses once belonged to famed Chilean railway magnate Domingo Durán. Today, the hotel is owned by a Brit and an Aussie who spent $3 million and several years transforming it into its current state. The bedrooms are split between the two mansions, and there's also an outside block housing a few pool suites. A cobbled terrace runs between the restaurant and piano bar. The interiors are inspired by the early 20th-century art deco movement and feature statement art deco furniture, printed fabrics, and elaborate wallpaper."

Photo courtesy of The Aubrey

Ismael Hotel

Hotel · Monserrat

"Overlooking a quiet, cobbled street and the leafy Parque Forestal—a charming city park inspired by its Parisian counterparts—this modern boutique hotel opened in October 2013, becoming one of the latest additions to Santiago ’s bohemian Lastarria neighborhood. There are many more hotels opening in this burgeoning “barrio,” including the Singular Santiago, which opened its doors in October 2014. Guest rooms in this tall, thin building are spread throughout nine floors, while communal areas include a basement restaurant, street-level café and lounge, and rooftop terrace with great views of Cerro San Cristóbal, as well as a modest-sized pool. With its monochrome color scheme and modern artwork, Ismael 312 wouldn’t look out of place in New York's Meatpacking District. The original artwork includes a stylized map in the entrance lobby, and a mural by Chilean artist Ramuntcho Matta, which creeps up the wall from the lobby, spreading up all nine floors. Breakfast is continental with croissants and coffee, plus a good assortment of newspapers. Tables spill out onto the patio, so guests can watch the world go by."

Photo courtesy of Hotel Ismael 312

"The Singular Santiago Owned by a Chilean family with Swiss origins, the Singular Santiago was a new addition to the charming streets of Barrio Lastarria in October 2014. The hotel brings a sense of style to this traditionally bohemian neighborhood. When guests open the brass-handled doors, they're greeted by an elegant concierge bearing a box of chocolates. The lobby leads to the Merced Bar, which is decorated with stylized French paintings. Built from scratch, the Singular Santiago took more than two years to construct. It now stands tall with wonderful roof-terrace views of both Cerro San Cristóbal and Cerro Santa Lucía. The roof terrace features Santiago's essential sundowner bar (open midday to midnight), as well as an outdoor swimming pool and chaise lounges. A French feel runs through the hotel: the Singular Santiago delivers a sense of formality and occasion—even in the way breakfast is served à la carte."

Photo courtesy of The Singular Santiago

W Santiago

Hotel · Monserrat

"The W Santiago is where the cool kids stay. Which other hotel would dare to have a sign reading “WHATEVER” at the entrance? Since opening in 2009, the hotel has earned a strong following, both from locals and visitors. Dimly lit with a color scheme of purples, greens, and black, the rooms are modern, with full-length windows overlooking the city. Located in Santiago’s financial district, officially known as El Golf, the W is part of a large skyscraper (hotel reception is on the fourth floor) filled with restaurants and shops. The 196 rooms reach to the 21st floor, and the W has arguably the best roof terrace in town (Hotel Noi Vitacura being a close contender). The roof terrace has an infinity pool, knockout city views, and a heli-pad for those who want to whiz off to wine country or hit the ski slopes in speedy style. By AFAR Traveler"

Photo courtesy of W Santiago

Viña Antiyal

Winery · Huelquén

"Antiyal began as a small plot of land when it was bought by Alvaro Espinoza and his wife Marina back in 1996. Hailing from a family of winemakers, Alvaro’s first priority was planting the vines. Grapes sowed, he set about building a house from adobe bricks and recycled materials, such as reclaimed Chilean alerce wood from houses or unused telegraph poles. A couple of decades later, Antiyal wine is exported to 16 countries worldwide, and the vineyard now stretches 52 acres (with a second plot a few miles down the road). The original family home has now been turned into a B&B that has guests immediately wanting to kick off their shoes, wander barefoot through the large garden, and jump in the pool. The terra-cotta roof, distressed French windows, and patio lined with wooden pillars (the telegraph poles) create a sense of history—even though the building is less than 20 years old. Outside, guests can laze in hammocks or enjoy meals at the long wooden table in the barbecue area. Marina, Alvaro, or one of their three sons pop in each morning to rustle up breakfast."

Photo by Gabriel O'Rorke

Noi Puma Lodge

Hotel · Cachapoal

"About a two-and-a-half hour drive from Santiago (or 30 minutes by helicopter), Puma Lodge is located in the Andean foothills near the Argentine border. The lodge is part of the Chilean-owned Noi hotel group, which also has properties in Patagonia, Atacama, Santiago, and more. Opened in 2011, Puma Lodge has a ski chalet feel, with wooden interiors and a large fireplace in the middle of the bar and lounge area. The 24 rooms are all the same category, and the design is simple and comfortable with touches such as colorful throws and local artwork. Many guests choose Puma Lodge for the heli-skiing, but there’s plenty on offer year-round and for the less intrepid traveler. Activities include hiking, horseback riding, or heading out for a picnic lunch by the river. There’s also an on-site spa, yoga studio, and wine cave. Outdoor hot tubs are great after skiing, and a swimming pool is a draw in the summer months."

Photo courtesy of Noi Puma Lodge

Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa

Hotel · San Pedro de Atacama

"Tierra Atacama A short drive outside the town of San Pedro de Atacama, Tierra Atacama has wonderful views of fields and Volvano Licancabur. The hotel is part of the Tierra hotel group owned by the Chilean-American Purcell family (who also own Tierra Patagonia, Tierra Chiloé, and Ski Portillo). The property originally served as a cattle corral, but Chilean landscape artist Teresa Moller has transformed the grounds, preserving the ancient algarrobo and chañar trees and restoring the adobe walls. The bedrooms are decorated in natural colors, with local touches like ceramics marching along the sills of the extra-large windows. Animal-skin rugs and alpaca throws provide a touch of warmth for the cool desert nights. You can see the incredible silhouette of Volcano Licancabur from all the rooms, but the Poniente rooms are slightly larger and have better views. There is a friendly communal vibe at the hotel, and upon arrival guests meet with the head guide in the main lounge to choose from the range of group activities on offer each day."

Photo courtesy of Tierra Atacama

"The first luxury lodge to come to Chile ’s second biggest island, Tierra Chiloé opened in 2012 and became a member of the Tierra hotel group in 2014. Designed by Chilean architect Patricio Browne, the hotel looks like a boat on stilts and was inspired by the homes of local fishermen, which take the same form and are known as palafitos . The exterior is made from picturesque larch wood shingles—a building technique that’s very typical on Chiloé and is seen on the famous UNESCO World Heritage churches that dot the islands. Inside, guests find more wood. The hotel’s wood walls and ceilings are made from indigenous species . The decorations are locally inspired with plenty of handicrafts such as wicker baskets, handwoven rugs, and wooden carvings. The focal point is the meadow and Reloncaví Sound below, where the hotel’s boat is harbored. Large windows line the building on both floors and provide excellent views. Guests can relax in a small spa, a winetasting room, or a book-filled upstairs studio upstairs. The living room with fireplace makes a perfect spot for an end-of-day pisco sour."

Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa

Hot spring hotel · Aisén

"Reachable only by boat, Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa has incredible views of virgin forest, mountains, and water. The Aysén region is one of the least accessible, less touristy areas of Chile , and it’s really worth going the extra mile. The hotel was created by businessman Eberhard Kossmann, who in 1986 sailed with his family through the fjords south of Puerto Montt. He fell in love with this spot and by a stroke of luck was offered to buy the plot of land a few years later—and so began his first venture into tourism. Built from local wood, Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa sits alongside the Termas de Puyuhuapi (Puyuhuapi Hot Springs), and all the hotel’s hot water and heating is sourced from the thermal waters. Guests spend days exploring this beautiful part of Chile on excursions that range from hiking and kayaking to bird-watching and trips to glaciers. Evenings are spent soaking in the hot springs and relaxing in this picture-perfect wooden lodge on the waterfront."

Photo courtesy of Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa

Explora Rapa Nui

Hotel · Isla de Pascua

"Explora Rapa Nui sits on the southeastern side of Easter Island, roughly six miles from the main village of Hanga Roa. The modern lodge is made from stone and wood, with design features including curved roofs supported by dark wood stilts. Huge windows in both the communal areas and the bedrooms frame the views of coral tree–dotted pastures and ocean. The hotel’s interior features large white sofas and leather chairs in the Explorer’s Bar. The minimalist design of the bedrooms is softened with colorful throws. Located five hours' flying time from the coast of Chile , Easter Island is the world’s most remote inhabited island, and guests come here to explore. It’s not difficult to get around, as the island measures about 15 by 8 miles. Explora works on an all-inclusive basis, with daily excursions included in the rate. Activities range from trekking to cycling, swimming, horseback riding, and, of course, visiting the mysterious tall stone figures known as moai which are situated around the island and date back to the 13th century."

Photo courtesy of Explora Rapa Nui

Hotel Palacio Astoreca

Hotel · Valparaíso

"Built in the 1920s by a Croatian businessman, Palacio Astoreca underwent two years of refurbishment and restoration before opening its doors as a boutique hotel in 2012. The work was carried out to a meticulous degree, maintaining the original parquet floors, and adding splashes of color with art deco furniture and modern art, including one piece by Switzerland ’s Frédéric Clot. The stucco-and-brick mansion rises up from the streets of Chile ’s port city, Valparaíso, like a piece of red-and-white confectionary. A statement staircase winds up to the 23 rooms, some of which have stand-alone bathtubs. And the basement level is home to a small spa with an open-air, wood-fueled hot tub set alongside a living wall. The reception level and entrance hall open out onto a terrace where lunch, tea, and cocktails are served, allowing guests prime views over the hilly city and Pacific Ocean. There are quiet corners for those seeking a solitary moment, including a library and a piano bar, which comes to life in the evenings with live music."

Photo courtesy of Palacio Astoreca

andBeyond Vira Vira

Hotel · Pucón

"Why we love it: Adventure and creature comforts at the gateway to Patagonia The Highlights: - A spectacular setting near a lake and active volcano - Endless activities to enjoy in all seasons - An on-site cheese factory that supplies the farm-to-table restaurant The Review: Best known for its African safari camps, &Beyond has brought its signature adventurous spirit toChilewith this stunning Lake District lodge. The homeland of the Mapuche people, this part of the country—located at the gateway to Patagonia—is dotted by farmlands and villages set around Villarrica Lake, near an active volcano. It’s a wonderland of rainforests, natural lagoons, mountain foothills, and more, all of which guests of Vira Vira can explore with their dedicated guide. After a day spent trekking or horseback riding in the national park, taking a helicopter tour (from the lodge’s own helipad), skiing, fly fishing, mountain biking, dog sledding, or river rafting, retreat to the 54-acre estate, which boasts its own working farm, organic vegetable gardens, and cheese factory—so you know the meals in the restaurant are full of fresh, seasonal flavors. (The adjacent clubby bar stocks more than 1,000 different Chilean wines, so there’s plenty to pair with the gourmet dishes, too.) Unpack in one of the six suites, 12 villas, or the single-use, five-bedroom Hacienda, all with rustic-chic decor, natural textiles, and underfloor heating. Soothe weary muscles in one of the two hot tubs or with a treatment in the spa, then grab a glass of wine or a book from the library and settle into the main lounge, where oversized windows frame the otherworldly views."

Photo courtesy of andBeyond Vira Vira

"If there were ever a hotel with history, it’s the Singular Patagonia. Opened as a hotel in November 2011, the original building once served as a post-Victorian cold-storage factory built by the British in 1915 for the purpose of processing sheep’s wool and meat to be shipped back to England. Overlooking the waters of Last Hope Sound, the long, red-brick building is located just outside the town of Puerto Natales. After operating for almost 70 years as a factory, it was declared a national historic landmark before being transformed into a luxury hotel. History is by no means forgotten. The hallways are still stocked with brightly colored machinery—from steam condensers to boilers and forges—all stamped with the name of the British city in which they were built: Derby, Birmingham, London , or Glasgow. Designed by Chilean interior designer Enrique Concha and local architect Pedro Kovacic, the 57 bedrooms stretch along a new wing that was added to the original buildings, and these rooms are furnished with Victorian-inspired furniture."

Photo courtesy of The Singular Patagonia