Barrio París-Londres

Santiago accommodations

Santiago accommodations welcome you to a destination nicknamed “Santi”.

Santiago known for: scenic mountainous backdrop, ski resorts (approx. 2-hours eastward), beaches (approx. 2 hours westward), cable cars, squares, plazas, parques (parks), gardens, hills, fountains, statues, museums, theaters, shopping malls, markets, vineyards, Catholic churches

Santiago is located at about the mid-point of the narrow and elongated coastal South American country of Chile. Environed by ski slopes, beaches and more, the greater Santiago area offers a unique day-trip landscape. Found near Santiago’s eastern border, the Andean Mountain Range (Andes Mountains) runs north-to-south for as much as 5,500 miles, with a maximum width of 430 miles, and peaks at 22,838 feet (Aconcagua, Mendoza, Argentina). The world’s longest continental mountain range, The Andes is home to the Andean condor (Chile’s national bird). Westward at the coast, the Humboldt Current creates one of the world’s greatest marine ecosystems, with marine species to include blue whales, humpback whales, orcas and dolphins. Along the coastline one may spot Humboldt penguins, South American sea lions and / or Peruvian boobies (bird!). Sourced by the Andes, The Mapocho River flows through central Santiago and divides the city into two districts. Santi’s outer ring road, Route 70 encircles the city for 40 miles and is also known as CH-70, Ruta 70 and Avenida Circunvalación Américo Vespucio.

Santiago main attractions: Cenco Costanera (shopping mall), Plaza de Armas de Santiago (central square – statues, stately buildings), Parque Arauco. (shopping mall), Mallplaza Egaña (shopping mall), Parque Bicentenario (green space – dog agility course, playground, sports / picnic areas, walking paths), Fantasilandia (amusement park), Santiago Central Market, Movistar Arena (concert hall), Parque Metropolitano de Santiago (expansive park – cable cars, zoo, forest, statues, pools), Araucano Park (rose gardens, basketball / tennis, playground, skate park), Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Pradanos (stadium), Parque Quinta Normal (green space, museums, paddle boats, children’s fountain, food vendors), Plaza Ñuñoa (open-air restaurants/bars, fountains), Reyes Park (sports fields, skatepark, pool, flea market, arts center), Centro Comercial Apumanque (shopping mall), Parque Padre Hurtado (large park, bike paths, mini-golf, skating rink, amphitheater, cafeteria), Mall Barrio Independencia (shopping mall), Gabriela Mistral Cultural Centre, La Fábrica Patio Outlet (shopping mall), Golfo di Napoli Trattoria e Pizzeria (Italian restaurant), Parque Almagro (park, artwork, sculptures), Lo Valledor (produce market), National Zoo, Teatro Caupolican (performing arts theater), Parque Fluvial (riverfront park, paved paths, boat rentals, artificial lagoon, night-time light shows), Mercado Matadero (shopping mall), La Moneda Cultural Center (cultural center), Inés de Suárez Park (fountains, table tennis, avenue of palms, jogging, dog walking), Mercado la Vega (fresh food market), National Museum of Fine Arts (art museum), Museum of Memory & Human Rights (local history museum), Juan Pablo II Park (green space, pond, fountain, playground, sculptures), Fuente Mardoqueo (restaurant), Municipal Theatre of Santiago (performing arts theater – built 1857), National Museum of Natural History, Los Buenos Muchachos (Chilean restaurant), Cerro San Cristóbal (tourist attraction), Parque Bicentenario de Cerrillos (elongated green space, playgrounds, picnic tables, artificial lake, kayaking), Open Plaza Kennedy (shopping mall), Parque Bustamante (green space, bike paths, exercise equipment, literary café, skate park), Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art (ethnographic museum), Drugstore Boulevard (shopping mall), Constitution Place (palace-front square, paved / grass sections, military parades, civic monuments), Club Hípico de Santiago (horse racecourse founded 1869), Bicentenario de la Infancia Park, Pedro de Valdivia Metropolitan Park, National Aerospace Museum (national museum), Santa Laura Stadium, Centro Cultural Matucana 100 (cultural center), Gruta de Lourdes (Catholic grotto inaugurated 1908), Sanctuary on San Cristóbal Hill (Catholic church), Las Pipas de Einstein (wine store), Church of the Blessed Sacrament (Catholic church)

Bordering / surrounding Santiago points of interest: Parque Orione (Chinese park), Mallplaza Oeste (shopping mall), Templo Votivo de Maipu (Catholic church), Aviva Santiago (water park), Tactical Sport Chile (paintball center), Hacienda Chicureo Club (golf club), Manquehuito Mountain (nature preserve), Hacienda Santa Martina (golf club), Outlife Parque RKF El Durazno (bike park), Santuario de la Naturaleza El Arrayán (nature park, picnic spots, BBQs, hiking / mountain biking trails), Mampato Lo Barnechea (children’s amusement park), Parque Natural San Carlos de Apoquindo (national park, hiking, mountain biking, mountain views), Los Dominicos Craft Centre (handicraft fair), Parque Natural Aguas de Ramón (forested park, trails, scenic views, hanging bridges, waterfalls, education center), Templo Bahá’í de Sudamérica (Bahá’í house of worship), Parque Natural Quebrada de Macul (nature preserve, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, Andean foxes), Cenco Florida (shopping mall), Estadio Bicentenario de La Florida (stadium), Mall Plaza Tobalaba (shopping mall), Buin Zoo

Santiago main airport: Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (Santiago Airport)

Airport car rental agencies: Chilean Rent A Car

Rideshare service: Uber

Rapid transit system: Santiago Metro

Santiago-area ski resorts (1.5 / 2-hour drive eastward): Valle Nevado, La Parva, Lagunillas del Cajón del Maipo

Santiago-area beaches (1.5 hours westward): Playa El Quisco, El Canelillo (popular white-sand beach – pine forest, swimming, sunbathing), Playa Canelo Canelillo, Playa Grande Las Cruces

Santiago top events: Santiago a Mil International Theatre Festival, Santiago International Film Festival, Lollapalooza Chile, Fiestas Patria (Chilean Independence Day), New Year, Santiago Marathon

More fun things: Valparaiso & Valley Tour, Mountain Tour, Wine Tour

Winners of 33 Primera División de Chile titles and 13 Copa Chile titles, Colo-Colo is the city’s top football club, while Universidad Católica and Club Universidad de Chile are the two other professional clubs. When in Santiago, keep in mind that English is not widely understood outside of tourist areas. Chileans tend to be patriotic, and are known to be honest verbally, sometimes even brutally. Aside from New Years, drinking in public places, such as streets or squares, is illegal. Like in Barcelona, dinner can be late, sometimes as late as 11pm. As USDs are seldom accepted in establishments, it’s a good idea to exchange your currency for Chilean Pesos. Santiago’s crime rate is relatively low, though pickpocketing is known to occur. Not far outside the city, some of the world’s largest copper mines operate continuously. As such, air quality can be poor at times. In Santiago, cars travel on the right-hand side and the drinking age is 18 years old. Santiago accommodations are some of South America’s best. Before we get to Santiago accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along way.

Around 10,000 BC, nomadic hunter-gatherers from the Pacific coast are thought to have arrived at the Santiago basin. Permanent settlements were not established until around 800 AD, when maze, potatoes and beans started being cultivated along the Mapocho River. From the late 1400s to early 1500s, the area’s Picunche and Promaucae peoples were ruled by The Incas, who established mitimas, or forced resettlement areas, in the center of present-day Santiago. It is believed that the Santiago area, which was a junction along the 25,000-mile long Qhapaq Ñan (pre-Columbian, Andean road system), served as a respite base for failed southerly Inca expeditions. On December 13, 1540, Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia arrived in the Mapocho valley from Peru. Valdivia began interacting with the Picunche people on behalf of Spain’s Charles IV. The city of Santiago del Nuevo Extremo was founded on February 12, 1541 in honor of Spain’s patron saint, the Apostle James the Great. Near Huelén, which Valdivia renamed Santa Lucía, a grid plan was designed by soldier and master builder Pedro de Gamboa. Plaza Mayor, the town’s central hub, was to be developed along with a cathedral (eventual Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral), a jail and the royal governor’s house. Forming the city’s street grid, eight blocks were constructed from north-to-south, along with ten blocks from east-to-west. Chilean colonial architecture became characteristic along the streets. On September 11, 1541, following Valdivia’s departure to the south in order to initiate the Arauco War, the Mapuche chief Michimalonco destroyed most of Santiago del Nuevo Extremo. However, Mapuche and Picunche warriors ultimately retreated thanks to Spanish conquistadora and Valdivia’s mistress Inés de Suárez. Leading the defense from within the city’s fort, Suárez ordered the execution of all indigenous prisoners, and the displaying of their heads (some of which were thrown at the indigenous attackers) on pikes. Suárez’s beheading tactics caused the natives to flee in fear. Thereafter, Santiago was slowly rebuilt, while the new city of Concepción took over briefly in terms of political prominence. The Arauco War, along with frequent earthquakes, delayed Santiago’s overtaking of the political arena. In 1607, the establishment of the Royal Court in Santiago solidified the city as a capital. Food and clothing shortages plagued the city in its early years. Dog, cat, seal lion and fox hides would have to suffice as clothing for some Spaniards. Indigenous attacks, earthquakes and floods continued to hamper the city, but Santiago proved resilient. The city’s first cathedrals were built from 1561-1572, around which time other significant buildings were constructed and tens of thousands of livestock were introduced to the surrounding fertile lands. An earthquake, a smallpox epidemic and flooding created further adversity during the 16th and 17th centuries. Once again, the city pressed onward, with Plaza de Armas established as Chile’s focal point. Constructed in 1767 by Luis Manuel de Zañartu, Calicanto Bridge, which crossed the Mapocho River on the city’s northside, provided a connection to La Chimba. Zañartu also built embankments to help with flooding. Palacio de La Moneda, designed by Italian architect Joaquín Toesca, began construction in 1784, and was completed in 1805. Following the deposition and imprisonment of Spain’s King Ferdinand VII by Napoleon Bonaparte, the September 18, 1810 First Government Junta of Chile was organized to establish post-colonial rule in Chile. The Chilean War of Independence (1812-1827) between Patriots and Royalists, ultimately resulting in a Patriot victory, proved challenging for Santiago. Significant Santiago-area battles during this time were the Battle of Rancagua, the Battle of Chacabuco and the Battle of Maipú, respectively. Following the War, Chilean Independence leader Bernardo O’Higgins became Supreme Director, or Head of State. O’Higgins, during the Patria Nueva (New Fatherland) era, reopened institutions, built the city’s largest cemetery (General Cemetery), completed the San Carlos Canal and converted a southerly drying riverbed into Alameda de las Delicias, the city’s main avenue. From 1820 to 1864, Santiago’s population grew from 46,000 to 69,018, and by 1865 it had reached 115,337. Academic institutions, including the University de Chile, parks and museums were founded during the ensuing Republican era. Connecting communication from Santiago to the Port of Valparaíso, the area’s first telegraph system was inaugurated circa 1851. On September 14, 1857, the first railway arrived in the city, terminating at present-day Alameda. From 1940 to 1960, the city’s population increased from 952,075 to 1,907,378. Gran Torre Costanera, South America’s tallest building, was completed in 2013.

Today, Santiago is home to around 6.2 million santiaguinos (males) and santiaguinas (females). People in Santiago speak Chilean Spanish, which is different than regular Spanish, especially when it comes to slang. English and German are also spoken, but it might be best to learn at least a few Chilean Spanish words / phrases such as cachai?, or “do you understand?”. The world’s second-longest country from north-to-south behind only Brazil, Chile spans just 217 miles east-to-west compared to 2,670 miles north-to-south. The city of Santiago sits at the center of the Santiago Basin, which is flush with fertile land. In the distance, the snow-capped Andes Mountain range can make for impressive, dramatic scenery. Chile’s capital and industrial and financial center, Santiago generates about 45% of the country’s GDP. Santi enjoys a semi-arid climate with Mediterranean patterns. High summer temperatures range in the 90s degrees Fahrenheit while winter highs stay in the 50s. Snowfall is rare. Additional points of interest include Gran Torre Costanera (skyscraper), Torre Entel (TV tower), Titanium La Portada (skyscraper), Barrio Bellavista (skyscraper), Edificio Ariztía (downtown building), Paseo Ahumada (downtown retail street), Sanhattan (financial district), Santa Lucía Hill, Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago, Church of Santo Domingo, La Moneda Palace (presidential building), National Library of Chile, National Historical Museum, Contemporary Art Museum of Santiago, Central Post Office Building and Universidad de Chile. Local foods include empanadas, pastel de choclo (corn casserole pie with meat stuffing), chacarero (steak sandwich), curanto (seafood, meat and vegetable stew), caldillo de congrio (fish stew), the completo (a type of hot dog), alfajores (cookies) and sopaipilla (fried dough). Popular drinks are wine, pisco (brandy), piscola (Chile’s national drink, pisco, Coca-Cola), pisco sour (grape brandy, lime juice, sugar, egg whites), terremoto (strong and sweet, fermented white wine, local brandy, pineapple ice cream), borgoña (holiday drink, chilled red wine, strawberries) and mote con huesillos (non-alcoholic peach drink). With some background information on the area, we’re ready for Santiago accommodations that will help make for an outstanding experience.

Hotel Cumbres Lastarria

José Victorino Lastarria 299, Downtown Santiago

National Museum of Fine Arts | Museum of Visual Arts | Parque Forestal

Hotel amenities: restaurant, outdoor pool, fitness center, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, safety deposit boxes, luggage storage, meeting & laundry facilities

Nearby restaurants / bars: Chipe Libre (fine dining restaurant), Holy Moly (restaurant), Bocanáriz (Chilean restaurant), Papachecos Barrio Lastarria (restaurant), Buffalo Waffles (restaurant), Le Bistrot Viet (restaurant), The Singular Restaurant, Bajo Llave (restaurant), El Diablito (restaurant), PIZZABELLA (pizza restaurant), Hao Hwa Restaurant (Chinese restaurant), Red Pub (bar & grill), Liguria (bar), Bar Berri (bar)

Nearby misc.: Wonderland Café, Lastarria Café, Bloom Specialty Coffee (café), Santiago Wine Club (wine store), Brussels Heart of Chocolate (chocolate café), Emporio La Rosa (ice cream shop), Sakumu (tea house), Cine Arte El Biógrafo (movie theater), Teatro Ictus (performing arts theater), Galería Montegrande (art gallery), Palacio Bruna (palace), Plaza Mulato Gil de Castro (scenic spot)

Within feet:

- - National Museum of Fine Arts
  - Museum of Visual Arts
  - Parque Forestal
  - Gabriela Mistral Cultural Centre

Within 1.3 miles:

- - San Cristobal Hill

Within 2.1 miles:

- - Movistar Arena

Within 54 miles:

- - Club Aéreo San Felipe

Hotel Cumbres Lastarria is 11 miles from Santiago Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $179

Hotel Boutique Bidasoa

Avenida Vitacura 4873, Vitacura

Open Plaza Kennedy | Araucano Park

Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, free parking

Nearby restaurants / bars: Restaurant Bidasoa, Casa Sanz (restaurant), The Crust (hamburger restaurant), Club Gordos Vitacura (bar & grill), El Honesto Mike – Vitacura (bar)

Nearby misc.: Dios Mio Café – Sound Space (espresso bar), Damien Mercier (chocolate shop)

Within feet:

- - Open Plaza Kennedy (shopping mall)
  - Araucano Park

Within 1.9 miles:

- - Sky Costanera

Within 4 miles:

- - La Chascona Casa Museo

Hotel Boutique Bidasoa is 12 miles from Santiago Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Junior Suite): $650

The Singular

Merced 294, Downtown Santiago

Gabriela Mistral Cultural Centre | Plaza Baquedano

Hotel amenities: restaurant, breakfast, outdoor pool, city views, spa, wellness center, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-bars, tour desk, luggage storage, meeting facilities

Also in the area: Hotel Cumbres Lastarria

Within feet:

- - Gabriela Mistral Cultural Centre
  - Plaza Baquedano (Plaza Italia)
  - Museum of Visual Arts
  - National Museum of Fine Arts
  - Santa Lucia Hill

Within 2.1 miles:

- - Santiago Cable Car
  - Movistar Arena

Within 2.2 miles:

- - Museo de la Memoria Santiago

Within 5.9 miles:

- - Museo Interactivo Mirador

The Singular Santiago is 11 miles from Santiago Airport.v

Approximate cost per night: $495

Orly Suites

Av. Pedro de Valdivia 200, Providencia

Vapiano

Suite amenities: terraces, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, kitchenettes, laundry facilities

Also in the area: Solace Hotel Santiago

Within feet:

- - Vapiano (Italian restaurant)
  - Costanera Center

Within 1.6 miles:

- - Plaza Baquedano

Within 2.4 miles:

- - Plaza de Armas

Orly Suites is 19 minutes from Santiago Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $87

Solace Hotel Santiago

Monseñor Sotero Sanz 115, Providencia

Providencia District | Hard Rock Cafe Santiago

Hotel amenities: restaurant, daily breakfast, seasonal outdoor pool, city views, terrace, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, 24-hour front desk, free private parking

Nearby restaurants / bars: Vapiano Pedro de Valdivia (Italian restaurant), La Pizza Nostra (Italian restaurant), Lomit’s (restaurant), La Mechada Nacional (restaurant), Zago’s Sushi & Wok (sushi restaurant), Zuca’s Pizzería (restaurant), El Huerto (vegetarian restaurant), Pipiolo (bar & grill), KrossBar Orrego Luco (bar)

Nearby misc.: Teatro Oriente (performing arts theater)

Within feet:

- - Providencia District
  - Hard Rock Café Santiago
  - Costanera Center
  - Santiago Cable Car
  - San Cristobal Hill

Within 1.2 miles:

- - La Chascona

Within 1.4 miles:

- - Patio Bellavista

Within 1.9 miles:

- - Parque Bicentenario

Within 2 miles:

- - Santa Lucia Hill

Solace Hotel Santiago is 14 miles from Santiago Airport.

Approximate cost per night (King Suite): $239

Hotel Boutique Castillo Rojo

Constitucion 195

La Chascona | Restaurant Viva La Vida | Ay Lupita | Santiago Metropolitan Park | Santa Lucia Hill

Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, free Wi-Fi, bathrobes, slippers, free parking

Nearby restaurants / bars / pubs: Jardín Mallinkrodt (bar & grill), Selvado (restaurant), Cachapas Maracay (restaurant), La Vermutería Bella (restaurant), Tukán Tropical Garden (restaurant), Güeros (Mexican restaurant), Chilean Brunch (Chilean restaurant), Casa Nómada (gastropub), Siete Negronis (bar), Arcade Bar, Anima (cocktail bar)

Nearby misc.: Club Chocolate (disco club), club57 (disco club – ), Terrazas San Cristóbal (food court), Camilo Mori Square (park), Teatro Mori Bellavista (performing arts theater), Teatro San Ginés (performing arts theater), Theater Tables (performing arts theater), Elite Bartender Chile (bartender school), Zona Latina (television studio)

Within feet:

- - La Chascona (museum)
  - Restaurant Viva La Vida (Chilean restaurant)
  - Ay Lupita (Mexican restaurant)
  - Santiago Metropolitan Park (expansive urban park)
  - Santa Lucia Hill (urban park / historical monument)

Within 1 mile:

- - Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago

Within 1.2 miles:

- - University of Chile

Hotel Boutique Castillo Rojo is 21 minutes from Santiago Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $139

Hostal Boutique Casa La Barca

Ricardo Matte Pérez 0366, Providencia

Plaza José Manuel Barros

Hostel amenities: terrace, garden, continental / buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception

Nearby: Emporio Don Nicolás (restaurant), Ludum Bar (bar & grill), Cafe Vincent

Within feet:

- - Plaza José Manuel Barros
  - Plaza Italia
  - Baquedano Metro Station

Within 1.3 miles:

- - Santa Lucia Hill

Within 1.8 miles:

- - Museum of Pre-Columbian Art

Within 30 miles:

- - Los Corrales Ski Lift

Hostal Boutique Casa La Barca is 12 miles from Santiago Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $163

Hostal Sol y Luna

Comuna Pudahuél, Diagonal Norte 8908

Plaza Víctor Jara

Hostel amenities: restaurant, free Wi-Fi, hairdryers, free private parking, shuttle service for an extra fee

Within feet:

- - Plaza Víctor Jara (park)

Within 1.6 miles:

- - Plaza Unidad Vecinal

Within 2.5 miles:

- - Parque Waldo Taff

Within 5 miles:

- - Yungay Square

Hostal Sol y Luna is 4 miles from Santiago Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $79

Hotel Casa Real

Camino Padre Hurtado 695

Viña Santa Rita

Hotel amenities: 2 restaurants, outdoor swimming pool, garden / pool views, fitness center, neoclassical style, wine activities / tastings, free parking

Nearby: Doña Paula Restaurant, Empanadas Belén (restaurant), Viña Santa Catalina (vineyard), Bodega 120 patriotas (wine store), La Panaderia (café), Almacen “Rikitin” (grocery store), Museo Andino (museum)

Within feet:

- - Viña Santa Rita (vineyard)

Within 5 miles:

- - Buin Zoo

Within 8 miles:

- - Lomas de San Vicente

Within 9 miles:

- - Plaza El Bosque

Within 10 miles:

- - Plaza San Vicente

Hotel Casa Real – Viña Santa Rita is 31 miles from Santiago Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $911

Hotel Boutique Le Reve

Orrego Luco 023 , Providencia

Costanera Center | Santiago Cable Car

Hotel amenities: terraces, seasonal French-inspired courtyard under fruit trees, stylish décor, upholstered chairs, rich burgundy fabrics, delicate watercolors, cream-colored carpeted floors, elegant wall moldings, flat-screen TVs, mini-bars, complimentary snacks, continental breakfast, currency exchange, ATM, babysitting services, private parking, private entrances, airport shuttle service

Also in the area: Solace Hotel Santiago

Within feet:

- - Costanera Center
  - Santiago Cable Car
  - Hard Rock Café Santiago

Within 1 mile:

- - San Cristobal Hill

Within 1.4 miles:

- - La Chascona

Within 1.5 miles:

- - Patio Bellavista

Hotel Boutique Le Reve is 14 miles from Santiago Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $234

Nest Paris-Londres

50 Londres