Chile's largest city is also a center of culture, business and cosmopolitanism. It has been around since the 16th century, when it was discovered by a Spanish Conquistador and has, in recent years, become of South America's most vibrant and successful metropolises.
Divided in two by the Mapocho River, you'll find that the east of the city differs from the west. The east is the more affluent side and this is where you'll find the best hotels. Las Condes is an upscale area where you'll find a few of the finest local luxury accommodations. These are typically located in grand buildings which reflect the city's love of contemporary architecture. If you're staying in Las Condes, you'll also be close the Leones Golf Club and only a fifteen-minute drive from the Comodoro Arturo Merino BenÃtez International Airport. But the pleasures of upscale hospitality begin only after your transfer from the airport, which most hotels will arrange for you. Expect to find places which have gone to considerable length to impress with contemporary elegance which includes all the marks of luxuriousness. From marble flooring and furnishings of rich, dark woods, to the fine linens and spacious rooms and suites, a luxury hotel in Santiago is one which will nourish your senses. Of course, where you stay may be a matter of taste. There are places that, while elegant, offer a more classical style, whereas many offer chic modern luxury that is warm while still in keeping with the local appreciation of art and design.
A view through floor to ceiling windows is not to be dismissed as a main attraction. This is a spectacular city which mesmerizes and some of the rooms and suites, especially those on the higher floors, will give you a marvelous view of this glittering, sprawling metropolis and its attractive buildings. Because the Andes flank the city to one side, you might just a have a view of this famous mountain range. A few of the hotels have rooftop pools, usually heated, which offer panoramic views of both the city and the mountains. At night, the rooftops of these places turn into vibrant bars where local cocktails are sipped and the dancing continues into the early morning. Ask at the front desk about excursions to the ski-resorts of the Andes, perhaps one near the famed Cerro El Plomo which is easily seen from many parts of the city. Many come to stay in the city for a night or two before heading into the mountains with their skis.
One of the pleasing things about visiting Santiago is the food, and the upscale hotels all offer excellent dining options. A few have more than one restaurant and you can enjoy anything from French and European dining, to the delicious local cuisine. Don't forget to try the local wines. Chilean wine has found a market across the globe and the nation is one of the most exciting producers of New World wines. You'll find your hotel restaurant many have wines from other nations, so you'll have that familiar Burgundy if you want it, but it would be a shame to miss out on a superb bottle which might very well have been created in Santiago.
For those who don't know the metropolis well, it's a good idea to book a tour of the city. Your front desk will be able to assist you with finding the right kind of tour. But it's just as easy to catch the metro and adventure out on your own to some of the famous landmarks and places of culture and heritage. Those with a Bohemian streak or a curiosity in the arts, would do well to head to Barrio Bellavista. This is the artists' area of the Santiago, where its celebrated creatives can be found enjoy a vibrant cafe culture and art scene. You can, if you want, visit the house of Pablo Neruda who is widely known and loved. He is possibly Chile's most celebrated poet and his works, like the nation's wine, have found a place of in the hearts of many discerning folk across the globe.
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Fri, Jan 27 - Sunny
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Min : 10°C (50°F)
Sat, Jan 28 - Sunny
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Sun, Jan 29 - Sunny
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