Santiago is the beating heart of Chile. Over 40% of Chileans call this vibrant and cosmopolitan city their home, with its elegant colonial architecture, burgeoning arts scene and top-of-the-range restaurants. Framed by the snowcapped peaks of the Andes, Santiago makes the ideal destination for a city break. The choice of accommodation is broad; our collection of the best places to stay in Santiago range from chic boutiques to colonial style townhouses - and a winery.

Santiago's delightful streets teem with designer shops, handicraft markets, art galleries and fabulous gourmet restaurants. For Santiago is a shopper's paradise. At La Costanera, the tallest building in South America, you will find a gigantic shopping mall full of luxury brands; at the Central Market, a gourmet's mecca, you will come across stalls selling everything from rare objets d'art to regional wines, while at La Vega Market you can buy custard apples and delicious Chilean seaweed.

Be sure to wander through the Bellavista neighbourhood, one of the trendiest places in the city. This bohemian district brims with exhibition halls, jewellery shops, museums and theatres, while it also boasts the Cerro San Cristobal, the largest green space in the city, home to the national zoo and botanical gardens.

At the centre of the city is the Plaza de Armas, a fascinating historic setting dominated by the impressive cathedral, with vendors selling the traditional "Mote con Huesillo", a peach-based non-alcoholic sweet drink, perfectly refreshing after a long day of sightseeing. Afterwards, consider checking out the Santa Filomena Parish, a 19th century neo-Gothic church with ornate carvings and a snow-white spire that can be seen for miles around.

Charming, sophisticated and brimming with life, Santiago is the beating heart of Chile and makes for a fantastic holiday destination. Browse through our collection of the best places to stay in Santiago to start planning your trip.

The Best Places to Stay in Santiago

Romantic retreat

• The buzzing Hotel Luciano K is a glamorous, lively hotel in an iconic Luciano Kulczewski building. Downstairs is a 1920s Art Deco wonderland of geometric patterns and bright colours, while upstairs there are contemporary rooms and an elegant rooftop bar.
• The Casa Bueras Boutique Hotel is in a beautifully converted 1920s era mansion. There are 14 large rooms with enormous sash windows, dark, polished wood floors and luxurious bathrooms. There’s also a glamorous courtyard pool and an impressive rooftop terrace.

City break

• The Hotel Altiplanico is a smart, contemporary, boutique hotel in the heart of town. The 18 rooms have parquet floors, whitewashed walls, plenty of natural light and enormous beds. You’re within a walking distance from many of the city’s main attractions and you’re surrounded by a good range of restaurants and bars.
• La Reve makes for an elegant and sophisticated stay. The building features large sash windows, soft hues and large terraces. Afternoon tea is served in the leafy courtyard, and the property is ideally located near shops and restaurants.
• Noi Vitacura is a sleek and trendy hotel in an upmarket and residential district, boasting a rooftop pool, spacious rooms and a cocktail bar. Perfect for a city break in style!
• For something more functional, also boasting a rootop pool, try the Hotel Solace. It's in a quiet area, has a great rooftop bar and gym, and great sunset views.
• Finally, the designer Ismael Hotel is bright and modern, with a small rooftop pool and rooms with balconies over the street, some with freestanding baths. Good art and designer furniture is curated about the hotel, evidence of the care that has gone into its ambience.

Value for money

• Hotel Castillo Rojo is a bright hotel of character in a historic colonial style building. The rooms have an eclectic range of styles, from Tudor to Moorish, and are individually-styled, complete with antiques, chandeliers and parquet flooring.
• Mathildas Hotel is a refurbished patrimonial palace in central Santiago with a charming courtyard garden. There are just 13 rooms, all elegant and quite spacious, with colourful paintings. They do a great breakfast and you’re close to the Palacio de La Moneda, Constitution Square and O'Higgins Memorial.

Chic Boutique

• CasaSur is a quiet spot of calm in a bustling sea of city life. With lovely cleanly designed rooms decorated with local artefacts, a wonderful terrace with great views and cooking classes in traditional Chilean cuisine on offer.
• The good value and funky looking Hotel Cumbres Lastarria is in a great area, surrounded by restaurants and boutiques. The rooms are individually styled and there's a sleek roof top restaurant next to a pool.

For well heeled couples

• The Ritz Carlton Santiago is a large hotel and the top choice for well heeled business people and couples who want the luxury of feeling at home, with its pampering rooftop spa, indoor pool, and well equipped gym. There are three restaurants to choose from, and rooms are reassuringly comfortable.
• For a more boutique hotel experience, just steps away from the trendy Lastarria neighborhood, the intimate but in many ways more exclusive Hotel Magnolia blends contemporary chic with more traditional aesthetics. The glass roof restaurant is divine and the cocktail bar is the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
• Finally, in Lastarria itself, check out The Singular Santiago, a trendy and elegant design hotel with a rooftop pool with views of the Andes. Its cosy library style is a neighborhood draw.

Out of town

• The colonial style Casa Real is a charming and historic property in the Santa Rita winery, just 30 minutes to the south of the city. It's a great place to stay in the summer, with its lush gardens, lake, and beautiful outdoor pool. Many come here for the food, and rooms are elegant and traditionally furnished.

For an apartment or villa

• Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel information

• Fly to Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, on the outskirts of Santiago, and get public transport in to the centre.
• If you want to rent a car, contact our partner Rentalcars.
• Go between November and February, when the temperature ranges between 9 and 30 degrees, and there is little rain.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include Valparaiso or Concon.
• Browse through our full collection of the best places to stay in Chile.
• Or contact one of our Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Santiago