Santiago, Chile is often missed by those heading to South America, who head to Buenos Aires, Peru and Machu Picchu or West to Easter Island. But Santiago's vibrant cultural offerings pushed it to the top of the top of the New York Time's 41 Places to Go in 2011 and made it the first foreign city to host the Lollapalooza music festival. Go art gallery hopping in Vitacura and Barrio Brasil, enjoy some retail therapy at the designer shops that line Alonso de Cordova, and hit the clubs in Bellavista. Jazz lovers shouldn't miss Nunoa, where some of the best jazz clubs are, including Club de Jazz de Santiago. And as for cuisine, you'd scarcely know Santiago was once derided for its mediocre food once you savor dishes such as braised wagyu beef in Chilean Carmenere wine at The Dining Room at the Aubrey, or innovative Peruvian fusion at Astrid y Gaston. Don't forget some of the best cakes and pastries this side of Vienna, many of them of course featuring manjar, as dulce de leche is known to locals. As for hotels, Santiago is no slouch either. Many of the best are in the upscale eastern district of Las Condes, with beautiful views of the Andes.
While Santiago isn't home to Hyatt's most luxurious brand, the Park Hyatt, the Grand Hyatt nevertheless manages to mostly live up to its moniker. Even entry level Grand Deluxe Rooms are among the most spacious in Santiago, at 559 square feet, and are comfortably appointed with pillowtop Grand Beds, marble baths, locally made spa-like bath products, plush bathrobes, and LED flatscreen TVs. Try to get a room with a stunning view of the Andes mountains. For a real splurge, book one of the 38 Grand Club Rooms, which grants you access to the 3-floor Grand Club, with its dedicated concierge and complimentary breakfast and evening canapes and cocktails. If you're bringing the family, the kids are sure to love the enormous lagoon pool with waterfall set amidst a lush garden, and if they're sports buffs, the two tennis courts. And after a busy day of sightseeing, a soothing massage at the Hyatt Spa, Ako, is the perfect way to relax and recharge. Book a great rate at the
Grand Hyatt Santiago with
TravelSort Hotels, or even
stay free for two nights if you
apply for the Hyatt Visag, which has a sign-up bonus of 2 free nights at any Hyatt in the world.
The Aubrey
If a boutique hotel is more your style, The Aubrey, Santiago's first and arguably best boutique hotel, has your name on it. It's located in the artsy Bellavisa district, close to great local restaurants and a lively nightlife scene. The Aubrey is intimate, with just 15 rooms and suites, and the staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome and taken care of. Enjoy views of nearby Cerro San Cristobal from some suites, or relax in one of the cozy loft rooms. All rooms and suites include free WiFi, and we love that you're welcomed with a Pisco Sour and that the hospitality continues with complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea. The heated outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi and sundeck are perfect for a lazy afternoon or vacation from your vacation. The only real con here is that this happening neighborhood may keep light sleepers awake on the weekend, which seems to begin Thursday nights, so don't forget earplugs!
Ritz-Carlton SantiagoThe Ritz-Carlton Santiago is the grand dame of hotels in Las Condes, with its old world elegance, yet is conveniently located just a minute from the metro station, giving you quick access to downtown Santiago. Deluxe Rooms are a spacious 430 square feet, though not quite as large as at the Grand Hyatt Santiago. It's worth booking or upgrading to the Club Level if you plan to spend some time at the hotel, as the Club Lounge food and drink presentations are several notches up from the Hyatt Grand Club, plus you have the assistance of dedicated concierge staff. The rooftop atrium enclosed swimming pool and hot tub are a real treat, since they can be enjoyed all year round, unlike the outdoor pools at the Grand Hyatt and W Santiago. We do wish that WiFi was free or at least more reasonably priced, since it's charged by device.
W Santiago – The W Santiago is also true to brand, with a sleek and stylish lobby often populated by hip young locals and rooms that feature in-room mood lighting and, in some cases, soaking tubs right in the room. Some of the entry level Wonderful Rooms are on the small side, at just over 300 square feet, but the floor to ceiling windows, many of which open up to magnificent Andes views, help let in great natural light to make the room appear more spacious. Signature pillowtop W beds are as usual, ultra-comfortable, although forget bedtime reading, as the in-room lighting is just too dim. As at the Grand Hyatt, WiFi is charged, so it helps to have at least mid-tier status to get WiFi for free. Breakfast is pricey, if not included in your rate, but is delicious, with a wide array of choices. The on-site restaurants are fine, but the W's location is also great for exploring some of the many nearby restaurants and bars. And if you're headed into downtown Santiago, there's a subway stop just a short walk away. Don't miss the rooftop pool on a clear day, with its beautiful views.
Getting to Santiago with Miles and Points
If you can easily get to one of LAN's U.S. gateways, such as Miami, New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, LAN Business Class is a good bet for an award flight to Santiago, at 50,000 AAdvantage miles each way. Keep in mind that the American Airlines Web site doesn't display LAN availability, but you can check LAN availability on British Airways. To earn American miles, I'd recommend applying for the Citi AAdvantage cards–see
Best Travel Credit Cards for the current best offers–and also
earning additional American miles via BankDirect for as little as half a cent per mile.
Using United miles, a good option is Copa, for 50,000 United miles each way. While usually thought of as a low cost carrier, it does offer business class (although recliner seats, not lie flat) and better service than you're likely to get on either United or American.
It's easiest to earn plenty of United miles with the following cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points, which transfer 1:1 to United miles:
Have you been to Santiago, Chile? Share your experiences and questions in the comments!
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