Chile

Chile’s hotels and lodges are as varied as the landscape. There’s some of the most amazing all inclusive lodges, simple cosy wooden cabins in the middle of nowhere and sophisticated city hotels. South America Travel Specialist pick an eclectic selection from north to south

Awasi is an intimate desert safari retreat on the edge of the remote little town of San Pedro de Atacama. Entering through the adobe walls, it’s a surprise to find this stylish little oasis of just 12 rooms and the cool desert style of the lodge. Guests gather around the pool or the bar under starry skies. They look after the small details here at Awasi Atacama. It’s all inclusive and an important feature is the fact you get your own personal guide and car for adventures into the desert.Wether it be getting up early to see flamingos or a private picnic in the desert, you set your own agenda in the wilderness. We believe this is certainly worth it due to the unique destination.

The 12 funky bungalows of Awasi Patagonia have undoubtedly some of the best views in the world. Straight towards the huge peaks of the Torres del Paine and the lakes and wilderness of Patagonia. You could stay in and look at the view all day from the room or in the cool bar and lounge. But with a private guide and car, there’s also so much to explore your own way. A trek in the wilds, a picnic by a glacier or even stargazing, there’s so much to do we recommend 3 nights. On top of that the fine fresh Patagonian food and Chilean wine is all included just to add to the unique experience.

Casa Atacama is designed to be hidden away in the desert yet at the same time just steps away from the main square of San Pedro de Atacama. Rooms are minimalist and light, and there are welcoming public areas including an excellent restaurant and bar. The eco ethos reflects in solar power, there’s a small spa and pool and guests can take out the hotel bikes.

Hotel Las Torres Patagonia combines an excellent location with all you need to get out an experience the Torres del Paine National Park. This all inclusive ranch-safari-style hotel has an amazing location by the base of the mountains and ideal to set off for treks straight from the door. It’s renovated from an old cattle ranch now with 85 rooms along with a restaurant and a spa which is inviting after a trek in the wild. The all inclusive concept translates to excellent food and an open bar and a long list of excursions available to discover the national park. We think it’s ideal for active visitors to the Torres del Paine.

Go clamping at the end of the world. Camp Patagonia is a collection of 18 Mongolian style yurts on the shores of Lake Toro n the Torres del Paine National Park. Cool features include a skylight to see the stars as you lie in bed and terraces to take in the Torres del Paine views. All meals and excursions are included, it’s a Patagonia safari camp experience. We recommend a deluxe yurt with an outside jacuzzi for that wine in the wilderness moment.

Hotel Le Reve, as the name suggests, is a distinctly French style hotel in Chile’s capital and a lovely boutique place to stay. It’s even a national monument. We like it due to the individual character of the hotel amid a load of international chain choices. There’s no restaurant but in Santiago it’s best to eat out and there’s plenty of neighbourhood eateries around Le Reve. There’s also cookies and snacks in the kitchen to grab any time, what other reason do you need to stay?

Hotel Bidasoa is a family run boutique hotel, in a quiet oasis yet just steps away from some of Santiago’s main shopping and entertainment areas and parks. Sleek rooms are decorated in vintage style and there’s an excellent organic restaurant. The family ethos of the hotel expands into an aim for sustainability which sets Hotel Bidasoa apart from other city hotels and we love its unique character.

Casa Higueras is we think the best place to stay in Valparaiso as it captures the character of the city along with plenty of luxury. It’s located in Cerro Alegre, or Happy Hill. Enjoy a few drinks on the terrace with views of the city and ocean and you’ll certainly appreciate the name. There’s also an excellent spa and a pool for leisure time. It’s well worth a night or two here to enjoy a different side of Chile.

Hotel Cumbres in Puerto Varas is a mountain resort style hotel with an Alpine style on the shores of Lake Llanquihue. There are 90 rooms, and we always request lake view rooms with balconies as essential to a stay here. Lake and volcano views dominate in the bars and restaurants and it’s a well located jumping off point for adventures in the Lake District of Chile.

Hosteria Costanera is a simple lodge in an extraordinary location in the small settlement of Puerto Tranquilo and the shores of the massive Lake General Carrera. There are simple yet cosy and clean rooms and you’ll be assured of a Chilean welcome, with a small restaurant serving hearty fresh food. It’s the gateway to the southern road and wild Patagonia and is all about the views and location.

Green Baker lodge is a collection of Cosy wooden chalets on the banks of the beautiful Baker river amidst an extraordinary wilderness. The lodge is a haunt of outdoor enthusiasts, fishing folk and travellers on the open road. There’s nothing fancy about the lodge, it’s one of those places where the appeal is the nature and the slow pace of life.

Terra Luna Lodge combines wilderness and adventure with some comforts on the shores of the massive Lake General Carrera. Rooms are either in the main house or individual log cabins, with views of the lake and snow capped peaks everywhere, not least from the whirlpool baths. Head out on the lake on a kayak or a jet ski, or take trips up to the ice fields. It’s worth a few nights while on the Southern Road.

Cabanas Patagonia Bordelago is an unfussy and simple lodging conveniently located on the shores of Lake General Carrera near the lake crossing port. They’re based in a wild area close to the border with Argentina, on the adventurous Southern Road route.

Hotel Dreams del Estrecho is the biggest hotel in Punta Arenas, the gateway to Chilean Patagonia, and has all you need to prepare for a trip into the wilds. In fact, with a casino it’s probably got more than you need. There’s cool views of the Straits of Magellan from the sky bar, a choice of restaurant and even a spa. It’s also a convenient location in the middle of Punta Arenas to go and explore this southern frontier town.