I would stay in Valparaiso. It is a fascinating town with loads to see and some great restaurants. Vina del Mar is nice but is really just an upmarket beach town and Santiago is a good 2 hour drive (but you may be flying home from there?).

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Other options light years prettier than Santiago far away

The trouble with Viña del Mar in February is that it is packed with people. There is an international song festival on in Feb as well and most of the performers stay at the Sheraton. If you don't want to consider Valparaíso, and you may not due to the hilly terrain, then Santiago in February is bliss. Most people are on holiday, many restaurants have nice terraces to sit out on for dinner, everything is more relaxed. For one night, you could get a tour of Valparaíso before being transported to Santiago. If you are flying out the next day, Santiago makes more sense as you would face a 30 minute ride to the airport as opposed to a 1.5-2 hour one.

Loved Valparaiso, but it is hilly as Huentetu says. Santiago is a big city and for me didn't really offer much, but lots of people seem to like it.

If I wanted to see Neruda's house, and most the touristy stuff (I'm still reading up!) which is the best location for a hotel and can anyone recommend one. Nice but $200 or under a nite.

Thnaks....

If u want to stay in Santiago u can see his home, Chascona which is right in Santiago. La Sebastiana is another one of his homes and its in Valparaiso.