Several of you have asked for Santiago recs - I have now been there four times, each for a about a week. I would not recommend either of my hotels (too businessy), but here is a list of a few of my faves. Bottom line: a very manageable city, parts are colonial, colorful and photogenic, others are full of malls & highrises. All in all, ideal for long stays, but not super "magical."

Tours:
- Free Walking Tour (with significant political and cultural insights) - do this on the first day to orient yourself - their site is currently down but here is the info on TA: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...an_Region.html
- Day trip to Valparaiso***MUST-DO, one of my favorite Latin American cities. I went with friends, but you should get there however you can. La Sebastiana, one of Neruda's homes, is unforgettable.
- Uncorked Wine Tour - Just did this a few days ago, an absolute highlight of all my time in Chile. A splurge, but a stellar day trip to the Colchagua Valley for tours/tasting at a perfect selection of three very different wineries, ranging from cutting edge to homey to traditional hacienda. A well-organized, exclusive experience (in a Mercedes van), with stunning scenery, a great meal and a knowledgable guide.
- Concha y Toro - If you can't do a proper wine tour, this is an easy half-day. We had a VIP tasting organized by friends, ask your hotel if it's possible to set this up.

Museums:
- La Chascona - another Pablo Neruda house (best street art is nearby in Bellavista)
- Museo de Artes Visuales - small, cool collection in Lastarria, boho chic neighborhood
- Museo de la Memoria - http://www.museodelamemoria.cl/

- Restaurants:
- Astrid y Gaston (pricey, formal, best in Santiago)
- La Mar (same owners, yummy ceviche)
- La Jardin (cheap, cool, fun, everything is recycled)
- Sur Patagonia (lively sidewalk microbrewery cafe in Lastarria, order the trout)

Shopping:
- Los Dominicos - handicraft village, touristy, but some interesting leather and jewelry
- Vitacura - upscale shops and some cool galleries

Happy to answer questions!

Thank you crosscheck for posting this. I have been looking into a trip to Valpo and this just sealed the deal. We will definitely take one! We only have three nights, arriving from Punta Arenas on New Year's Eve about 10:00 AM but I was planning on a free (private-ie not free) walking tour beginning about 1:00 PM on Dec 31. Jan 1-we would hang around in the city, Jan 2- Valpo and Jan 3 finish up anything we didn't get to earlier-probably Los Dominicos. I am going to look at your restaurant recs now!

I am always very interested in what visitors enjoy and recommend.

Odie, on December 31st things will close early, so find where you are going to eat that evening and the next day. On the 1st most things will be closed as it is an obligatory holiday (employees must be given the day off). There aren't many exceptions - maybe hotels. On the 2nd everything is back to normal. Choose your lodging in Valparaíso and book it. Once the summer holidays start and the cruise ships start arriving, it fills up fast.

Thanks for posting this. Which neighbourhood would you suggest is most fun to stay in for a few nights ie. walking distance to restaurants, nightlife and places of interest?

In Valparaíso or Santiago? For Santiago there are various choices: in the center of town is good for seeing the sights on your walking tour day but not for NYE as there is a huge fireworks display and it can get very noisy and hectic (unless you want to join in). Providencia is good for restaurants and general buzz but will mean metro or taxi to the center to see the historical sights. Las Condes, a bit further out, and where I would recommend in summer, also has a fireworks display and clusters of restaurant areas. Have you looked at any hotels? Budget?

New Year's Day is obviously very quiet but Santiago has some great parks and public transport will be working. Wherever you stay, try to stay walking distance from a metro station on line 1.

I'm the one going in Feb. How about Bellavista? I've looked at the Aubrey which looks amazing. Problem is there may be 5 of us travelling so an aparthotel may be better than a boutique hotel. We like places with character and nice design. Approx US500 per night. Will we need a pool end of February?
Thanks for the metro tip.

Huentetu- We will be staying at the Ritz Carlton (Marriott points) the three nights. We will make only a day trip to Valpo. So on Jan 1 the city will be pretty much shut down with nothing open? I would assume though that the hotel will still offer services. What tie do you think things will close on NYE? Any suggestions for dinner that night near our hotel? We will not be up for a formal affair. Thanks!

Odie, that is a very good location for your stay. You are near a metro stop and might even be able to see the Las Condes fireworks from there. There is a street very near the hotel called Isidora Goyenechea which is lined with different types of restaurants. There may be one of them open on NY Day. You can definitely eat there earlyish on the 31st. Your concierge should know. The hotel will have a big, expensive celebration in their main dining room but there may be alternative dining options in the hotel. I would contact them and see what they say. I am sure the Ritz won't let you starve!

carrom, it gets confusing when two different people are asking different questions on one thread. A pool is a plus in February.

crosscheck: could you name your fave hotels?
thanks!

Hi screen_name_taken, I've been there four times now for work and wasn't really a fan of either of my hotels, although they were fine and comfortable for business. I have, however, had drinks at the Aubrey with friends who were staying there, and that was fab. I've also had dinner at the W, which is super trendy and in an upscale location, if that's your thing. My favorite neighborhood is boho artsy Lastarria - I've walked past the Lastarria and Su Merced hotels and they both look wonderful but I haven't been inside...would probably stay at one of those if I went back for fun, not work.