Three Nights in Santiago
 

My daughter and I will be staying in Santiago for three nights in June before leaving for home on the 16th; I looked at a hotel---Mercure Santiago Central (Caesar Business Santiago). Are there any comments concerning this hotel and/or its location? I noticed a positive comment about B & Bs in another section of Santiago.

At that time of year I would choose somewhere with less traffic/smog. That hotel is right on the Alameda, the main road through Santiago. It isn't a great area for finding a restaurant at night either. If you want that area, the Hotel Galerias is set further away from the Alameda. There are other hotels and aparthotels in the Lastarria/Bellas Artes area which are good. It depends on what you plan to do for your three days.

What do you think of Best Western Los Españoles? I stayed there about 5 years ago and it seemed friendly, pretty quiet location but within short distance of restaurants and subway. Their onsite restaurant was also pretty decent.

We received a list of some things to check out while we are in Santiago: Crafts at Cerro Santa Lucia, Mercado Central, Plazo de Armas, Catedral, Paseo Ahumada,La Chascona Museum,Palacio Presidential La Moneda, Vina Couino Macal, Patio Bellavista, Los Dominicos (artisan craft fair), and Cerro Santa Lucia. (I hope my spelling is okay.) Of course we are interested in restaurants and some night life as well. Also, a day out of the city would be okay if it's possible time wise. I was looking at the Mercure because it seemed withing walking distance of some of the suggested sites. I noticed another hotel--the Chilhotel--but I don't think it's as close. (I hope the subway system is easy to use.) The Chilhotel offered an airport shuttle,which we'll need on the 16th.

Mlgb,I'm not sure whether you were asking me, but I don't mind the Best Western chain.

Huentetu, you are a big help for travelers going to Chile. Thank you.

I tried for Chil Hotel but it was full!

I walked some but also used the Metro just to save energy, loved La Chascona.

You don't need an airport shuttle from a hotel. You can either take a taxi or two seats on a shared shuttle to/from the airport. The first costs about US$30-35 for the car and the shuttle about US$12 per person.

The metro is very easy to use as long as you avoid rush hours.

Chilhotel is much better placed for restaurants in the evening.

Thank you.