Santiago is one of the largest capitals in South America. And due to its size and diversity of neighborhoods, deciding where to stay in Santiago, Chile, becomes a rather complicated task.
The good news is that, being a large destination, there is a variety of neighborhoods and accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets. You just need to choose the region that best fits your trip.
The best place to stay in Santiago, Chile
Editor’s Choice
Lastarria is the best place to stay in Santiago, Chile. Despite being small, the neighborhood offers good accommodation options and is close to the Old Town, where most of the destination’s attractions are concentrated. Additionally, the neighborhood has easy access to metro stations, offering a variety of dining options and some must-visit attractions.
Finding quality accommodation in Santiago, Chile, is a task that takes time. When selecting a hotel, it is important to consider the location to avoid any discomfort during your stay.
The best places to stay in Santiago, Chile
Where to stay in Santiago, Chile?
During our trips, we prefer accommodations in the central region, but not exactly in the busiest part of the destination. We choose to be close to the center and the main attractions, allowing us to visit them on foot, but away from the hustle and bustle of the city’s central areas, especially the Old Town of Santiago, where constant demonstrations occur.
When choosing where to stay in Santiago, Chile, you should take your personal preferences into consideration. If you like staying in the busiest area, Downtown Santiago is the ideal choice. However, if you are looking for quieter neighborhoods close to attractions and even the Old Town, Lastarria, Bellas Artes, and Recoleta are interesting neighborhoods to stay in Santiago, Chile.
If you are looking for a more peaceful atmosphere, the neighborhoods of Providencia, Las Condes, and Vitacura are sure choices for your trip. These neighborhoods offer an ideal environment for a relaxing trip, away from all the hustle and bustle of Downtown Santiago.
Most of the hotels in Santiago, especially in the Downtown area and nearby neighborhoods, have an older structure, and some have not undergone recent renovations. Nevertheless, we consider that most offer good comfort and infrastructure.
1. Lastarria – the best place to stay in Santiago, Chile
Lastarria is one of the most charming neighborhoods and the one that most captivated us in Santiago, Chile. The historic and bohemian neighborhood, where 19th-century buildings harmoniously blend with modern construction, is located between Cerro Santa Lucia and Parque Forestal.
It has a complete infrastructure encompassing gastronomy, fashion, and beauty, standing out for its variety of bars, museums, restaurants, thrift stores, and shops. The neighborhood is graced with a delightful market offering clothes, crafts, culinary delicacies, and performances by talented local artists.
By staying in Lastarria, you can visit various attractions on foot, avoiding Santiago’s chaotic traffic, and you have easy access to metro lines (Baquedano, Bellas Artes, and Universidad Católica stations).
Lastarria, an upper-middle-class neighborhood in Santiago, does not offer the most economical accommodations in the city. However, if you are looking for tranquility, infrastructure, and excellent hotels close to the main tourist attractions, Lastarria is the best place to stay in Santiago, Chile.
Incredible hotels to stay in Lastarria:
- Hotel Cumbres Lastarria: with cozy and spacious accommodations, the hotel offers an outdoor pool and a restaurant.
- The Singular Santiago: a charming 5-star hotel, located in front of Parque Forestal and a few steps from Cerro Santa Lucía and the Old Town. It has spacious areas, as well as elegant and luxurious decor in dark tones.
- Casa Bueras Boutique Hotel: located in an old building, the hotel offers breakfast, a spa, a pool, and other amenities.
- Hotel Foresta: with good value for money, the hotel overlooks Cerro Santa Lucia, has spacious accommodations, and offers all the amenities for a peaceful trip, an excellent choice of where to stay in Santiago, Chile.
- Hotel Ismael: with dark-toned decor, the hotel has a pool, bar, picnic area, meeting room, and library.
2. Bellas Artes – neighborhood for those seeking culture and art
The Bellas Artes neighborhood is another very interesting alternative for where to stay in Santiago, Chile. Neighboring Lastarria, this bohemian neighborhood is ideal for those seeking art and culture and wanting to stay close to the city center. Additionally, it has easy access to the metro (Bellas Artes station).
In Bellas Artes, you will find the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, the Museum of Visual Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the National Historical Archive. There is also a wide range of restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops.
The downside of staying in this region is also the high price of accommodations, but you will find hotels with excellent infrastructure and close to (or with easy access to) the main attractions of the destination.
Incredible hotels to stay in Bellas Artes in Santiago, Chile:
- Hotel Magnolia Santiago: located near Cerro Santa Lucia, the hotel is the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, all in Bellas Artes.
- Hotel Altiplanico Bellas Artes: well-located with easy access to the metro station and tourist attractions. The hotel has spacious accommodations and amenities such as free coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
- Dpto 1D 1B, Metro Bellas Artes: one-bedroom apartment with good facilities, close to the metro station and attractions in Santiago, Chile.
3. Recoleta and Bellavista – ideal region to enjoy the nightlife
Recoleta is also one of the best places to stay in Santiago, Chile. This is a bohemian and youthful region, frequently visited by university students and tourists, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy Santiago’s nightlife.
Recoleta is always bustling and is just a few minutes from Santiago’s Old Town. The tree-lined, colorful streets, with graffiti-covered walls and colorful houses, give the neighborhood a special charm. It has a unique beauty and is home to some of Santiago’s main tourist attractions, such as Cerro San Cristóbal and the La Chascona Museum (one of the houses of poet Pablo Neruda).
The Recoleta neighborhood combines gastronomy, culture, and lots of excitement. During the day, tourists stroll and explore its calm streets, and at night, the calm is replaced by the hustle and bustle of bars, clubs, and restaurants, most of which are located on Constitución Street.
In Recoleta, you will find the vibrant area known as Bellavista, famous for its bars and nightclubs, including Patio Bellavista, a main tourist attraction in Santiago, Chile.
If you prefer quiet nights instead of a lively nightlife, Recoleta may not be the ideal neighborhood for you. In this case, you can find other more suitable areas to stay while still enjoying the neighborhood’s restaurants and attractions during the day.
Incredible hotels to stay in Recoleta and Bellavista:
- The Hip Hotel Santiago: located within Patio Bellavista, the hotel is ideal for those who want to enjoy Santiago’s nightlife. It has a few rooms and a bar.
- Apart Hotel B: spacious, well-lit apartments with modern decor. It has all the infrastructure for a cozy stay.
- Bella 269 Guest House: very well-equipped lodging with cozy accommodations for an incredible stay. The accommodation is close to the Bellas Artes neighborhood.
4. Providencia – a safe region ideal for shopping
Providencia is an upscale area of Santiago with tree-lined streets. It has several metro stations (Manuel Montt, Pedro de Valdivia, Los Leones, and Tobalaba stations), making it easy to get around anywhere in Santiago, Chile.
This is one of the safest regions in Santiago, ideal for those who love shopping and enjoy good gastronomy. Providencia is a highly sought-after place by tourists due to the good offer of hotels with good value for money.
In Providencia, you will find the renowned Costanera Center, the most famous shopping mall in Chile. There, you will discover a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as the most visited lookout point in the destination.
The downside of choosing this area to stay in is that many of the hotels have older infrastructure, especially the more economical ones.
Incredible hotels to stay in Providencia, Santiago, Chile:
- Ladera Boutique Hotel: located 800 meters from the Costanera Center, the hotel offers an outdoor pool, restaurant, spa, and covered terrace.
- Sheraton Santiago: a luxurious hotel with stunning views of the Andes Mountains and the city. The hotel features elegant decor and furnishings, along with good infrastructure, including a pool, bar, gym, and restaurant.
- AC Hotel by Marriott: a hotel with spacious rooms and beautiful decor in neutral tones. It has a pool, gym, bar, restaurant, breakfast, and a terrace with a lovely view.
- Solace Hotel Santiago: located just one block from the Pedro de Valdivia metro station, the hotel has an outdoor pool, gym, terrace, and restaurant.
- Hotel Boutique Le Reve: featuring elegant French-inspired decor and a charming patio, the hotel offers breakfast, a bar, a gym, and a restaurant.
- Hotel Boutique Castillo Rojo: located 300 meters from Patio Bellavista, this boutique hotel is situated in a 1920s castle and offers cozy accommodations.
5. Downtown – ideal for a quick trip and close to attractions
Downtown is the beating heart of the city, housing many of Santiago de Chile’s most famous tourist attractions. Staying in the Downtown area offers the advantage of exploring much of your itinerary on foot, making the most of everything the region has to offer.
In addition to attractions in the Old Town, such as the Palacio de la Moneda, Plaza de Armas, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Mercado Central, Downtown Santiago has shopping malls, restaurants, cafes, and all kinds of shops. The region also hosts the main currency exchange offices in the city.
Downtown Santiago is a very bustling area during the day and has a wide variety of hotels and hostels, with prices and styles to suit all tastes. Getting from Downtown to other neighborhoods and regions of Santiago is quite easy, thanks to the good public transportation options.
For a quick trip, Downtown is one of the best places to stay in Santiago, Chile, due to its proximity to tourist attractions and local commerce. However, you should be aware that this is a very busy area, especially during the day, and currently, most accommodations are in need of renovations.
Another issue to consider when staying in this region is the frequent demonstrations taking place, which may cause some disruption to your trip.
Incredible hotels to stay in Downtown:
- Hotel Plaza San Francisco: a 5-star hotel located just minutes from museums, restaurants, and attractions and a few steps from a metro station. The hotel offers a pool, bar, and restaurant.
- Hotel Panamericano: located in the safest area of Downtown Santiago, the hotel has a restaurant, meeting rooms, gym (additional cost), and concierge.
- Hotel Sommelier LOFT: located next to the Bellas Artes neighborhood, the hotel has all the basic amenities for guests’ comfort, a good location, and stylish decor.
6. Vitacura – an elegant and tranquil area
For travelers who prefer staying in quiet areas, Vitacura is one of the best places to stay in Santiago de Chile. Located north of the capital, this neighborhood is favored by upper-class families. Although it is somewhat removed from Downtown, it offers an elegant and tranquil atmosphere.
In the neighborhood, you’ll find the Museo de la Moda (Fashion Museum), Museo President Pinochet, Parque Bicentenario (Bicentennial Park), and many luxury shops. To get around other regions of Santiago, it is ideal to use a car, taxi, or Uber, as the metro does not reach the neighborhood.
In addition to the limited public transportation options, most accommodations in Vitacura are luxurious. However, staying in this neighborhood puts you close to Sky Costanera, just a short Uber ride away from the attraction.
Incredible hotels to stay in Vitacura, Santiago de Chile:
- Hyatt Place Santiago: an elegant hotel with views of the Andes, located near Parque Arauco Shopping Mall. The hotel features spacious areas and modern decor.
- Hotel Eco Boutique Bidasoa: a hotel with elegant decor incorporating natural elements. It has a bar, a restaurant, and parking.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Santiago Kennedy: a hotel with modern decor, offering an outdoor pool, gym, restaurant, and bar.
- NH Collection Santiago Casacostanera: located in the luxurious Casa Costanera shopping mall, the hotel provides all the comforts for a peaceful stay.
- Casa Vitacura Host: ideal accommodation for those looking for a place to stay with family or friends. The house has 3 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 6 guests.
7. Las Condes – ideal area for family trips
If you are planning a family trip and don’t know where to stay in Santiago de Chile, the Las Condes neighborhood is the ideal area to stay. This is a safe neighborhood, perfect for shopping, as it houses two of the main shopping centers, Parque Arauco and Alto Las Condes.
Vitacura is a modern and exclusive neighborhood where business activities generally take place. It is home to the Parque Natural San Carlos de Apoquindo, and you will find a good selection of luxury hotels to make the most of your stay.
Although staying in this neighborhood may mean a distance from Downtown Santiago, you will find public transportation options, taxis, and Uber available to facilitate travel and ensure a good experience.
Incredible hotels to stay in Las Condes, Santiago de Chile:
- Santiago Marriott Hotel: a 5-star hotel located in one of the tallest buildings in Santiago, offering a wonderful view of the city and the Andes Mountains, especially from the upper floors.
- Mandarin Oriental Santiago: a 5-star hotel with views of the Andes and the city. It features an amazing outdoor area with a garden, pool, nikkei and Italian cuisine restaurant, bar, gym, and room service.
- Hotel Regal Pacific Santiago: another 5-star hotel, located on Avenida Apoquindo, a business area. The hotel has a sophisticated atmosphere with elegant decor in sober tones.
- The Ritz-Carlton: a 5-star hotel with sophisticated environments and elegant decor in neutral tones. It has a pool, spa, restaurant, bar, sauna, and terrace.
- W Santiago: with contemporary, sophisticated, and luxurious accommodations, this 5-star hotel has a restaurant, bar, and rooftop pool with a stunning view of the city.
8. Barrio Brasil – recommended choice for those seeking budget accommodations
Barrio Brasil is also one of the best places to stay in Santiago de Chile, especially if you are looking for budget accommodations. Located very close to Downtown, the neighborhood gets its name from its streets that reference Brazil.
In addition to affordable accommodations, Barrio Brasil has good restaurants, lively nightlife, bars, and museums. In Plaza Brasil, the center of the neighborhood, many street artists gather.
The benefits of choosing this neighborhood include budget-friendly accommodations, proximity to the Old Town, and an excellent public transportation network. However, it is important to consider that you will be far from other popular areas of Santiago, such as Providencia, Vitacura, and Las Condes, which might be on your list of places to visit.
Incredible hotels to stay in Barrio Brasil in Santiago:
- Matildas Hotel Boutique: a charming hotel located in a beautifully renovated building from 1912. In addition to a lovely garden and excellent service, it has elegant and well-decorated environments that match the building’s aesthetic.
- Castelletto Bed & Breakfast: a budget-friendly accommodation offering breakfast and laundry service, is an excellent choice for where to stay in Santiago de Chile.
- Hotel Boutique Casa Conde: located near the Old Town of Santiago, the hotel offers breakfast and accommodations with simple decor.
9. Barrio Italia – a relaxed and tranquil neighborhood
Looking for a quiet place to stay in Santiago? Perhap Barrio Italia is the ideal place. Colonized by Italian immigrants in the 19th century, the neighborhood is characterized by its relaxed and calm atmosphere.
Tranquility is not the only highlight of the neighborhood; it also has trendy restaurants, jazz clubs, galleries, and cafes for you to enjoy during your trip. Additionally, the region is close to Santiago’s central area.
The main disadvantage of staying in this neighborhood is the limited number of accommodations.
Incredible hotels to stay in Barrio Italia, Santiago, Chile:
- Maison Italia 1029: a small hotel with a terrace overlooking the mountains and offering breakfast, making it an excellent choice for where to stay in Santiago de Chile.
- Living Vaisse: a hotel with simple decor and comfortable accommodations. It offers rooms with good value for a cozy stay.
Now that you know a bit about the main neighborhoods in Santiago, choose the area that suits your trip and personal taste. And for your trip, discover the best places to travel with friends.