Where to stay in Santiago, Chile: 9 best places and hotels

Are you planning a trip but still unsure about where to stay in Santiago, Chile? To make your search easier and help you choose a good hotel in the best location in Santiago, we’ve put together a list of the city’s best areas and hotels.

Santiago is one of the most visited destinations by Brazilians in South America, especially during the snow season, as it is home to some well-known ski resorts. The destination, which offers a beautiful view of the Andes Mountains, is also known for its wineries, natural beauty, viewpoints, and historic buildings.

Santiago is also one of the largest capitals in South America and offers a wide variety of neighborhoods and hotels for all styles and budgets. Choosing where to stay in Santiago can be tricky, but the key is to find a location that fits your itinerary and budget.

The best places to stay in Santiago, Chile

Where to stay in Santiago, Chile?

In Santiago, we always prefer to stay in the central area, but not exactly in the historic center, which is a chaotic and somewhat unsafe region. So, our favorite neighborhoods to stay in are Lastarria, Bellas Artes, and Bellavista.

When choosing where to stay in Santiago, Chile, you should consider your personal preferences and budget. If you like to stay in a busier area, Downtown Santiago is the ideal choice. But if you’re looking for bohemian neighborhoods close to the main attractions, Lastarria, Bellas Artes, and Recoleta are great options for lodging in Santiago, Chile. If you choose to stay in this area, pay attention to your hotel selection, as many of them are ancient and haven’t undergone recent renovations.

If you’re looking for a quieter and more family-friendly atmosphere, the neighborhoods of Providencia, Las Condes, and Vitacura are perfect choices for your trip. These neighborhoods are more modern, with newer hotels and an ideal environment for a relaxing trip away from all the hustle and bustle of downtown Santiago.

On the other hand, the neighborhoods of Brasil and Italia are affordable areas to stay in Santiago, ideal for those on a budget trip.

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 Ismael: with dark-toned decor, the hotel has a pool, bar, picnic area, meeting room, and library—an excellent choice of where to stay in Santiago, Chile.

See more hotels in Lastarria.

2. Bellas Artes: a neighborhood for those seeking culture and art

The Bellas Artes neighborhood is another very iintriguing 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 downtown. 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.

See more hotels in Bellas Artes.

3. Recoleta and Bellavista: ideal regions to enjoy the nightlife

Recoleta is also one of the best places to stay in Santiago, Chile. This is a bohemian and youthful area, very popular among university students and tourists, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy Santiago’s nightlife.

Recoleta is always lively and just a few minutes from the Old Town. The tree-lined and colorful streets, with graffiti-covered walls and vibrant 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 brings together gastronomy, culture, and a lot of excitement. During the day, tourists stroll and explore its calm streets, and at night the tranquility is replaced by the buzz of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, most of which are located on Constitución Street.

In Recoleta, you’ll find the vibrant area known as Bellavista, famous for its bars and nightclubs, including Pátio Bellavista, the main attraction of this region.

If you prefer quiet nights instead of a lively nightlife, Recoleta might not be the ideal neighborhood for you to stay in. In that case, there are other areas better suited for lodging. We recommend the Lastarria neighborhood, which balances tranquility and nightlife, or Vitacura and Las Condes, which are more peaceful neighborhoods.

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.

See more hotels in Recoleta.

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 various shops and restaurants, as well as the most visited lookout point in the destination.

The downside of choosing the Costanera Center area to stay in is that it’s a bit far from the city’s main tourist attractions. So, you’ll need to take the metro or use Uber/taxi to get to most places.

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.
• 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.

See more hotels in Providencia.

5. Downtown: Historic area with budget hotels

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 area is the frequent demonstrations and the high number of people experiencing homelessness, which can cause some inconvenience during your trip. There are also many incidents of theft in the downtown area.

Incredible hotels to stay in Downtown:

• 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.
• 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, a gym (additional cost), and a concierge.

See more hotels in Downtown.

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:

• Hotel Eco Boutique Bidasoa: a hotel with elegant decor incorporating natural elements. It has a bar, a restaurant, and parking.
• 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.
• 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.

See more hotels in Vitacura.

7. Las Condes: ideal area for family trips

If you’re planning a family trip and don’t know where to stay in Santiago, Chile, the Las Condes neighborhood is the ideal area. It’s a safe neighborhood and great for shopping, as it is home to two of the main shopping centers: Parque Arauco and Alto Las Condes. Las Condes also features excellent green areas, such as the San Carlos de Apoquindo Natural Park.

This is a modern and exclusive neighborhood, home to some of the best hotels in Santiago, Chile, including luxury options with views of the Andes Mountains. Vitacura also hosts one of Santiago’s main shopping centers.

Although staying in this neighborhood may mean a significant distance from Downtown Santiago, you’ll find public transportation, taxis, and Uber readily available to make getting around easier and ensure a great experience.

Incredible hotels to stay in Las Condes, Santiago de Chile:

• 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.

See more hotels in Las Condes.

8. Barrio Brasil: recommended choice for those seeking budget accommodations

The Brasil neighborhood is also one of the best places to stay in Santiago, Chile, especially if you’re looking for budget accommodations. Located very close to the downtown, the neighborhood gets its name from streets that reference Brazil.

In addition to offering some of the cheapest hotels in Santiago, the Brasil neighborhood has good restaurants, lively nightlife, bars, and museums. At Plaza Brasil, the heart of the neighborhood, you’ll find many street performers.

The benefits of choosing this neighborhood include great value accommodations, proximity to the Old Town, and an excellent public transportation network. However, it’s important to consider that you’ll be farther from other popular areas of Santiago, such as Providencia, Vitacura, and Las Condes.

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.

See more hotels in Barrio Brasil.

9. Barrio Italia: a relaxed and tranquil neighborhood

Looking for a quiet place to stay in Santiago? The Italia neighborhood might be the perfect spot. Colonized by Italian immigrants in the 19th century, the area is known for being laid-back and peaceful.

In addition to its tranquility, the neighborhood features trendy restaurants, jazz clubs, galleries, and cozy coffee shops. It’s also located near Santiago’s central area.

The main downside of staying in this neighborhood is the limited availability 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.

See more hotels in Barrio Italia.

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.

If you’re planning to explore other destinations in Chile, be sure to check out where to stay in Puerto Varas and the main attractions to visit in the area.