Starwood Preferred Guest - Santiago Chile [Master Thread]

Has anyone stayed in both? I recently stayed at the Sheraton, had a nice little suite and had access to the executive lounge. (As my room wasn't quite ready upon arrival, I was given the option of a standard room in the Tower.) I opted for the suite in the main hotel. I will be returning to the area soon and wonder if the Tower is worth the extra money. I really couldn't have asked for a better stay in the main property.

The Tower is much more chique. The suites are huge, with mahogony furniture, marble bathroom, etc. In short, fantastic. But the fact of the matter is that the Four Points has a much better location, right in the middle of things, near the metro, near lots of restaurants, shops, night life, etc. From the Sheraton/Tower you have a 15 minute walk, across a bridge, before you get near civilization.

By the way, try a fish resaurant called 'Aqui está Coco', and ask for a waiter whose name is Roberto Viveros. The food is excellent, and Roberto will guide you to the best dishes and wines.

Stayed in both in 2000 and went back to the San Cristobel tower earlier this year.
Got upgraded to a very large suite,excellently appointed, granted it is not the most centrally located.
Bring an extra hardshell to load up with fabulous wines from Chile at 'El Vino del Mundo' near the restuarnt area of 'El Bosque Norte'

Well, civilization is only about $2 in a cab and I do like the pool area - I just wondered if the tower is worth the $ given I'll be there alone - I already booked the main hotel for $120/nt.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ajnaro:
[B]But the fact of the matter is that the Four Points has a much better location, right in the middle of things, near the metro, near lots of restaurants, shops, night life, etc. From the Sheraton/Tower you have a 15 minute walk, across a bridge, before you get near civilization.[B]</font>

I was at the Four Points in July, and posted a review. IMHO, the Four Points is comparable to a domestic US Sheraton, if not better.

How big a pain was it to get a cab? I meant to drop by the Tower to check it out, but I only made it as far as El Cerro Cristobal on that side of the river. May check it out on my next trip if my g/f travels with me.

Regards,

O/H

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Occupationalhazard:
I was at the Four Points in July, and posted a review. IMHO, the Four Points is comparable to a domestic US Sheraton, if not better. O/H</font>

I was there in April and I think it is actually better than most domestic Sheratons. Paid $99 (including buffet breakfast for two) and felt it was excellent for the price.

To get a cab (the cheaper ones, not the hotel arranged ones), I simply went down to the street and flagged one down within just a few minutes.

Knowing Santiago, the FOUR POINTS seems to have a much better location for doing things around the city, and thus offer a superb value for money proposition. Was curious about how people found this new property to be, so thanks for the comments. Will definitely be checking it out next year when I do that part of the world again.

Shareholder,

If I were going to Santiago again by myself, I would DEFINITELY stay at the Four Points again, NO QUESTION. The staff was polite and efficient, and its location in the Providencia district, near the Los Leones Metro can't be beat.

My Spanish, while ungrammatical, is decent enough--conversations I started in Spanish, stayed in Spanish--but it seemed to me that the English-only speakers were okay.

I am interested in the Tower b/c I may have the g/f with me....it'd be a nice treat for her, methinks. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Regards,

O/H

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Shareholder:
Knowing Santiago, the FOUR POINTS seems to have a much better location for doing things around the city, and thus offer a superb value for money proposition. Was curious about how people found this new property to be, so thanks for the comments. Will definitely be checking it out next year when I do that part of the world again.</font>

Well, I stayed at the Sheraton again and it was just lovely. The New Years party looked like it was going to be spectacular, but I was on a plane at midnight. I was given a lovely suite (nothing jumbo, but very nice) that had a bottle of chilled wine and plate of fruit awaiting my arrival. Late checkout with no issue at all. Lovely cold breakfast buffet spread in the exec lounge (though it is no longer open in the afternoon/evening as it had been in November). Staff very nice except the agent at checkout didn't have his puppy-uppers that day (or was just not very happy to be working on New Years eve).

I will be in SCL On June 2-4. I would like to check out both Sheratons, and use points for the stays... How should I set this up? I will be doing one day at each hotel, so I can check out each place.. I arrive in SCL at 6:15am, and depart (sadly at 7:45am, I hate those early mornings) So probably the second hotel should be closest to the airport. Or should I just stay at one hotel? Before I wrote this I was under the assumption that I am arriving on the first, but it is the second.. Must be a long flight?? Where should I stay? I wouldn't mind having a lounge if it was decent as in good ammounts of food, free booze.. I am SPG plat too. Any advice would be great. Also how do I get from the airport? I will not have lots of luggage. How much $$ For Taxi?

Thanks

The Sheraton Santiago and the LC San Cristóbal are on the same grounds and share the same entrance, swimming pool, and restaurants. The Four Points is within walking distance, if you don’t mind a good walk, or five minutes by taxi.

It seems to me that the three Starwoods are exactly what they claim to be – the LC is indeed super luxurious and the Sheraton is solid five star. The Four Points is perhaps better than most other hotels that operate under this brand (comparable to the Four Points Sydney) and has the best location. If you’re looking for a good deal and outstanding value, choose the Four Points; if you want magnificence, choose the San Cristóbal; otherwise, the Sheraton.

From the airport there are multiple transport options. Taxis are generally cheap, but there is also a mini-van service that will take you directly to the door of any of the three hotels. There are ticket counters for both in the baggage claim area (credit cards accepted) and several ATM’s in the main hall.

As an SPG Plat, the Sheraton has treated me quite nicely - on one of the trips my "upgrade choice" when I checked in was a suite in the main Sheraton or a standard room in the Tower. I chose the suite. I have stayed there twice - one trip was the early UA arrival and they had a room available for me. The second time was a late day arrival. Both times I requested checkouts quite late and didn't have any problem. The Sheraton also has a nice gym/pool, but the weather will probably be crap in June. The lounge hours however, are much reduced from before and in December did not have an evening reception. In any case, ENJOY, its a great place.

With respect to airport transport, I use taxis. They aren't that expensive, and if your español is functional you can get yourself a very good price (fixed rate from SCL). The last time was 11,000 pesos (took a few mins of "negotiation"). Returning to the airport will be more, but not horrendously expensive.

[This message has been edited by Eastbay1K (edited 05-25-2002).]

This is why I LOVE flyertalk.

I´m going to SCL in Oct.
I did a one word search ``Chile`´, AND hit this thread.

Based on the info., I think that I´´ll opt for the Four Points as I am most concerned about location.

Any other opinions?

For a first timer to Santiago, FOUR POINTS would be very good given its central location in a district with night life, restaurants, and closeby subway. It is also just a few minutes walk up to the river, and if you like walking, another 15- to 20-minutes to the CBD, museums, market, etc. through some fine parks. Once you get to know the city and its layout, you might want to try the other two Starwood properties. I find hotel standards extremely high in Santiago, and from the posts, these three properties are no exception. In the past, I have also stayed at the I-C, a bit north of the FOUR POINTS in a similar district, and at the Crowne Plaza, in the heart of the CBD. Both these were excellent properties, and elites were treated very well. Santiago will not disappoint, wherever you end up. And with AA and DL having a fare war -- when will UA join in? -- it is very tempting to do another trip either this fall or in the early winter next year.

Shareholder,

I paid $421 plus tax Ex LGA on AA.

Anybody have perspective on the three Santiago Starwood - the Four Points, the Sheraton Santiago and the Luxury Collection Hotel. Are they all good? I'm thinking of staying a couple of nights at the Luxury Collection hotel and one night at the Four Points and not staying at the Sheraton Santiago due to its location.

Perspective:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum74/HTML/004760.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum74/HTML/002769.html

The "luxury collection" hotel is part of the Sheraton complex. Its about at $3 cabride of "inconvenience".

I stayed at Four Points -- convenient to subway.. better value for your points

I stayed at the San Cristobal Tower last month and just loved the place! While it is connected to the Sheraton, I would certainly do the SCT. I saw the rooms at the Sheraton side and the standard rooms seemed very small, the Executive Level rooms were pretty nice and the San Cristobal rooms wer wonderful! One caution is that the breakfast served in the SCT Lounge on the top floor is pretty pricy ($15+ USD) no matter if you have eggs or just a muffin.

Four Points by Sheraton Santiago (29-Oct-02/30-Oct-02)

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
- large TV set
- free Internet access (notebook necessary)

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif
- smoking room though non-smoking room booked
- check-in agent needed a reminder for the platinum amenity choice (and found the prepared papers just next to him. He knew my status already from the beginning: he saw it in the reservation and even asked if I have really Platinum status.)
- dark light in the room (at least bright light in the bathroom)
- multi-directional shower (water poured in every direction)
- hotel description: Deluxe Room (Oversized Room, A Large Room With Beautiful Mountains And City View); my description: small room, no sitting area, as far as I remember: only one chair for a room with two people (maybe good for a young couple or for playing "Journey-to-Jerusalem": nothing applied to us. The view was mainly to a building (and only with some sympathetic consideration to the mountains).

-&gt; After reading all those positive comments on Flyertalk, it seams that I used the wrong entrance and stayed in a different Four Points. My impression is only negative.


San Cristobal Tower (01-Nov-02/02-Nov-02)
Pictures (http://www.e-traveller.net/lh738/triprep/02scl/scl-sheratonsancristobal.html)

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
- comfortable check-in: sitting in front of a nice desk, choice of champagne/orange juice/pineapple juice
- Lounge was very nice and stylish. I found the prices reasonable (breakfast 24238CLP for two persons; 1525CLP for a mineral water; dinner/buffet was free of charge)
- check-in agent informed about a suite upgrade which I refused because a friend joined during the night (single beds necessary)
- amenity choice program handed out by the lady while she searched for another room with two single beds
- well-equipped nice room with CD player, sitting area, large bathroom, ...
- additional gifts (additional to platinum amenity choice): bottle of wine, a variety of fruits/nuts/chocolates/drops, vouchers for free drinks (Pisco Sour)
- summary of news in the morning at the door
- thick, comfortable mattress
- all staff (bellmen, check-in agent, Butler, ...) was very helpful and showed an attitude that we were most welcome

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif
- bed cover is only a blanket
- only one bed was prepared by turn-down service
- I had ordered a room with two single beds but a suite with King size bed was assigned

-&gt; I enjoyed the stay very much. Highly recommended. Only the bed blanket should be improved.

BTW, prices for taxi ride were (airport - hotel):
- to the Four Points: 8000CLP
- to the San Cristibal Tower: 9000CLP.
(735CLP ~ 1US$)

edited: San Cristobal Tower: additional gifts corrected because I forgot to mention some

[This message has been edited by LH738 (edited 11-06-2002).]

Has anyone stayed at both the San Cristobal and Hyatt in Santiago? I am trying to decide which property to stay at. I am Plat with SPG and Diamond with Hyatt.

The health club looks alot better at the Hyatt...but I am not so sure about location.

Any help or comments are greatly appreciated.

The health club is very decent at the Sheraton. I think the Hyatt is in Las Condes - if so I wouldn't want to stay that far out (its not THAT far, and a lovely area, but not near where I'd want to be as a tourist, etc.) The Sheraton health club has a respectable weight/equipment room, indoor pool (there's also a great outdoor pool area), and separate mens/womens locker/sauna areas with relaxing rooms where they will bring you juice, water, nice robes, etc.

I stayed at both the SC Tower and the 4 Points last week. I was very pleased with the Four Points and the location was great. It was nice to knew that whenever we wanted we could run over to the 24-hour Empanadeum for some snacks. The convenience store across the street was also nice to have. Another nice benefit of the Four Points is that they have free non-broadband internet access. You simply dial 7010 and you're connected to a modem.

As far as I know the Tower didn't have internet access, but I didn't look into it. We stayed at the Tower as a treat. Our rate was about $150 US per night. That place was quite impressive, although if I'd been without my girlfriend I would have been content to stay at 4 Points. It was the first time I've ever stayed at a hotel where I actually had a butler.

cnk

I would definately vote for the tower. Was there a couple weeks ago for one night and got upgraded to a huge suite.

Also, about a 2 minute walk from the hotel is a pretty good restaurant serving middle eastern cuisine. It is called Fenicia.

HAHAHAHAHA. The 3 Starwood properties in Santiago have different "local area" activities (some of which aren't anywhere nearby). However, only the Four Points gives the option of the final item below...

LOCAL AREA
Golf Course
Planetarium
US Embassy
Vina Del Mar
Concha & Toto

I guess your wine tasting tour comes with a dog-filled basket for the picnic.... "Some...where, under the Andes, not so high, there's a ...dog in my vino, fur in the cork, oh my."

I just stayed in the Tower. 3 stays previously in the main Sheraton. Wow. Luxury without attitude. Check-in - Efficient and polite, with a booklet to choose your amenity. These are very nice amenities, too, from a bottle of reserve Pisco to a decent bottle of wine, and so on. My suite - I just wanted to move in. The dining table had a multi-tier tray of welcome fruit, nuts and chocolates. The only thing that would make this the perfect hotel would be a Westin or W bed. Tower
lounge breakfast - respectable. Highly highly recommended.

I too just stayed at the Tower twice. Despite the fact that I had booked 2 beds they tried to upgrade me to a suite with 1 bed for both of my stays. It’s too bad that I was traveling with a friend instead of my wife because the suites were REALLY nice.

Funny thing about the hotel.... They leather "folder" they bring your dining bills in said "VISA Preferred". I guess that *wood has to do a better job coordinating its programs.

I am stay next week for a week at the San Cristobal Tower in Santiago Chile, does anybody have on this board any experience with this hotel and if yes, how do they treat Plats.

Any feedback would be very welcome

Thanks

I stayed there twice a year ago and both times received very nice suite upgrades. The only real drawback of the property appeared to be that it was a little out of the way.

I stayed there twice a year ago and both times received very nice suite upgrades. The only real drawback of the property appeared to be that it was a little out of the way.


thanks very much, anyhow location is not so important for me, since I will be very busy.

This property has been a favorite for Ftalkers for while.
I must say that, with two stays late 2003 the attentiveness and friendliness of the entire staff during my time there ranks among the best I have ever received at any hotel, period.
So its not within easily walking distance of downtown or the hot-spots such as Suecia, but taxis are very cheap in Santiago.
I got the hotel to arrange fro a driver driver who took us shopping ( los Dominicos, the mall etc) over 4 hours, including a 20% tip fare for less than $28.00 US.
Suggest dining at restaurant " Rene and Gaston" in nearby Independencia a hotel staff recommendation, great meal for two including wine (about $75) a quarter of what you would pay for the comparable experience in any major NA city.
mike

It is one of my favorite hotels anywhere, ever.

I think the location is fine. It's just a short walk to the gondola & park which is fun and the best part of the city is only a short cab ride away.

I's been 5 years since I've been there but I'd certainly go back given the opportunity. ^

There has been a lot of messy construction going on right on Ave. Sta Maria - walking out had been difficult in Nov-Jan (they are probably still working on it) but like others have said, its a quick and cheap cab to where you'd want to go - a quick under $2 to Bellavista, $3 to most of Providencia, and not TOO bad to Las Condes. (After a few days in Chile, once a meter gets up to $5 or so, you think its an outrageously expensive ride.)

I have had a couple of "issues" with the hotel (on both the Sheraton AND San Cristobal sides) but they have been minor, and it is an excellent hotel. I have had a total of maybe 7 or so stays between the 2 sides. And you can have some juice and champagne while you sit down to check in. They also have a unique platinum amenity program. They hand you a looseleaf notebook of choices. They range from bottles of mid-range red or white vino, to a bottle of Pisco in the Moai bottle, to some other gifts, or 500 starpoints.

Some pictures (actually a suite upgrade was prepared - but I needed separate beds ... Great hotel):
Sheraton San Cristobal Tower (http://www.e-traveller.net/lh738/triprep/02scl/scl-sheratonsancristobal.html)

I'm going to SCL in July/August, for skiing and other leisure. I want to explore Santiago a little (but not too much - I've read that it is not the greatest S. American city...)

Thanks for making the hotel choice for me. :)

I'll be there for a night in mid July. Based on my experience at the Park Tower in BA, I am looking forward to this stay at another South America Luxury Collection property.

I have a trip to Chile in a few weeks. My company's approved hotels there are the Marriott, Grand Hyatt, and Sheraton Convention Center. I am a Starwood Platinum and Hyatt Diamond.

A coworker of mine (Gold with Starwood) stayed at the Sheraton last year. He tells me that he received an upgrade to the San Cristobal Towers, which I understand is next to the Sheraton, but is a separate hotel. Is this a common occurrence that I could also expect as a Platinum guest?

If the answer is yes, then I am sure I would prefer booking at the Sheraton than the Hyatt. If this is highly unusual, or a thing of ther past, then I may be better off staying at the Hyatt. Anyone has any experience at these two Starwood properties in Santiago?

As always, thanks to those Flyertalkers that provide their input.

He tells me that he received an upgrade to the San Cristobal Towers, which I understand is next to the Sheraton, but is a separate hotel. Is this a common occurrence that I could also expect as a Platinum guest?



The two are separate buildings on the same property, sharing pools, restaurants, etc. In my experience, upgrades are within the same brand, i.e., with a Sheraton reservation they upgrade within the Sheraton tower, with a Towers reservation they upgrade there. The difference is huge -- the Towers suites are of a higher standard than any of the St. Regis properties I have been in. The Sheraton is just the normal run of the mill Sheraton. The Four Points has the advantage of a better location.

On one visit, I was offered the opportunity to take a suite in the main Sheraton or a "standard" room in the Tower. (I have stayed on both sides maybe 4 times each). The hotel has a nice gym and indoor and outdoor pools (as it is nearly winter, I don't know if the outdoor pool is open all year). I also expect to be back there in a few weeks :)

The Starwood website says the following for the Sheraton:

Stretching across the Mapocho River, the new La Concepción Bridge connects our hotel with Providencia and puts the Subway Station within walking distance.

Is this truly a new development, or is it old news? If it is new, by what degree to does it decrease the walk time to Providencia?

The Starwood website says the following for the Sheraton:

Stretching across the Mapocho River, the new La Concepción Bridge connects our hotel with Providencia and puts the Subway Station within walking distance.

Is this truly a new development, or is it old news? If it is new, by what degree to does it decrease the walk time to Providencia?

If the bridge is where I think it must be (the area has been under a lot of construction for a long time), it will diminish substantially the time to walk to the metro stop. The overall walking time to Providencia won't be reduced much, but the time to get to the Metro will (because no backtracking) - the other nearest bridge also goes right into Providencia.

I'll know more at the end of the month :)

It will also be interesting to see the construction progress, as it involves putting a major crosstown highway IN the Rio Mapocho.

An update. I had 2 stays there in late December / early January (totalling 5 nights). The Tower is just a fine hotel. I can't say that it is because I'm SPG Platinum, or a semi-frequent guest, or just because its a fine hotel, or a combination of the three. As with anyplace, I've had an occasional issue. The last two stays, however, were flawless. (Well, almost. The health club was closed on both Christmas and New Years.)

I stayed twice in 2004.

One occasion booking the Tower and getting an upgrade to a suite. The other occasion booking an ordinary room and getting a Towers suite.

They were excellent on both occasions and they seem to know which rooms you have stayed in before and compared the one offered with the previous one.

Stayed at the Sheraton back in December and got a Platinum upgrade to the Exec. level but not to the Tower as both buildings are considered different hotels, as mentionned above and similarly to the Sheraton in Buenos Aires. However you have access to the services of both properties as if it was the same (restaurants, business centre etc...)

Enjoyed their hospitality middle of January '05. the hotels are very busy with cruise groups all over. Reasonable pool, snack food very average. My main story was that I checked into the Towers very late. Got a great rate but a low floor level - fair enough. Had just hunkered down and the air fan / conditioner started up, so bad I couldn't sleep. The concierge helped move me quick enough and the manager kindly provided a bottle two nights later. Sadly I was flying out the next night and couldn't do it justice! A great gesture none the less.

We stayed over New Years and were upgraded to a huge suite - the furniture was dated but the size of the suite was awesome.

Our only problem with the hotel was the concierge Marco - he sent us to an absolutely awful restaurant for lunch that was both bad and expensive. We asked them to try and find us a car, and he lied and told the other bellman/concierge that he had called us with a car - when in fact he hadn't - we were in the room the whole time and unless the phones weren't working, there was no way we wouldn't have heard it.

The gym wasn't bad - when it opened....

Our only problem with the hotel was the concierge Marco - he sent us to an absolutely awful restaurant for lunch that was both bad and expensive.

I find it pretty funny that you say that. I stayed at the Towers last August on a Cash & Points rate and got upgraded to an amazing suite. It would have been the perfect stay had it not been for Marco. He attempted to rip us off on every possible occassion. Do NOT go to any restaurant that he recommends because he only sends guests to places with kickbacks. We actually befriended one of the taxi drivers who the Sheraton concierge arranged for us and he told us some of the "dirt" on Marco. All in all, I would reommend the Towers. My suite was one of, if not the, nicest room I have stayed in.

Thanks for confirming our suspicions - we hate to feel paranoid.

W Hotels announced plans for its first project in South America. W Santiago Hotel is slated to open in 2008 on Avenida Isidoro Goyenechea, across from Plaza Peru. The 205-room hotel will be part of a mixed-use building with a signature restaurant, Bliss Spa and more than 37,000 square feet of meeting space. Starwood currently operates four hotels in Chile: the Sheraton Santiago Hotel & Convention Center, The San Cristobal Tower (part of the Luxury Collection), the Four Points by Sheraton Santiago and the new Sheraton Miramar & Convention Center in Vina del Mar. (ES) :D

exciting news ^

Wow. Wow. Wow. If I didn't love the San Cristobal Tower so much, I'd almost be there. My only issue with it is the location. Great, but not great location. Starbucks, Ruby Tuesday, Hooters, and a number of similar right on the block. On the other hand, one of South America's finest wine shops :).

Is that near Las Condes, eastBay?

Is that near Las Condes, eastBay?

Sipo.

Hooters

:eek: They have a Hooters in Santiago? Stupid Lonely Planet. :mad:

Is that near Las Condes, eastBay?

I've always wondered why it isn't LOS Condes, or Las CONDESAS. People in Santiago seem to have no idea. Anyway, I prefer Providencia -- less chique, less Americanized, more movement.

I've stayed in a large king on the south side of the Four Points by Sheraton Santiago before, and am considering another stay in November. In looking at available rooms during my stay, I have the following questions:

Do the terrace rooms with queen beds have chairs on the decks? Are the views toward Cerro San Cristobal decent? Are they smaller than the kings?
How are the corner suites? Are the "verandahs" on the suites similar to the "terraces" on the queen rooms?

¡Gracias!

(Note -- I answered my original question below.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

I had a question regarding the Four Points by Sheraton Santiago, and figured I'd take advantage of the opportunity to consolidate past threads related to Starwood properties in Santiago.

STARWOOD PROPERTIES -- SANTIAGO DE CHILE

Four Points by Sheraton Santiago (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=1294)
Santa Magdalena No. 111 Santiago Chile
Phone (56)(2) 7500300 Fax (56)(2) 7500350
Category 1

San Cristobal Tower (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=206)
Josefina Edwards De Ferari 0100 Santiago Chile
Phone (56)(2) 707 1000 Fax (56)(2) 707 1010
Category 3

Sheraton Santiago Hotel and Convention Center (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=296)
Ave Santa Maria 1742 Santiago Chile
Phone (56)(2) 2335000 Fax (56)(2) 234 1729
Category 2

W Santiago Hotel (http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=78669&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=849791&highlight=) (opening 2008)
Ave Isidoro Goyenechea Santago Chile
Phone TBD Fax TBD
Category TBD


PAST THREADS

Four Points by Sheraton Santiago

Four Points Santiago - mini-report (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=367837&highlight=santiago)

Transport from SCL to Four Points and treatment of Plats (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=365303&highlight=santiago)

Four Points by Sheraton Santiago (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=173397&highlight=santiago)

Anyone stayed at Four Points Santiago Chile? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=171651&highlight=santiago)


Sheraton Santiago and San Cristobal Tower

any recent experience with San Cristobal? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=551762&highlight=santiago)

Sheraton/San Cristobal Tower (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=326061&highlight=santiago)

Sheraton Santiago v. San Cristobal Tower (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=172424&highlight=santiago)

San Cristobal Tower - any experience on this board? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=312741&highlight=santiago)


W Hotel Santiago

New "W" Hotel Santiago (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=554131&highlight=santiago)


General

Santiago, Chile Starwood Hotels - any perspective? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=171396&highlight=santiago)

If I fail to incorporate any category changes or include any new threads, please PM me and I will update this thread ASAP.

^ Thank you so much; this is amazing!

I recently stayed two nights at the Sheraton on a Cat 2 weekend award (a very good deal for this property at 3000 points/night) then did two paid nights at the San Cristobal. The two properties are separate hotels but part of the same structure. They share some facilities: the health club is shared, room service menus are identical (so from the same kitchen I assume), and the restaurants are interchangeable. Check in at both properties is 3pm and regular check out is 1pm. The Sheraton is a conference center and might deny you a late check out, but the San Cristobal confirmed that they do provide a 4pm check out to Gold/Plat members.

As a side note, I also walked past the Four Points (but didn't go inside) and noticed that there was an SPG Gold/Plat line that actually appeared to be staffed.

Sheraton Santiago:

I arrived at the Sheraton around 11am on a Friday. Took a cab from the airport: US$25, so upon later reading apparently I should've negotiated a bit more. Note that the US$100 "reciprocity fee" for a visa can be paid with a credit card now. No recognition of SPG status at this property, and the agent seemed annoyed when I nicely asked him if he'd been able to upgrade me. (The hotel was full, so he couldn't.) I was told it'd be about an hour, so I said I'd wait in the lobby. Waited almost two hours without anyone coming over (I didn't mind since I'd arrived well before check in time), so I went back to the front desk and it turned out my room had been ready for quite some time.

Also, there was no SPG Gold/Plat line, working or not, and if I had checked in at a busy time I would have been dying for a well-staffed SPG line. A couple of the times that I went through the lobby it was literally so full of bags that I had to weave my way through and even walk behind a desk at one point as giant groups of people arrived by bus. Probably about an hour to check in one time I went past. The lobby itself was designed just fine and decorated quite nicely, it just simply wasn't designed to handle that many people.

Anyways, I went up to my room, and as I seem to have very good luck with lately, my non-smoking room was a smoking room, as evidence by the smell and the ashtray. I'd reserved a non-smoking room AND I was asked at check-in whether I wanted smoking or non-smoking, and when I said non-smoking I was told that was fine. So at that point the guarantee of just "a room" becomes a guarantee of "a non-smoking room" to me. Called the front desk, got the same agent. He said they were very full but that he'd get back to me. Waited 40 minutes without hearing back, so I called and again got the same agent. I asked if he could at least get back to me and let me know how long it'd take at least, so he told me he'd call me back within 10 minutes. 30 minutes later with no call, I headed to the lobby and asked to speak to the manager on duty.

The manager on duty was at lunch, but the guest relations manager, who keeps regular office hours at a desk in the lobby (great touch—more hotels need to do that) came over to talk to me. She was extremely pleasant, professional, and apologetic; after we finished talking about the issue she went to the front desk and sorted out a room for me. Gave me her business card in case I had any further problems. Had the key in a couple minutes and went to the new room which was fine. The rooms themselves are in great shape, seeming fairly recently renovated. There was a international plug selection at the desk, standard Sweet Sleeper bed, 32" HD plasma, and a well layed out bathroom. The view I had was of a building and a hill which wasn't all that exciting. Turndown service was performed in the evening as expected.

Unfortunately, when I went to take a shower, the bathtub spigot came shooting off (and it's one of those ones where you have to pull up a plug on the tub spigot to make the shower work.) Took a rather difficult shower while holding the bathtub spigot in place with one hand. I called maintenance and they fixed it while I was away, though left the extremely loose shower handle that I'd also noted in the same condition.

Overall, this was a good stay: I would blame the check in problems on one bad agent, as the guest relations manager more than made up for that with the excellent handling of the situation. The bathroom problems show that the hotel needs to keep tabs on their rooms better. But overall, the room was well-appointed and comfortable, and the hotel was good in general. I would highly recommend this as a good value use of points in Santiago. Also, I found the SPG50 rates to be significantly lower than the web rates if you're doing a paid stay, so you may want to look into those. If you want luxury though, read on...

Can't wait for the next post. I have had probably 15 stays between the Sheraton and the San Cristobal Tower. I have been staying exclusively in the tower the past couple of years.

San Cristobal:

I walked over to the San Cristobal a bit after noon on Sunday after I checked out from the Sheraton—just back behind the Sheraton lobby bar and you're at the doorway to the San Cristobal lobby. A friendly Sheraton bellhop brought my bags over.

Went to check in; they have two nice check in desks to sit down at that were not at all busy every time I went through the lobby, which itself was quite nicely decorated. The fairly pleasant agent looked at my reservation, then noted that I was an SPG Gold member. Then she apologized that she couldn't upgrade me since they were full and offered to send me up a bottle of wine as an apology! I was surprised to even be offered an upgrade—I'd thought the standard rooms were the best available, since the next level up is "Executive Suite", but later discussion revealed they do indeed upgrade Golds to those rooms as policy if available, as well as provide extra amenities if an upgrade isn't available. Now that's going well beyond proper elite member treatment. I ended up not getting the wine, but it turned out that was due to room service not delivering it.

Unfortunately, check-in had some problems. I'd booked the "Luxury Romance" package despite travelling by myself, as it was $50 cheaper than even the pre-paid rate for some reason. Additionally, it included a welcome drink, bottle of champagne and petits fours in the room, 1000 Starpoints, either continental breakfast served by room service or a full breakfast in the lounge, free health club access, and a 5PM checkout, so that was a no-brainer. Anyways, I asked the desk agent about this and she said that my rate didn't include any of those things and that she'd check with reservations in the morning. Decided to just go to my room and deal with it later. I actually tried to go to the lounge for a welcome drink but they were closed. Later in the evening I called the front desk to ask for my amenities to be sent up, and they said they'd do so, but didn't. I also went to the health club and was told I'd be charged; of course I just used it anyways since it'd be taken off later. The health club, which is shared with the Sheraton, is small but functional. I didn't try the sauna or steam room.

I got to my room, which was fairly large and quite splendidly decorated with a nice Starwood-type bed, large desk, couch, and coffee table. The bathroom was quite nice as well, with a tub in the main area and two separate rooms for the toilet and the shower. The only thing that looked out of place was the old-fashioned standard TV on a slide-out stand. I was also only on the 6th floor (of 22) with not much of a view; unfortunately since they were so busy that was the best they could do. Of course, you get a much better view from the 21st floor lounge or, even better, climbing (or taking the gondola if you're lazy) up Cerro San Cristobal!

The butler service was quick and efficient for some things; I had them bring me a bucket of ice as well as take a couple items of clothes to be pressed, as they offer complimentary pressing upon check-in. Although one other time I called the butler line to have my room service tray removed, and they said they'd send a waiter—after waiting an hour I just put the tray outside my room. (Hey, if they offer butler service, I'll damn well be lazy!) The second day I was there, a different butler came by my room to introduce himself and offer me his business card.

I went down to talk to the Guest Relations Manager in the morning to figure out the problems with my rate plan. She has a desk in the lobby as well. While the Sheraton Guest Relations Manager was superb, the San Cristobal's was absolutely outstanding. She promised to look into my problems and did take care of everything for me, and offered me my choice of wine/snacks for the champagne/petits fours. I opted for a cheese plate and a bottle of Carmenere (after some discussion as to which wine I might like.) Brought the Carmenere home and it was quite nice indeed! She gave me her card as well. I chatted with the Guest Relations Manager several times during my stay (and even recommended FlyerTalk as she was looking for some info of that type. :))

The Concierge was spectacular as well. All my dealings were with the head concierge; he earned himself quite a nice tip. Got tons of useful information from him, had an excellent vineyard tour arranged, and he even called over to one restaurant that he knew to arrange for myself and a friend to eat about half an hour before they regularly open for dinner. Got another card, seems like everyone at the San Cristobal has them!

I'd say this was one of my best Starwood stays ever. I'm not sure I'd want to stay anywhere else when I next go back to Santiago. Other than the rate plan issues, which were worked out fine other than wasting my time, my stay was pretty much flawless in every other respect. Definitely a Luxury Collection hotel that deserves the name.

I am more than a little surprised by the problems with SPG status recognition at the Starwood hotels in Santiago in the above posts. As an SPG Platinum member I have been upgraded to a full suite at the San Cristóbal Tower every single time I have stayed there, although not always on the first day (especially when arriving late in the evening). I have had fewer stays on the Sheraton side, but there too I have always been upgraded to a suite. It is true that often a fair amount of slightly unpleasant verbal negotiation with check-in agents is necessary, but there have been a few occasions on which the suite upgrade was graciously offered without my having to press. In all cases, the special features included in the rates have been recognized without any problems. Nonetheless, I have noticed recently some of the non-official extras have been cut out or diminished. These include a three-tiered silver tray of fruit, nuts, and chocolates that always used to appear in the San Cristóbal Tower accompanied by a bottle of Chilean wine. Now it seems that only one or the other of these extras is supplied, usually the tray, but not the wine. On the other hand, the Tower is now offering 500 bonus points per stay, or so they say. We’ll see if the bonus actually appears in my account. In any case, I can sincerely say that all of my stays at the Starwood Santiago hotels have been excellent.

San Cristobal:

....I'd say this was one of my best Starwood stays ever.....

Same here:

-Nice room with view to the Andes
-Extremely friendly and helpful staff
-Nice location, walking distance to nice restaurants, cafés and Metro
-We got an invitation from the (lady) manager/gerente to a little party at the executive floor, I believe they have it every week.

Bottom line: A great hotel! ^ ^ ^

Muchissimas gracias, snorkmaster! I'm moving to SCL in a week and am printing this off now as my hotel guide to the city. I need 5 more stays to make Platinum, so will probably bounce around hotels while I look for a place to live in the city.

A little follow up to answer the question I posed when I started this thread...

As far as I could tell, the rooms with terrazas are on floors 10 and 11, with 11 being an "SPG floor" containing what looked like 4 suites and the room which we had -- 1103. Our balcony faced east, and had 2 chairs and a small table (as did all visible balconies on 10 as well.)

If you'd like a balcony, will not be bothered by the Suecia noise (not my scene -- but the noise doesn't annoy me), and are not eligble for a suite upgrade, I heartily recommend 1103. The orientation of the room is perpendicular to the rooms on 10, and as a result, it has a very spacious, private balcony. (The balconies on 10 look decent too.)

There aren't many Four Points that I actually choose to stay at, but this is definitely one of them.

Update to the opening date on this hotel is now sometime in Aug 08.

A contact of mine informed me it won't make the previously projected Dec 07 date. Construction is progressing along nicely, a sign on the outside of it states that it will include: "residences, fitness center, offices, restaurants, and the new W Santiago."

Will try to snap a picture this week and post it in this thread.

Yeah, the street is a bit of "little America", but that is contained to the 2 blocks or so by our Embassy here, IMHO. W Hotels, as always, snags a prime location, right in the heart of Santiago's financial district. ^^

Only spotted this thread today - so belated excitement! :D :D [yes i know there's a master thread of new Ws but for some reason I must have missed W SCL on that list :o]

Guess I now have got even more reason to visit SCL.

I passed by it by chance a few days ago, remembered this thread and took a snapshot.

It's in a pretty nice/hip area.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2373/2077379934_5a0eadc817.jpg?v=0 (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2373/2077379934_5a0eadc817.jpg)

The W Hotels site is now showing a 1 Oct 08 opening date, with some limited info and a few pics of the Las Condes/El Golf area...

Any Reccomendations For The Best Starwood Prop?

San Cristobal Tower

If you have a chance to get out of the city try the Sheraton Miramar in Vina del Mar, less than a two hour drive, right on the ocean. All the rooms have ocean views.

... Nonetheless, I have noticed recently some of the non-official extras have been cut out or diminished. These include a three-tiered silver tray of fruit, nuts, and chocolates that always used to appear in the San Cristóbal Tower accompanied by a bottle of Chilean wine. Now it seems that only one or the other of these extras is supplied, usually the tray, but not the wine.

Both of the extras are now nothing but a pleasant memory from the past. On my last visit, I did get an upgrade to a spectacular suite (on the second day, after a little negotiation). I forgot to check about the 500 points.

Anyone have suggestions on what to do and where to eat in Santiago? We will be there for 4 days in august before heading to Valle Nevado for some skiing.

We are pretty adventurous, what are the "must do" experiences and restaurants in Santiago? What restaurants should not be missed?

A couple of questions first:

- What is your budget for dinners?
- What type of cuisine do you like?
- Are you looking for 4 different types of food?

We just left Santiago after living there for 15 months - the restaurant scene down there is getting better and better!

Well we are on a mini honey moon of sorts, so our budget is pretty much unrestricted. Also we are from NYC and eat out quite often, so we rarely get sticker shock at restaurants.

Of course this doesn't mean we only want to sit down at so called upscale restaurants. If there is an amazing whole in the wall, we want to check it out. Whats great and local?

I recommend Puerto Foy - International/Chilean cusine and Astrid y Gaston sort of eclectic/South American/Peruvian both places a short taxi trip from the San Christobal Tower.


mike

Lots of good places to eat in El Bosque.

Puerto Fuy - Chilean cuisine, as mentioned
Aqua - Nice upscale place for a meal, near Puerto Fuy
Astrid & Gaston - Amazing Peruvian food!
Happening - Argentinian steak, Las Condes district
Como Aqua para Chocolate - Bellavista district, nice romantic place
Anakena - Great Thai place in the Hyatt hotel
El Cid - In San Cristobal Tower/Sheraton
Zanzibar - Nice upstairs open-air bar, ethnic cuisine

The W Hotels site is now showing a 1 Oct 08 opening date, with some limited info and a few pics of the Las Condes/El Golf area...

Now spg.com showing a March 1, 2009 opening date:

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1979

Hi there,

I have booked a suite at San Cristobal for Thanksgiving, and was wondering if anyone could confirm that they have two seprate rooms? We need to put our infant in one of them for his naps, and would like to be able to spend time close but not too close.

Also, as a lowly Gold, do you get anything at check-in?

Thanks!


LTZ

Hi there,

I have booked a suite at San Cristobal for Thanksgiving, and was wondering if anyone could confirm that they have two seprate rooms? We need to put our infant in one of them for his naps, and would like to be able to spend time close but not too close.

Also, as a lowly Gold, do you get anything at check-in?

Thanks!


LTZ

As you can see from earlier posts in this thread, the suites are magnificent: they are huge, have two completely separate rooms with a sliding wooden door and a large marble bathroom. The staff are great. The breakfast upstairs is very elegantly served. In my opinion, this is one of Starwood's very best hotels.

As you can see from earlier posts in this thread, the suites are magnificent: they are huge, have two completely separate rooms with a sliding wooden door and a large marble bathroom. The staff are great. The breakfast upstairs is very elegantly served. In my opinion, this is one of Starwood's very best hotels.

I could not agree more regarding the suites. They are really fantastic. Try to get up high on the tower, great views. The staff is also great. Very friendly and helpful. My wife and I stayed here for the first few days of our honeymoon before heading to Valle Nevado in August and loved it.

That said, the hotel is lacking in a few minor areas. The location could be better and the indoor pool area is in need of an overhaul. The staff in the areas of the hotel that are shared with the Sheraton are not nearly as good as at the Tower, and you won't be able to avoid working with them.

Even still, the staff at the Sheraton were certainly above average as far as service in Chile goes. Lovely country, lovely people but generally slow and uninterested service.

While I am in this thread I should post a couple of lessons learned from my recent trip to Chile.

(1) Chile has thousands of miles of coast, and a cuisine that almost neglects seafood in favor of beef. Its amazing how little emphasis the majority of restaurants place on seafood given the bounty they have at their disposal. If you go to the Cental Market in Santiago you will be overwhelmed by what is available compared to what most restaurants offer up. Holy cow these people know their beef though.

(2) Santiago doesn't offer a lot to vacationers, but it has massive potential.

We did some wine touring, and found that the Vineyards have a lot to offer in the way of quality wine. That said, they could all benefit from sending a couple managers to Nappa to learn how wine tasting and touring is done. They didn't really understand what a U.S. wine tourist is looking for.

The Museums are nothing special, though Pablo Naruta's house was pretty neat.

(3) Skiing in Chile is peculiar. The mountains have immense potential however the ski areas are not very well conceived. This seems to be largely due to the fact that Chileans are bad skiers, and the mountains cater to their desire for non-challenging terrain. If you are an NA skier that seeks any sort of challenge, off-piste is essential. Get skins and a guide. You can hire a taxi to pick you up on the road side. Heli Skiing in the Andes: worth EVERY penny. Best day of my life.

(4) Service in Chile is generally friendly, but inept. No more so then at Hotel Valle Nevado which claims to be 5 stars, but is really a very expensive 3 star. If it wasn't at 9k feet amongst the stunning Andes, I would have been raging mad at the bill.

In summary, Santiago is a fun city if you happen to be in the area or on the way to the mountains. If you are going skiing in Chile be prepared to be unimpressed by the on-piste terrain. Splurge on the Heli- its worth it.

Puerto Fuy - Chilean cuisine, as mentioned
Aqua - Nice upscale place for a meal, near Puerto Fuy
Astrid & Gaston - Amazing Peruvian food!
Happening - Argentinian steak, Las Condes district
Como Aqua para Chocolate - Bellavista district, nice romantic place
Anakena - Great Thai place in the Hyatt hotel
El Cid - In San Cristobal Tower/Sheraton
Zanzibar - Nice upstairs open-air bar, ethnic cuisine

We hit Astrid & Gaston. There were one or two impressive dishes on the tasting menu, but overall we left unimpressed. I really got the impression that the kitchin was taming some of the bolder Peruvian flavors and spices in order to cater to what I found to be a rather restrained Chilean pallet.

I would add Tierra Noble to this list. We really enjoyed our meal here. My memory could be unfairly weight to the positive because of one amazing dish though. The Wild Boar ribs. Best pork I have ever had. Very simple grill preparation, but the meat was more flavorful then any pork I have had in the U.S.

I have a 3 night points stay booked at the Sheraton in a few weeks. I am Plat SPG and hear that you can get upgraded to a "normal" room at the SCT. Is it worth it to have move to the SCT vs getting a larger room at the Sheraton?

What are the "must dos" when in Santiago? We are heading out to Valparaiso for a day, but other than that we don't have anything specific planned. I've read that the bike tours are nice, any recent experiences there?

I'm currently staying at the Sheraton in Santiago as a Plat. The offer you refer to (ie re movement to a SCT room) was not one I was given, so would not get your hopes up. Am currently in a nice room at the end of the hall on the club floor level overlooking the pool area. Believe my room is larger than normal but not sure by how much. If you don't speak Spanish you'll no doubt find the staff's command of English here to be somewhat less than what you might be used to at other Starwood properties outside of N. America.

Need to check out Plaza de Armas (Town Square) Very lively; The city's historic centre with each side bouded by historical buildings including the main post office, town centre, Metropolitan Cathedral, National Museum.

Also enjoyed the Mercato Central (good if you're into seafood) and the La Vega Market which is a non-touristy hyper-market of about 3-4 blocks directly across the river from the Mercato (can't miss it). Tons of stuff for sale; Where real Chileans go to shop;

The Presidential (le Moneda) Palace is about a 3 block walk from the Plaza de Armas has a changing of the guard every 2nd day. This is where Allende allegedly committed suicide, while the airforce bombed the place and led into the Pinochet coup.

You can get to all of the above very easily by subway if you're so inclined. The subway system here works very well.

A 10 - 15 minute walk from the hotel are the cable cars going up St Christopher's Hill. Great views of Santiago.

Will find this city to be one of the safest in S.America. Have never been at all apprehensive about walking around by myself here (even at night) Mind you at 6 ft in height I'm somewhat taller than you're average Chilean.

Keep in mind that with high temps currently in the 30 degree celsius range (likely to be warmer as summer grows closer), bike touring in the heat of the day or at all may not be as comfortable as you'd like. May be a great option, but I'd suggest you play it by ear when you get here.

Has anyone heard any updates re: the W? It still shows a March 1 opening date, but is not accepting any reservations. Perhaps a Lurker knows something?

Has anyone heard any updates re: the W? It still shows a March 1 opening date, but is not accepting any reservations. Perhaps a Lurker knows something?

Internal sources indicate that the opening has been delayed to April 15, 2009.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I will have to suffer at one of the other fine Starwood properties at the end of March, then. Usually, the San Cristobal Tower forces me to have either juice or sparkling wine when checking in, before escorting me to one of their Torture Chamber Suites. :) But I thought I'd try something new for a night. :(

...before escorting me to one of their Torture Chamber Suites. :)...

That is WAY TMI, ya know! :eek: :D

Internal sources indicate that the opening has been delayed to April 15, 2009.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Now pushed back to May 1. Does anyone know if that date is realistic? (We're headed to Santiago in mid June and are considering a stay at the W, if it opens in time.)

Our room was modest, as expected, but had what one needed (safe, hairdryer, alarm clock and air conditioning). 2 single beds (both broken down), windows so dirty you could barely see out of them. Water pressure was good.(room 503). The common areas were quite nice, with the exception of some closed stores.. The pool area was very nice, some shaded seating was available in the area. Food and beverages were served by the pool. This area became our choice for dining a couple times. The hamburger tasted a bit off, but the fries were great. The tomato was mushy, as were the ones at breakfast. Burgers were 7,200 pesos and beer started at 3,800 pesos. Another night we split a chicken Caesar salad out by the pool along with a couple glasses of beer. Breakfast was served in a covered, but open area beyond the pool. It was buffet. Language was a problem. “Raw” bacon and eggs were often on the menu. A large assortment of fruit was accompanied by a large group of bees daily. Always enough “stuff” to get ones fill. The hotel is 12 minute drive from the airport. High speed internet is available. An ATM is available down stairs. For those with status, there is a Club level and lounge. Staff was very good, with a couple exceptions.

We stayed in the San Cristobal Tower (Luxury Collection -- connected to the Sheraton) in February, and really enjoyed drinks and light meals on several occasions in the Sheraton's large pool area.

(Our room in the San Cristobal Tower was fine in all respects, if just a bit dated or traditional for my own personal taste--but no complaints!)

While relaxing in the Sheraton's pool area, we noticed that it also was popular with a number of Chilean and/or international businessmen and women, many conducting business (suit jackets sometimes off, ties sometimes loosened) while enjoying drinks and light meals.

While there may be grander and more impressive pool areas at other hotels, the Sheraton grounds are nonetheless a very pleasant and popular place.

Now pushed back to May 1. Does anyone know if that date is realistic? (We're headed to Santiago in mid June and are considering a stay at the W, if it opens in time.)

Now July 1. I wonder what is going on.

Now July 1. I wonder what is going on.

Bienvenido a Chile!

well I just booked W for the weekend........ I hope its open they accepted my reservation. :)

well I just booked W for the weekend........ I hope its open they accepted my reservation. :)

It is open. I didn't stay there on my most recent trip, and I don't know if I ever will because I just like the San Cristobal Tower too much, and the W rates have been exorbitant. When I need a cheap night, I stay at the Four Points. I also like the location of the latter two better, but the W is in a very nice area.

Ok checked in got a great suite and i am using the FREE nights.^ Hotel is going to have an AMAZING pool area! not ready and its winter here. the place is not all open yet but wow... SO far the staff have ben amazing. Jut here for two days.

PS the rooms on the 10th floor have 12ft ceilings.. amazing and the deck is MASSIVE.

Great to hear. I'm staying there on Monday and Tuesday night. Las Condes is much more convenient for me than the San Cristobal Towers. The traffic crossing the river can be a pain.

The San Cristobal Tower seems to have been thoroughly reviewed, so I think I'll just add in some photos I took from a stay over July 4 Weekend. I was originally placed in a standard Tower room on a high floor, but they were able to have a suite ready for me within an hour of check-in (I checked in early in the morning, after having just arrived at SCL from the U.S.). Great service, staff, and hotel all-around. I will split this into two posts, so that the Standard Room and Suite photos are separated...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3510/3816791718_a9e118cf0a.jpg
Towers Room Bedroom

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/3815981049_19646f2a87.jpg
Opposite View, Towers Room Bedroom

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2561/3816796838_66974ffb66.jpg
Towers Room Tub

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/3816795576_32a0cc3683.jpg
Towers Room Bathroom/Vanity

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/3816798640_a911aa6cd6.jpg
View of River & Andes from Towers Room

And now for photos from the Suite (which was located on the opposite side of the hotel, without such a commanding view of the Andes)...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2675/3816799732_6c4ac7e920.jpg
Half-Bath by Entryway

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3490/3816800918_8fe36daef7.jpg
Dining Area

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2589/3815990987_ec861f5546.jpg
Living Room

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2472/3815992175_eb4ecc181e.jpg
Bedroom/Sitting Area

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3455/3816826714_a9193e51bf.jpg
View from Suite at Night

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3563/3816822984_ed4be23250.jpg
Exterior of Hotel at Sunset (Hotel is Building at Left-Center)