We just completed a 3-night stay at the Sheraton Miramar, and I can't say enough good things about the hotel or its staff.

We arrived a little before 3:00 p.m. on Christmas day. After a brief wait, we were greeted at our car by someone who took our luggage and car keys. Brigitta welcomed us at the front desk, asked us how we were doing, and told us that we had been upgraded to a suite. She asked which amenity we wanted, and then said that the room was not quite ready. She invited us to enjoy pisco sours, compliments of the hotel, on the patio and she would get us when our room was ready. When we walked outside, the view and the relaxed atmosphere overwhelmed us. We enjoyed our drinks and before we finished, Brigitta came to tell us that our room was ready.

When we arrived in Room 701, which is really a junior suite, our bags were already there. The view was simply spectacular: west toward the Pacific and south toward Valparaiso. The balcony had two comfortable chairs, and there was no smell of smoke as had been previously reported. However, there was a territorial seagull that squawked at us during the entire three-day stay. I don't know if it hated us or all occupants of Room 701, but be forewarned!

Breakfast each morning was served buffet style. There were hot selections (scrambled eggs, bacon, ham, and grilled tomatoes), but the pastries, cheeses, fruit, and smoked salmon were better. We had room service one evening and ate on the patio the next. There was not much difference between the prices between the two, and the food was good.

We used the wired internet in our room. The charge was 8500 pesos per 24-hour period or 3000 for 3 hours. The speed was good and we did not experience any interruptions.

As good as the facility itself is, the people were even better. Brigitta at the front desk, Cristian (one of the managers), and Roque (who helped with any question we had) were the ones who stood out, but everyone we came in contact with made us feel totally welcomed and cared for.

Our stay was a cash and points stay ($60 + 4000/night). We did not want to leave and would return in a heartbeat. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Viņa del Mar or Valparaiso.