We arrived at Villarrica Luxury Collection Property on March 1 after a three flights from NYC. We picked up a car and drove to the hotel, eating at the main restaurant that evening. On March 2, we drove up the road to Villarrica volcano, but after going about half way up, the road was closed because of the activity. After taking some pictures, we talked with a local who told us that at night one can see the lava streaming down the mountain. That evening we had dinner nearby and decided to wait until the next day to drive half way up the volcano in the evening to take pictures of the lava. Upon arriving at our hotel, the hotel staff circulated materials describing the conditions of the volcano and the possible threat to an eruption. We were told that if there was a problem during the evening, we would be awaken.
Shortly after 3 AM, loadspeakers began blaring in Spanish, but not understading what was being said, I picked up the phone to call the front desk. Almost immediately one of the hotel personnel began knocking on our room, telling us in English that we must immediately leave. I asked about taking luggage and he said not to remove the luggage, just leave. Within 15 minutes my wife and I dressed quickly packed our two suitcases and headed to our car in front of the hotel. Many guests were streaming our of the hotel into their cars, and we saw a small bus loading guests as well. Upon reaching the road we saw traffic as far as the eye could see, and the traffic was moving at about 25 km per hour. For 90 minutes we drove to the airport, arriving at about 430 AM, where we waited for the LAN staff to arrive at 9 AM. We were able to standby on LAN and cleared at the last minute, arriving in Santiago at about 1 PM. LAN boarded all standbys without charge if they were among those evaculated.
Our quick departure from the hotel caused us to leave some clothes and our tourist cards at the hotel. Quickly on the scene was the President of Chile who flew up on the government plane.
We did not hear of any one being injured although we heard of a bridge being washed away because of the melting snow. Many chose to stay and watch the fireworks, but we never saw any of the shots that have been posted on the internet.
Needless to say, we tried to leave the hotel as quickly as possible. Kudos to the hotel staff for their preperations, as when we talked with guests at other hotels, none told us of any of the preperations that we had at our Luxury Collection property.
I was planning to write a review of the hotel, but I suspect I will not do so now.