Agree, mountain view is much nicer than city view.

There isn't too much around the hotel, but the subway isn't too far away. You can take a bus or walk (about 30 minute walk) to the subway. Click on the Santiago subway map link. The Marriott is on the Escuela Militar.

There is a nice park just across from the hotel. When I was there back in 2003, there was an outdoor film festival, and I got to see 8 mile.

I didn't find downtown as bad as everyone else. There is some nice old architecture and churches, and the market is something worth seeing.

Providencia does seem to be where all the "American" style pubs, bars and clubs are.