Where to stay in Santiago, Chile: best neighborhoods and hotels
There are many options of where to stay in Santiago de Chile, so it might be tricky to determine which one suits you best. That’s why I invited traveler and journalist Lanna Sanches, who has been to the Chilean capital a few times, to make a list of the 5 most interesting neighborhoods for your stay in Santiago.
The recommended neighborhoods (or comunas, as they’re called in Chile) are Lastarria, Bellavista, Providencia, Las Condes and Vitacura. To understand the advantages and disadvantages of each location and the best hostels in each of them, keep reading this article.
Where to stay in Santiago de Chile: best neighborhoods
Lastarria and Bellavista neighborhoods: the historic center
Let’s start by talking about downtown Santiago, where you’ll find Lastarria and Bellavista neighborhoods. This is one of the most affordable areas to stay in, and you’ll have easy access to public transportation. If this is your first time in the city, this is probably the best place to stay in Santiago, allowing you to see the city’s daily life and visit the tourist attractions located nearby.
You’ll be close to most of the capital’s traditional attractions, such as Plaza de Armas square, Palacio de La Moneda, Museo de Arte Precolombino, Cerro Santa Lucía, Pablo Neruda’s house (La Chascona), Patio Bellavista and Mercado Central (Central Market). In addition, these neighborhoods have a great selection of restaurants and bars for all budgets, from street food to five-star hotels.
The city center is usually the heart of a city, and it is no different in Santiago. Many cultural and social events take place around here. You’ll find street markets, art galleries and graffiti, many of which portraying the social and political issues currently affecting the country.
From the Lastarria and Bellavista neighborhoods you can easily visit other areas of the capital. The main subway lines that pass through there are 1 and 5, and there are also dozens of bus lines. To see how to get around by public transport, I recommend using the Moovit app.
The main difference between the two neighborhoods is that Bellavista has a livelier nightlife, with bars and live music, clubs and shows. Lastarria, on the other hand, is a bit more historic, with museums, coffee shops etc., and is livelier during the day.
Just beware that just like in any downtown neighborhood in Latin American capitals, it is important to be careful with your belongings when walking around.
Where to stay in the Lastarria and Bellavista neighborhoods in Santiago
Hotel Pasko – Near the Bellas Artes subway station, this hotel offers a terrace with a bar and a well-rated breakfast.
Infinity Park Hotel – Close to the Bellas Artes (Fine Arts) Museum (photo below), this hotel has two restaurants and is a great choice of where to stay in Santiago.
UH ApartHotel Lastarria – Fully equipped apartment in the city center, near Cerro Santa Lucía, with views of the inner courtyard.
Private apartment in Santiago – A cozy apartment with a view, swimming pool and gym.
Pariwana Hostel Santiago (Bellavista) – This hostel franchise is known for its parties and socializing ambience, with large common areas and a good location.
Want more options? See all hotels, apartments and hostels available in the Lastarria and Bellavista neighborhoods.
Las Condes and Vitacura: tranquility and luxury
The neighborhoods of Las Condes and Vitacura are further away from the city center but are also good options of where to stay in Santiago. This is an upscale, upper-middle-class area with avenues full of commercial buildings. People who come to the city for work usually stay here.
This area is nicknamed “Sanhattan”, in comparison to Manhattan in New York. It’s a good location for those who want to enjoy fine dining and nightlife, as well as do some shopping.
The modern, tree-lined streets make it one of the quieter regions of this large capital. Avenida Isidora Goyenechea is the busiest in the area, and it’s a great place to spend the day walking and exploring the cafes, restaurants and ice cream shops.
On this same avenue you’ll also find the Museo Interativo de Las Condes, an interactive 4D cinema that provides an interesting immersive experience. On weekends, there are small street markets in Plaza Peru, and on Sundays there’s also an antiques fair.
One downside to this area is that there aren’t as many subway options as in downtown Santiago. On the other hand, there are many bus lines; although they are not as practical, you will not be left stranded. The most convenient option here, though, is to use ride services like Uber.
Where to stay in Las Condes
Hotel Eurotel El Bosque – In addition to a nice peaceful atmosphere, guests at this tree-lined hotel can enjoy a delicious breakfast on the terrace.
Icon Hotel – With a mesmerizing view of the Andes Mountains, this hotel offers airport transfer, a swimming pool, gym and restaurant.
Select Elegant Apartments by Time Hotel & Apartments – With good accessibility, this fully equipped apartment complex offers an excellent breakfast and gym.
Rent apart Las Condes – This apartment with a kitchen has a large garden and a swimming pool, a great find in the big city.
Depto reserva en Nueva Las Condes – Near the Manquehue subway, this apartment is fully equipped and has a balcony with a view of the city.
See all accommodation options in Santiago in Las Condes and Vitacura and make your reservation.
Providencia neighborhood: near tourist attractions
Providencia is located between the historic center of Santiago and Las Condes, meaning it’s a strategic location to enjoy the other two neighborhoods. It’s a residential neighborhood with good nightlife options, restaurants, shops and access to all parts of the city, making it a good choice of where to stay in Santiago.
One of the city’s most iconic viewpoints is located in this neighborhood: Sky Costanera, the tallest building in all of Latin America. Admiring the landscape of the Andes Mountains in contrast with the buildings of the capital is totally worth going up there.
In Providencia you’ll also find a place that will make you forget you’re in one of the largest cities on the continent: the Santiago Metropolitan Park. It houses Cerro San Cristóbal, a famous hill located in the heart of the capital. You can take a cable car to the hill, walk around the park, and visit viewpoints and a sanctuary.
Finally, another interesting spot around there is La Chascona, the house-museum of the poet and writer Pablo Neruda. This is one of the Chilean author’s three houses (the others are in Valparaíso and Isla Negra) and is a great place to visit to learn more about his life.
If you choose to stay in this area, prefer to stay near subway stations such as Los Leones, Baquedano, Tobalaba and Pedro de Valdivia for easy access to other parts of Santiago.
Where to stay in Santiago in the Providencia neighborhood
Mito Casa Hotel – With cozy facilities and a beautiful garden, this hotel is close to the Baquedano subway station.
Park Plaza Santiago – With a well-reviewed restaurant and bar, the Park Plaza also has a gym, sauna and pool.
Apart hotel Fraga – These apartments include a small kitchen, a balcony with a view and a rooftop pool.
Hostal Providencia – This hostel has a bar and gym for guests, as well as a well-rated breakfast.
Ventana Sur Hostal – Near Santa Isabel station, this hostal is surrounded by trees and has a swimming pool and a beautiful garden with a terrace.
See all the options of where to stay in Santiago in Providencia.
FAQs about accommodation in Santiago
Where to stay in Santiago as a couple?
The choice of where to stay in Santiago as a couple varies according to your personalities and preferences, but I’ll give you some suggestions. If it’s winter and you want to enjoy the snow, focus on staying near the ski resorts. There you’ll find charming villages where you can enjoy some time away from the big city.
If you’re looking for more excitement, the Providencia neighborhood may be a good choice, as it’s a mix of great restaurants, shops, bars, and nightlife. If you like history and more traditional places, the historic center is an excellent choice. Alternatively, you can have a more refined experience of Santiago in Las Condes.
A tip for those looking for high-end accommodation is to choose “Property rating (high to low)” on the “Sort by” filter when searching on the Booking.com website.
Check out the best hotels in Santiago for an unforgettable experience:
Hotel Eco Boutique Bidasoa, in Vitacura (rated 9.3)
Hotel Magnolia Santiago, in the city center (rated 9.1)
Hotel Regal Pacific Santiago, in Las Condes (rated 9.0)
AC Hotel by Marriott Santiago Costanera Center, in Providencia (rated 9.1)
Matildas Hotel Boutique, in the city center (rated 9.0)
Hotel Views Cordillera, in Las Condes (rated 9.0)
Where to stay in Santiago for snow activities?
If you’re going to Santiago in the winter and want to know where to stay near the ski resorts, I recommend Valle Nevado, Farellones, El Colorado or La Parva regions. Check out some highly rated accommodation options which are great for winter fun:
Departamento en Centro de ski Valle Nevado
Where to stay in Santiago on a budget?
If you’re looking for cheap accommodation in Santiago, the historic center usually has the best value for money. Here’s a list of good places with lower prices in the Lastarria, Bellavista and Providencia neighborhoods:
Aji Hostel (In Providencia) – This hostel has a homey feel and offers a highly rated breakfast, 24-hour reception and good common areas.
Yogi Hostel Boutique (In Providencia) – This large house in Providencia has a nice garden, airport shuttle and a well-equipped kitchen.
Hostal Rio Amazonas (In Lastarria) – In the heart of the capital, this hostel has shared, private and family rooms.
Hostal Forestal (In Lastarria) – This hostel is close to Parque Forestal Rubén Dario and has a 24-hour reception and a barbecue area, as well as bike rentals.
Guanako Hostel (In Bellavista) – This hostel has a beautiful view of the city from the terrace, common areas and a barbecue area.
If you want to save even more, check out the Worldpackers topic at the end of this article and find out how to stay in Santiago for free.
Where to stay in Santiago near the airport?
Since Santiago Airport (Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport) is far from the city, there are not many tourist attractions around. However, if you want to stay nearby, here are some suggestions:
Holiday Inn Santiago Airport Terminal – 0 km (it’s inside the airport)
City Express by Marriott Santiago Aeropuerto – 5.6 km from the airport
La Quinta by Wyndham Santiago Aeropuerto – 4.5 km from the airport
Apartment near the Airport – 10.6 km from the airport
Hostel Enea Homes – 5.4 km from the airport
Where to stay in Santiago for free
Did you know that you can stay in Santiago and other parts of Chile for free? You just have to apply to be a volunteer through Worldpackers, a work exchange platform. It works like this: you help the host with a few hours of work per week and in exchange you receive accommodation and other benefits, such as meals and tours.
There are several cool volunteer opportunities in Santiago and other parts of Chile. For example, you can help at the reception or bar of a hostel, collaborate with painting and decorating, be a kitchen assistant, provide digital marketing consultancy, and much more.
In addition to being a great way to save money, this type of trip allows for deeper cultural immersion. It’s great for those who want to make friends from all over the world, practice Spanish, and get to know Chile beyond the tourist attractions.
Anyone can check out Worldpackers’ vacancies for free. If you want to apply and have access to the platform’s support, you’ll need to pay an annual fee of 49 USD. But if you click here or use the discount code JANELASABERTAS, you’ll only pay 39 USD.
This fee entitles you to travel as a volunteer as many times as you want, all around the world, for a whole year. If you want more information, check out our complete guide on work exchange.
Written by Lanna Sanches, editor of the travel blog Elas Viajam Sozinhas, who has been traveling around Latin America for 6 years.
Did you like our tips on where to stay in Santiago? By booking through the links in this post, the blog earns a small commission that allows us to bring you more free content. Transparency is a core value here.
Photos: Luísa Ferreira (blog Janelas Abertas) and Deposit Photos.
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