Those who know me personally will know that my travel style can vary from cheap and cheerful (but always clean and safe!) to luxury, and everything in between. Whenever I explore a new location, I tend to stay in a hotel that allows me to travel around easily, but I don’t usually stay in my room for too long. I believe that the real magic of travel lies in getting out and immersing oneself in the local culture, tasting the cuisine, and exploring the hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems.
On the other hand, when I feel the need to relax and unwind, I opt for staying in more upmarket places that offer a range of facilities to keep me busy and entertained. This can include luxurious spas, a well-equipped fitness centre, and a swimming pool. There’s nothing like a good workout session, followed by spending a few hours by the pool reading a book. I’m also partial to the odd massage for some well-deserved self-care.
During my birthday trip to Chile last year, and after exploring the fascinating country for several days, my travel companion and I decided to treat ourselves to a few days of pure relaxation before heading back to the hustle and bustle of London.
If you haven’t figured it out by now, we stayed at The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago.
Enhanced Perks
The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago is a Marriott STARS & Virtuoso property and, as such, and when you book with me, you can secure the following additional perks:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
And the best part is that you can still earn Marriott Bonvoy points/night credits, and pay at the hotel in order to take advantage of any cashback/points promotions you may have on your credit card.
The Concept
“Nestled between sandy Pacific beaches and snow-capped Andes Mountains, The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago redefines personal service with a personal passion, making each stay in one of Chile’s top luxury hotels more memorable than the last”
The Ritz-Carlton Santiago website
In the Travel industry, the Ritz-Carlton hotels are known for providing “legendary service” and “meaningful journeys” and appeal to guests that appreciate:
- Memory making & story telling
- Unique guest experiences
- Their needs anticipated
There were little touches around the hotel and at each of the touchpoint with the staff that reflected that philosophy.
Location & Arrival/Departure Information
The hotel describes itself as “This sophisticated retreat in the heart of El Golf, one of Santiago’s most prestigious neighborhoods,” and indeed the neighborhood feels upmarket, newer/regenerated compared to other parts of the city. There are a lot of embassies around, offices, but also restaurants and bars that were busy every day we were there, even on weekdays. By the way, please contact me if you would like to know my favourite restaurant of the trip that so happens to be within walking distance from The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago.
The hotel is about 30 minutes’ drive from Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, and the taxi costs about US$30. There is also a metro station less than a block away, making it easy to get around the city, but not so convenient for travelling from/to the airport as the metro doesn’t reach that far. So, grab a taxi.
On arrival, just before check-in time, we were welcomed by no fewer than 4 people at Reception ready to assist. I think the receptionist that checked us in was a trainee, but there was a lot of support and guidance around for him on pretty much everything, from what to say to walking around the reception desk and handing the keycards over with both hands. The Virtuoso benefits (upgrade, breakfast, and food & beverage credit) were confirmed, and we were directed to our room. Assistance with luggage was offered but politely declined. We were also introduced to the concierge.
When it was time to depart, the checkout process took a little bit longer as the front desk was busier, however, the concierge was very proactive and came over to apologize and chat with us about our stay until a receptionist became available.
The Room
One of the benefits of booking with a Fora-affiliated advisor such as me, is the complimentary room upgrade upon arrival, subject to availability. Indeed, we had booked an entry-level room but the upgrade to a Deluxe room was confirmed at check in. You can imagine the excitement of stepping into our room and seeing the extra space available to relax in.
As you enter your elegantly appointed room, you’ll instantly feel the cares of the world melt away. Ok, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, however it does feel like a haven away from the busy streets outside. The tastefully chosen furnishings and attention to detail create a cozy sanctuary that allows you to truly unwind and escape from the daily hustle and bustle. Plus, the older I get the more I appreciate a comfortable chaise longue to sit on and read my book.
I personally really liked the colour scheme. Having just returned from a few days in the Atacama desert, the browns, caramels, and generally warm tones reminded me a little bit of that landscape.
From an amenity perspective, the room had everything you would find in a 5-star property, including a Nespresso machine & capsules, a selection of teas, an ironing board and iron, a safe big enough for most standard laptops, etc. Need to stay hydrated? Fear not, for you’ll find complimentary bottles of water at your disposal. These were replenished during turndown service. Turndown service can add an extra touch of luxury to your evening routine, ensuring your room feels inviting and refreshed each night.
I mentioned “memory making” and “story telling” earlier and one of my favourite decorative touches in the room was the framed Quipu on the wall. This is a set of strings with knots that were used by the Incas to record information; a numerical account system or memory tool. I recommend visiting the Museo Chilean de Arte Precolombino in Santiago to see more of these and learn about how they were used.
The bathroom itself had separate shower and bathtub and the toiletries provided were of the Damana brand. So, whether you prefer a quick shower or a long, leisurely soak, the choice is yours.
Restaurant
Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day and when on holiday it can set the tone for the day ahead. I can confirm that this particular hotel knows how to do breakfast right. (The W Hotel Hong Kong breakfast spread is another favourite of mine).
Breakfast is served in the Estró Santiago restaurant on the ground floor. The self-service buffet offers an array of options to suit every palate and dietary preference. Freshly baked pastries, golden croissants, a variety of cereals and granolas are accompanied by a selection of yogurts and fresh fruits.
But it doesn’t stop there, you can order freshly cooked items from a la carte menu. Want your eggs cooked a certain way? No problem. And if you’re in the mood for something heartier, they have porridge is also an option, but I decided against that as it’s something I have regularly when I’m at home anyway.
What truly sets this breakfast experience apart is their commitment to catering to those with dietary restrictions. Whether you’re vegan or follow a gluten-free (GF) diet, you’ll be pleased to find a wide selection of options tailored just for you. And let’s not forget about the several options of smoked and cured salmon that are available.
To make the most of the $100 Food & Beverage (F&B) credit included in the Virtuoso rate that we had booked, we had dinner at the hotel restaurant on the last evening of our stay. This takes place in the Estró Santiago restaurant where the breakfast is served in the morning. The restaurant is known for serving New Chilean Cuisine.
Dinner started with our waiter’s recommendation of a Deluxe Pisco Sour as an aperitif (When in Rome!) and an amuse-bouche. Followed by a three-course meal of international dishes with a local twist. Everything was beautifully presented, as you can see from the photos below.
Facilities
One of the highlights of our stay was the indulgent spa, which offered a wide range of treatments inspired by local traditions. We also had access to a well-equipped fitness centre with a lot of cardio and weight training equipment. Some of the machines were brand new (loved the spin bike!) but the weights have been there for a while.
This was the only hotel of the trip where I was able to have a decent workout without compromising on some of the exercises, or using a rug instead of yoga mat (not stable but the location was totally worth it! More of that coming soon).
The views from the terrace located on the top floor by the Spa area were great to get a feel for the energy of the city.
Pros/Cons of the Property
Pros
- A full-service 5* hotel – 24h reception; room service (they even have a doggy room service menu!); onsite restaurants and bars; laundry services
- Excellent spa and fitness facilities – Heated pool and well-equipped gym
- Breakfast – Extensive selection of items to choose from, plus made to order on request
- Convenient location – Near a metro station and walking distance to a a range of eating and drinking establishments
Cons
- The price, maybe? – It’s a Ritz-Carlton hotel and the price reflects the service and quality of the facilities.
Verdict
All in all, our stay in Chile was a delightful blend of adventure and relaxation. It reminded us of the importance of finding a balance during our travels, allowing us to explore and embrace the local culture, as well as taking moments to pamper ourselves and rejuvenate our spirits.
With its peaceful ambiance and lively surroundings the The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago provided us with the perfect escape from the demands of everyday life.
Luxury Travel by thirdpassport 