The Ritz-Carlton Santiago is the finest luxury hotel in Chile — a Marriott STARS and Virtuoso property in the El Golf neighbourhood of Santiago’s Providencia district, offering the brand’s signature “legendary service” alongside spa treatments inspired by local traditions, New Chilean cuisine at Estró restaurant, and views across one of South America’s most dynamic cityscapes. Reviewed by Steve Michailidis, a London-based luxury travel advisor affiliated with both Marriott STARS and Virtuoso through Fora Travel, it was the final stop of a birthday trip through Chile that began in the Atacama Desert — and the perfect counterpoint to days of adventure in one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes.
The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago — At a Glance
- Location: El Golf, Providencia, Santiago — metro station less than one block away, 30 minutes from Arturo Merino Benítez Airport
- Category: Five-star luxury hotel, Marriott STARS and Virtuoso property
- Best for: Couples, birthday/anniversary trips, Chile itinerary end-stays, relaxation after adventure travel
- Standout features: Spa with locally-inspired treatments, Estró restaurant (New Chilean Cuisine), heated rooftop pool, doggy room service menu, Quipu art in rooms, pisco sour welcome
- Atacama connection: Perfect final stop for travellers combining desert adventure with city luxury
- Marriott STARS + Virtuoso perks: Daily breakfast, $100 F&B credit, room upgrade, early check-in/late check-out, free Wi-Fi, earn Marriott Bonvoy points
- Booking fees: None
- Reviewed by: Steve Michailidis, Marriott STARS and Virtuoso advisor, August 2023
Those who know me will know that my travel style can vary adventurous to deeply indulgent, 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.
The Chile itinerary that ended at the Ritz-Carlton began in the Atacama — if you’re planning a similar journey, get in touch and I’ll build the full routing with hotels at every stop.
The Ritz-Carlton Santiago: Service Philosophy and What to Expect
“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.
Ritz-Carlton Santiago Location: El Golf, Arrivals and Getting Around
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. My favourite restaurant of the entire Chile trip happens to be within walking distance of the hotel. Get in touch and I’ll tell you exactly where it is — and make sure your hotel is booked with all perks in place while we’re talking.
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.
Ritz-Carlton Santiago Rooms: Design, the Atacama Palette and In-Room Details
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. Coming directly from the Atacama, I noticed immediately that the room’s palette — browns, caramels, warm terracotta tones — felt like a continuation of the landscape I’d just left rather than a departure from it. Whether intentional or not, it was exactly what I needed: a space that felt continuous with the journey rather than a reset button. That is the kind of detail a hotel achieves through considered design rather than accident, and it is one of the things that separates the Ritz-Carlton approach from properties that simply provide luxury without place.
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.
My favourite detail in the room was the framed Quipu on the wall — a set of knotted strings used by the Inca civilisation as a numerical recording system. It is not a typical luxury hotel decorative choice, and finding it there, in a room whose colour palette echoes the Atacama, felt like the hotel genuinely understanding where it was and what it meant to be there. If it prompts a visit to the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino during your stay — which it should — that is the Ritz-Carlton “memory making” philosophy working exactly as intended.
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.
Ritz-Carlton Santiago Restaurants: Estró, Breakfast and New Chilean Cuisine
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.
Ritz-Carlton Santiago Spa, Pool and Fitness Centre
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.
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.
Marriott STARS is the same programme through which I also book Hôtel du Couvent in Nice and The Ritz-Carlton’s sister properties across Europe and Asia — the perks are consistent across the global portfolio.
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Book
The gym equipment is a mix of ages — newer cardio machines sit alongside free weights that have clearly been there for a while. For most guests this is entirely inconsequential; for someone whose primary purpose is a specific lifting routine, worth knowing.
The El Golf neighbourhood is quieter and more residential than the historic centre of Santiago. This is largely a strength — the embassy presence, the excellent restaurants, and the metro access make it an ideal base — but if your priority is walking to colonial architecture and traditional markets, the hotel’s location requires planning.
Santiago’s (and the hotel’s location) makes it the natural luxury endpoint for one of the world’s great adventure itineraries, whether you’re returning from the Atacama or Patagonia. I’d recommend building at least three nights here after the desert rather than rushing through. The pool and spa are best appreciated when you have nothing scheduled for the following morning.
FAQ
Q: Is The Ritz-Carlton Santiago the best luxury hotel in Chile? A: It is consistently regarded as one of the finest hotels in Santiago and by extension the most accomplished luxury hotel in Chile. The Marriott STARS and Virtuoso dual affiliation — one of only a handful of properties in South America affiliated with both programmes simultaneously — places it at the highest tier of the global luxury hotel network. For travellers combining an Atacama Desert adventure with Santiago city days, it is the most natural and rewarding final base.
Q: Where is The Ritz-Carlton Santiago located? A: The hotel is situated in El Golf, one of Santiago’s most prestigious neighbourhoods in the Providencia district — surrounded by embassies, international restaurants, and the kind of lively street life that makes it genuinely pleasant to stay in without needing to venture far. A metro station less than a block away connects the hotel to the wider city. Arturo Merino Benítez Airport is approximately 30 minutes by taxi, costing around US$30.
Q: What is New Chilean Cuisine at Estró restaurant? A: Estró Santiago is the hotel’s main restaurant, serving what it describes as New Chilean Cuisine — a contemporary approach to Chilean cooking that uses locally sourced ingredients interpreted through modern techniques. Dinner begins well with the waiter’s recommended pisco sour aperitif (when in Chile, there is no better way to start an evening). The $100 F&B credit available through the Marriott STARS and Virtuoso rate is ideally applied here for dinner on the final evening of the stay.
Q: What perks do you get booking The Ritz-Carlton Santiago through a Marriott STARS or Virtuoso advisor? A: Booking through Steve Michailidis as both a Marriott STARS and Virtuoso affiliated travel advisor includes a complimentary upgrade on arrival subject to availability, daily breakfast for up to two guests, a $100 USD equivalent food and beverage credit per stay, early check-in and late check-out subject to availability, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Marriott Bonvoy points and night credits are still earned, and payment is made at the hotel — allowing any cashback or points promotions on your credit card to apply as normal. There are no booking fees.
Q: Is The Ritz-Carlton Santiago good as a final stop after the Atacama Desert? A: It is the ideal endpoint for an Atacama itinerary — and Steve’s personal recommendation for anyone combining Chile’s north with the capital. After days of extraordinary but physically demanding landscape travel, the heated pool, locally-inspired spa treatments, and the warm earthy colour palette of the rooms (which echo the Atacama’s terracottas and caramels) create a continuity of place that makes the transition feel like a completion rather than a contrast. Allow at least three nights.
Q: Does The Ritz-Carlton Santiago have a spa? A: Yes — the spa offers treatments inspired by local Chilean traditions, which gives it a distinct character compared to the generic luxury spa experience. The top-floor terrace adjacent to the spa area offers views across the Santiago skyline and the Andes in the distance on clear days. The heated pool is available year-round.
Is The Ritz-Carlton Santiago Worth It?
We arrived at The Ritz-Carlton after a birthday week that had taken us across some of the most extraordinary landscapes on earth. The Atacama had been everything it promised — raw, vast, and quietly transformative. What we needed at the end of it was somewhere that matched the quality of the journey without competing with it.
The Ritz-Carlton Santiago did exactly that. The colour palette of our room felt like the desert. The Quipu on the wall felt like the country. The pisco sour at dinner felt like a proper goodbye to Chile. And the spa, the pool, and the breakfast at Estró did what the best hotel stays always do: gave us time to stop and remember what we’d just experienced.
The Marriott STARS and Virtuoso perks — breakfast, the $100 credit that paid for dinner, and the upgrade — turned a stay that might have felt like an indulgence into one that felt like exceptional value. That is what dual programme affiliation delivers at its best.
Planning a South American itinerary beyond Chile? Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru all have excellent properties I can book with full programme perks. Get in touch and I’ll advise on the full routing.
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