Hotel Boutique Castillo Rojo

As the name implies, Hotel Boutique Castillo Rojo -- the “Red Castle” -- sits in a rich red building with stone and Tudor accents. The four-story structure dates back to the early 1920s, when it was built as a personal residence. In 2013, it was reclaimed and transformed into a boutique hotel, with salvaged and revamped elements. Dark wood paneling, exposed-brick walls, and an epic wooden staircase accented by opulent chandelier lighting are some of the highlights. The tall-ceilinged, second-floor lounge is set with velvet couches and ottomans in jewel-toned shades of purple and blue, plus big windows with dramatically tasseled drapes and parquet floors covered in vintage rugs. Eccentric details abound -- like a framed portrait on the ceiling or the massive candelabras on the reception desk -- but it all comes together for a look that feels at once playful and high-end. With free coffee and snacks served in the lounge all day, plus a free wine tasting at night and a free morning breakfast, it’s the sort of property where staying is an event in itself, and guests will sometimes mingle. While couples are primary clientele, suites are suitable for families, too.

Hotel Boutique Castillo Rojo is well-situated in Santiago’s vibrant, artsy Bellavista neighborhood. They area’s filled with well-loved restaurants and bars, boutique shops and art galleries, music venues and nightlife. Pablo Neruda’s former home, La Chascona, is just a three-minute walk from the property. The funicular, which runs to the top of San Cristoball Hill is less than a five-minute walk, and the Baquedano metro station can be reached on foot in about 10 minutes. The edge of Downtown Santiago, located west of the hotel, can be reached in about 15-20 minutes on foot. The Plaza de Armas in the heart of the center, can be reached in about 25 minutes on foot or 20 minutes by metro, including the 10-minute walk to the station. Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez, Santiago’s International Airport, is a 20-minute drive, though traffic will make that longer. Free parking is offered on site. 

Continuing the dazzling design of its public spaces, Castillo Rojo's 19 individually decorated guest rooms blend contemporary design and antique elements. Color palettes are soft with creams, whites, cafe-au-lait browns, and country blues. Polished wood floors and high ceilings (even in attic rooms) provide stately backdrops for vintage furnishings. Bentwood chairs, velvet upholstery, nailhead trim, and brass lights are common fixtures. The white-tiled bathrooms are rather modern in comparison, although they still have details like vintage-style taps or pedestal sinks. Roomy shower stalls and marble countertops are common.In-room amenities are also quite modern and include individual climate control, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, in addition to stocked minibars, electronic safes, bathrobes, hairdryers, and individual toiletries. There’s no in-room coffee/tea service, but it’s offered free of charge in the lounge. Entry-level Economy Rooms are “cozy” in size, but guests find them reasonable; Classic Rooms add extra space. Premium Rooms have king-sized beds, while suites add sitting areas, sofa beds, and terraces. Suites can accommodate up to three adults or two adults and two children. Connecting rooms are also offered, which can accommodate up to four. Guests do note that the hotel has no elevator and rooms are situated on floors two through four. The lively neighborhood can be noisy, particularly on the weekends, so light sleepers might consider choosing courtyard-facing rooms. 

Hotel Boutique Castillo Rojo manages to offer both high-end dining and service to its guests, but those eager for a gym or spa could be disappointed as neither is on hand here. That said, the on-site dining is a highlight. Beppo -- a country-style cafe with parquet floors, a coffered ceiling, and an exposed brick accent wall -- serves up casual food throughout the day, like sandwiches and salads. It’s also where the included daily breakfast is served, which comes with cooked-to-order eggs and a limited and somewhat repetitive spread of simple buffet staples. The cafe spills out onto a beautiful courtyard terrace for dining alfresco. The property's new Argentinean steakhouse, Don Carlos Restaurant, was still “coming soon” as of early 2018. But there is a charming second-floor lounge where coffee and light snacks are available throughout the day for free. While there is not quite a separate “wine bar” as the hotel's website reports, guests can order drinks at Beppo or there is a free evening wine tasting in the lounge.A computer and printer are on hand for guest use, and Wi-Fi throughout is free. The helpful staff offer concierge services and can offer everything from airport transfers to babysitting, laundry service to ticket assistance. Check-in extends until late, but it's worth noting that it's not 24 hours. Guests should also note that the hotel has no elevator and that those visiting from within Chile will pay an additional 19 percent sales tax.