Hotel Plaza El Bosque Nueva Las Condes

As a business-friendly property in a commercial area, Hotel Plaza El Bosque Nueva Las Condes lacks a distinct personality, however, it’s sleek, comfortable, and modern all around. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the lobby with natural light, and the bright and airy space has cream-colored tile floors, a large staircase leading to the second floor, light gray couches, and a row of pod-like chairs. The minimalist design is uncluttered, but some may find the vibe a bit cold and reflecting the chain-like nature of the place. Farther in, the lobby transforms into the bar and restaurant, a warmer space with wooden elements, a cream stone bar, red and gray armchairs, and chocolate-hued patio furniture on the terrace. Though this is a business-type hotel, most guests are couples and families -- but business travelers come in close behind. 

The hotel is situated in the Las Condes area, a business district that's a bit outside of the city center. The hotel is just down the block from Juan Pablo II Park, and surrounding streets offer some dining options as well as being home to businesses and residential homes. Leisure travelers may appreciate a mall that’s 15 minutes away on foot, however, beyond the mall, they’ll have to drive or take public transportation to reach major attractions like San Cristobal or La Moneda Palace (52- and 38-minute rides, respectively). It’s about a 30-minute drive to Santiago’s most popular attractions, and there’s a bus stop outside of the hotel, while the nearest metro station is an 11-minute walk. Santiago Airport is a 30- to 40-minute drive away. 

The 276 guest rooms have stylish, contemporary decor -- if a bit chain-like. But the spaces are pleasant and decorated in a sophisticated, urban color palette. They have dark gray carpet or light wood laminate flooring, dark furnishings, and white beds offset by gray and red accents in pillows and bed runners. Black-and-white photographs above the beds add an artistic element. Each room has air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, desks, and iron and ironing boards, but lack coffee- and tea-making facilities. The hotel also offers Junior Suites that provide extra space with small living room areas and couches. Most bathrooms have cream, tan, and white tiles and fixtures, and are equipped with glass rainfall showers, hairdryers, and toiletries. Junior Suites add separate tubs, plus they have translucent walls separating them from the bedrooms -- though this might not be ideal for all. 

This hotel is packed with features that make it worth its four-pearl rating. There’s a spa that has a sauna and massage treatments on offer. The hotel’s two lovely indoor pools -- one of which is heated -- have grand city views with loungers positioned to take in the skyline. The fitness center is a good size and offers a decent amount of cardio and weight equipment, though it’s not open around the clock. The on-site restaurant Re and Bar serves Chilean dishes and drinks, plus it has a terrace patio for alfresco dining -- but food gets mixed reviews, as does the restaurant staff. A free breakfast buffet is provided in the mornings, and room service is offered 24/7. As the hotel is in a business area, it’s no surprise then that there are six fully equipped meeting rooms and a ballroom that can hold up to 500 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but garners some complaints of being slow from guests. Parking is also free.