L'Ambassade Petit Hotel

Wonderfully hospitable 5-bedroom hotel with a garden and pool, on a peaceful street in cool, classy Providencia

In one of the most fashionable districts of one of South America’s most metropolitan cities is a creamy house on a tree-lined street. Built in the 50s, its light-filled interiors are touched by classical references - an ornate marble fireplace, an elegant stone stair - and were renovated and revived in 2009 by an endearing young French trio who originate from Toulouse: Marie Josée, Pia and Adolfo. L’Ambassade is a family affair.

Each of the 5 rooms, to the side or the rear, looks onto a piece of lush garden; the Double Deluxe has its own patio and the Pool Loft opens to the pool. This pool may not be large but it sure is pretty, flanked by vine-strewn pillars and a Grecian stone bench with a matching urn. Bedrooms are immaculate, menus are French/Chilean and the mood is warm, intimate and relaxed. Breakfast is served where and when you want it, in sunshine or in shade, at the dining table or under the pergola - and the pergola’s feathery canopy is at its loveliest when the white wisteria comes into bloom. You're not in Santiago’s throbbing heart - metro and ‘centro’ are a bus ride away - but there are trendy cafés to walk to, sofas to come home to, and customised tours of the city can be arranged. The Parolin family have thought of everything, and that includes the little sauna by the pool.

Highs

• This is a small hotel run by siblings who treat guests as cherished members of the family yet never intrude; it's popular with single travellers
• It's in a peaceful area away from the hubbub of downtown Santiago, yet an easy bus ride or reasonable taxi fare away
• The building was previously an ambassadorial residence and still feels elegant yet homely
• Extras include DVD and CD players on request, newspapers on the house and very personal service
• There are lots of charming details: embroidered quilts, antique chests, French countryside dressing tables, interesting art and rosebud cushions

Lows

• The nearest metro stop (Pedro de Valdivia) and the ‘centro’ are a 25-minute walk away, but there are cafés and pizzarias within strolling distance
• Taxi drivers often don't know the hotel or the street it sits on - carry Spanish directions with you
• There are no twin rooms
• The 2 single rooms share a bathroom
• There's no air conditioning, though fans are provided