The Aubrey

Santiago’s first boutique hotel: a neglected mansion brilliantly transformed into a designer haven

The words Santiago and sophisticated city break rarely used to appear in the same sentence but The Aubrey has rewritten the rules. What was once the decayed grandeur of a Spanish Mission-style mansion is now a classy hotel that houses 15 splendidly designed rooms. The 3-year multi-million dollar revamp has kept the 1920s dark wood panelling, exposed beams and parquet flooring but added crystal chandeliers, mosaic tiling, velvet wingback chairs and long leather sofas in the salons. Rooms range from Japanese-style lofts to vast Art Deco suites - and many have terraces overlooking the bohemian Bellavista barrio.

A sleek outdoor pool is edged by Ionic columns and lush landscaped gardens climbing up Cerro San Cristóbal, Santiago’s stunning mirador. There's a fabulous restaurant serving Chilean cusine with an international twist, as well as a stylish Piano Bar, set within the cobble-stoned courtyard with its cascading fountains. If the Great Gatsby had visited Santiago, he would have stayed here.

Highs

• Great location in buzzy Bellavista, which has attractive tree-lined streets and a plethora of great restaurants and bars; close to the metro, too
• Designer touches in all rooms, from Tom Dixon lamps to Hansgrohe showers
• Delightful smiling bar service to pool and patios
• Heated spa pool with water massage jets and built-in Jacuzzi; massages and manicures offered in one of the turreted towers alongside
• Friendly English-speaking staff will make restaurant reservations, book wine tours and arrange all sorts, from cell phone rental to gym passes; 24-hour gated security entrance with valet parking

Lows

• Near the parking lot for Cerro San Cristobal, often busy with tour and school buses
• A few of the cheapest street-facing rooms experience late-night noise from nightclubs (weekends only), though they have been double glazed since our stay
• Taller guests might want to avoid the loft rooms as they may feel a tad claustrophobic