Vilafranca Petit Hotel

Intimate, warmly welcoming B&B-style hotel on a quiet residential street, in Santiago’s fashionable Providencia district

Most visitors roll into Santiago - the jumping-off point for destinations throughout Chile - early in the morning, bleary and slightly disoriented from an all-night flight. Gloria Figueroa has been there. So it’s her cherished mission to make sure every guest at this lovely 1940s hotel feels not only comfortable, but enfolded in the embrace of a genuinely caring friend. She’s ready with recommendations, tea and aspirin, a hug - she’ll even walk you to nearest metro station if she’s going that way.

The living room buzzes with the conversations of fellow travellers. The walled garden patio is a shady pocket of peace. Check your e-mail before a short stroll takes you to shopping, parks and dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants. Eight cosy rooms pamper you with charming detail (Spanish tiles) and modern amenities (cable TV). A genuine welcome can put a glow on your whole trip, making this a great first - and last - stop in Chile.

Highs

• Many hotels pay lip-service to their home-from-home hospitality; this is the genuine article
• Gloria’s sincere generosity and personal attention makes every stay memorable, whether you're honeymooning, jetlagged, first-timers or old hands
• The spacious stone patio, planted with calla lilies, ferns and climbing ivy, is a real urban retreat, perfect for napping in shaded sling-back chairs
• Well situated for dining, shopping, amenities, public transport and the National Tourist Service offices
• Exceptional value in one of Santiago’s most exclusive neighbourhoods

Lows

• Some rooms are small; most double beds are snug
• The hotel has an unpretentious, homespun charm - not for those seeking high style
• Nor for those seeking total privacy; Gloria thrives on guest interaction, and is great at making connections between guests
• Rooms aren't air-conditioned; most times the small bedside fan provides a suitable breeze