Ritz-Carlton Santiago, Chile
Prior to embarkation of our Silversea Silver Spirit cruise from Valparaiso to Acapulco, we had the opportunity to spend two nights in Santiago, the capital city of Chile. As you can imagine, we were a little hesitant to spend additional time in Chile only one week after the country had been rocked by an 8.8 magnitude earthquake. However, the opportunity to visit a great city like this does not come along every day, so we decided to take the calculated risk. We were very fortunate to enjoy the accommodations of The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago during our stay. As it turns out, this is the only Ritz-Carlton in South America!
Ritz-Carlton Santiago
Rickee stops for a photo in front of Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago is settled in El Golf, one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Santiago. Within just three short years of existence, the hotel was honored with several awards and recognitions, proof of the renowned world class service Ritz-Carlton provides. The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago has worked the city’s magic through its outlets and many services.
DINING
Adra restaurant is one of those places to discover the flavors of the Pacific Ocean and more. We were fortunate to experience the talents of Chef Tomás Olivera, who prepared a special, multi-course meal for us highlighting many traditional Chilean dishes. The meal was spectacular and not one we will soon forget. I cannot overlook the trio of Pisco Sours, the traditional cocktail of Chile, that were served to start the meal.
Wine 365 is the only restaurant devoted to the magic of Chilean wine and allows you to taste a different wine each day of the year. On Fridays, Wine 365 opens its doors to initiate the most attractive of its rituals: the wine tasting. The acknowledged sommelier, Christian Vargas, unveils all the secrets of each wine, indulging everyone’s passion for the subject. The wine tasting is enjoyed together with specially made gastronomic samples prepared by Chef Tomás Olivera.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The hotel has 205 guestrooms including 49 Club Level Rooms, 3 Club Suites, 12 Executive Suites and one Ritz-Carlton® Presidential Suite. The Ritz-Carlton Club Level® is located on floors 9, 10 and 11 providing the experience of a boutique hotel inside The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, and hosting private Club Lounge. All rooms and suites are decorated with warm and soft colors improving the guest leisure and imported furnishings providing a Latin-American touch. The oversize marble bathrooms have upscale bath amenities and bath butler service.
THE RITZ-CARLTON CLUB®
Guests wishing for an added measure of privacy and attention may select The Ritz-Carlton Club®. It features a private floor with special amenities including a lounge, the personal service of a Club Concierge and five complimentary food and beverage presentations throughout the day. Our suite was on the 9th floor giving us access to the Club and we took full advantage of its amenities.
GUESTROOM FEATURES
High speed internet connection
Individual air conditioning controls
Marble bathrooms with separate toilets, featuring hair dryer
Remote controlled television
Bedside radio with digital clock/alarm
Smoke detectors and sprinklers
Multi-line telephones
Honor Bar
Private in-room safes with enough space for a laptop
Fax connection
THE BOUTIQUE SPA
Located on the 15th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago and crowned by a glass dome, the Boutique Spa offers the ultimate view of Santiago surrounded by the Andes Mountains, and all of this from the indoor pool or the Jacuzzi. Adorned with palm trees and an ambience of relaxation powered by candle light, The Boutique Spa has a complete workout center on the second floor. Including 24 different types of treatments, steam room, a sauna, men’s and women’s locker room, The Boutique Spa is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Unfortunately, during our stay here right after a major earthquake, the spa pool had been damaged in the quake and the spa was closed.
SUMMARY
If you are going to be embarking or disembarking in Valparaiso, Chile, you would be wise to spend at least three days in Santiago. Santiago is only about 75 miles from the port of Valparaiso and the Ritz-Carlton can assist you in arranging a transfer to/from your ship or the airport of Santiago. In spite of being a true 5-star hotel, we found The Ritz-Carlton to be a great value and an excellent property. Even though the hotel is not located in the historic downtown area, it is only a few meters from the El Golf subway station. And, the subway in Santiago is the cleanest and safest we have ever been on...anywhere!
For more information, go to www.ritzcarlton.com/Santiago
Originally posted on: 1/16/2012
