Palacio Astoreca

Central Chile

Rating: Deluxe

highlights

Elegant historic mansion
Close to fashionable Passeo Yugoslavo
Views of the bay and ocean
Piano bar and library
Spacious rooms and suites
Spa with indoor pool

Palacio Astoreca overview

The striking Palacio Astoreca dates back to 1923, built by a Croatian immigrant who had amassed a fortune in mining and shipping for his homesick English wife, hence the grand Victorian style. In 2012 the palace and neighbouring building were transformed into the present day hotel, providing accommodation and facilities of the highest order and bags of style and atmosphere.

Rooms and suites are spacious and equipped with mod cons including cable TV, free Wi-Fi and minibar, with slippers and bathrobes provided to help you feel at home. Some rooms have street views, others look out over the city and each of the deluxe suites has a balcony with views of the Pacific Ocean.

The hotel is well located for exploring Valpariaso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is in the smart area of Cerro Alegre, close to Paseo Yugoslavo, one of the city's oldest streets, whose attractions include Baburizza Palace, site of the Fine Arts Museum, many fine houses, cafes and restaurants. You can take the nearby funicular down to Plaza Sotomayor to explore downtown Valparaiso.

At the Palacio you can relax with a massage or swim at the spa, and enjoy a drink in the relaxed atmosphere of the piano bar. The library is a quiet retreat with a selection of literature and reference books, and the terrace is a great place to unwind, enjoy afternoon tea and take in views of the bay. Alegre Restaurant serves high quality cuisine, and on days when it is closed you can savour tasty tapas in the bar.

The tasteful decor and period features throughout the hotel are enhanced by a collection of artworks by local and international artists.

details

Open: Palacio Astoreca is open all year. It first opened as a hotel in 2012.

Location: The hotel is in Cerro Alegre in the historic district of Valparaiso, close to the shops and cafes of Passeo Yogoslavo. The hotel is 90 kilometres from Santiago International Airport.

Rooms: There are 23 rooms and suites made up of 9 standard and 8 premium rooms, 4 junior and 2 deluxe suites. Rooms are between 20 and 25sqm and suites 35-40sqm. All are en-suite and have TV, phone, minibar, safe, heating and free Wi-Fi. Bathrobes, slippers, a hairdryer and toiletries are provided. Some have street views, others look out over the city and the deluxe suites have ocean facing balconies. There is room service.

Activities: You can go sightseeing in Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with fine colonial mansions, art galleries and cafes. The Fine Arts Museum is close to the hotel. You can take the El Peral funicular down to the sea front. Boat trips in Valparaiso Bay and wine tasting trips in the Casablanca Valley can be arranged.

Facilities: The hotel has a restaurant, piano lounge-cum-bar, library, wine cellar, terrace, garden, meeting rooms and a spa with an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi and hammam. Reception is staffed 24 hours a day.

Dining: Restaurant Alegre is open for lunch and dinner most days, but is usually closed on Sunday evenings and all day Monday. A buffet breakfast is served each day. Tapas dishes are available in the bar and on terrace daily.

Children: Children of all ages are welcome. Cots are available.

Health: There is no malaria in Chile.

Communication: There is complimentary Wi-Fi internet access throughout the hotel.