Rating: Mid-range
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 boutique hotel.
Rooms and suites are equipped with mod cons including cable TV, free wifi 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 Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is in the bohemian 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.
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 is attached to the hotel, and on Sunday evenings and Mondays when it is closed there are many restaurants within walking distance.
The tasteful decor and period features throughout the hotel are enhanced by a collection of artworks by local and international artists.
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 wifi. 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, terrace, 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.
Communication: There is complimentary wifi internet access throughout the hotel.
Experience Chile's stunning scenery, from giant glaciers to lunar desert, and explore the cosmopolitan cities of Santiago and Valparaiso
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0"This large historic building is in a great place from which to explore the small colourful (building colours and street art) streets clinging to the hillside. I’d say it’s not quite as deluxe as perhaps the images make it seem, however it certainly offers comfortable beds with good linen, huge windows looking out onto the city, and helpful staff. It also has a restaurant onsite, but the food (dinner and breakfast) was average. There is also a spa but I got the feeling it was used rarely, though at least the pool and massage services are there for your use. "