Casa Bueras Boutique Hotel
Santiago & Central Valley, Chile
Reviewed by
Sarah Gilbert
The city’s artiest enclave could only offer visitors ageing hotels and hostels - until now. Behind the elegant Art Deco façade, Lastarria’s first upscale boutique hotel is an artful combination of traditional and contemporary. The sensitive restoration has preserved the building’s original features - lofty ceilings, ornate mouldings, parquet flooring, a sweeping marble staircase - and added just the right amount of modernity.
The 14 spacious rooms are spread over 4 floors and there’s plenty of chill-out space in the lounge bar. But we spent most of our time on the terrace, which overlooks an unexpected and delightful extra - a luxuriant garden complete with an ingenious living wall and a shimmering pool.
Cosmopolitan Lastarria, tucked between the riverside promenade of the Parque Forestal and the Cerro Santa Lucía (a former Spanish stronghold turned public park), brims with history and you’ll find a bevy of museums, cutting-edge galleries, trendy shops, hip cafés and bars on your doorstep. Plus you’re only a 10-minute stroll from Santiago’s historic centre and a bit further from buzzy Bellavista.
The 14 spacious rooms are spread over 4 floors and there’s plenty of chill-out space in the lounge bar. But we spent most of our time on the terrace, which overlooks an unexpected and delightful extra - a luxuriant garden complete with an ingenious living wall and a shimmering pool.
Cosmopolitan Lastarria, tucked between the riverside promenade of the Parque Forestal and the Cerro Santa Lucía (a former Spanish stronghold turned public park), brims with history and you’ll find a bevy of museums, cutting-edge galleries, trendy shops, hip cafés and bars on your doorstep. Plus you’re only a 10-minute stroll from Santiago’s historic centre and a bit further from buzzy Bellavista.
Highs
- Rooms are a stylish combination of traditional architecture, modern design and hi-tech extras
- Friendly staff go out of their way to help you plan your time in the city, so it's good for first-time visitors
- The shady garden is perfect for post-sightseeing relaxation and the pool is an added bonus
- You’re minutes from one of Santiago's best ice-cream parlours and one of its most popular green spaces, Parque Forestal
- A decent breakfast
Lows
- There is no restaurant, but there are plenty of eateries nearby
- The parquet floors are beautiful but rather squeaky
- The Superior (Accessible) and Standard Single rooms aren't up to the same standard as the other rooms, but are priced accordingly
Best time to go
Santiago is a year-round destination but the best months to visit are October, March and April. Temperatures can soar during the summer (November to May) but there’s lots going on. December and January are peak season for visitors, with cultural events and outdoor festivals galore. You can ski nearby from June to August, but the weather in the city can be cold and rainy.
Our top tips
Santiago has moved on from its stopover status and become a hot destination in its own right, so devote a few days to it. It’s a dynamic, modern city where Latin America meets Europe and colonial mansions sit next to skyscrapers. It’s been reinventing itself of late and its art, design, culinary and nightlife scenes have never been better.