Casa Higueras

Rooms

There are 20 guest rooms which fit neatly into the rich interior spaces of the original mansion. Despite an abundance of dark wood wainscoting, beamed ceilings and built-in cabinets, rooms feel light and expansive thanks to vaulted ceilings and plenty of windows. The simple sophistication of the furnishings is completely in tune with old-world elegance.

The kingsize bed in our Premium Room (number 18) was super-comfy and the use of raffia and natural linens reflects Valparaíso's marine history. Double-paned, thermal windows blocked street noise. We could connect to the world via cable TV, a telephone with voicemail or WiFi (a laptop-sized digital safe box was tucked into the closet). Or just enjoy the pampering pleasures: a nightly turn down service, a bag of chocolates, double-sheeted linens (a blanket sandwiched between 2 sheets) and terry robes.

Suites have spacious private terraces furnished with sun loungers and dining tables facing the pool, port and surrounding hills. "Everyone who has a terrace asks for room service," the manager told us (the tree-shaded terrace of number 3 is most private.) One suite, already a favourite with government ministers, has a small living room alcove with a (non-working) Victorian fireplace insert.

Traditional Rooms are the smallest and lack a sitting area and separate tub. Some adjoining rooms in different categories can interconnect; Premium Room 5 (romantic four-poster bed and a sunken tub) and Traditional Room 4 (twin beds) share an interior patio with a waterfall wall.

Bathrooms are grey-and-white-tiled sybaritic sanctuaries, outfitted with sleek Italian fixtures including an adjustable-arm makeup mirror. Many have both an oversized height-adjustable shower and a freestanding or sunken tub, plus everything from separate his-and-hers amenity kits, a hairdryer and toiletries (natural herbal shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and bath salts) to a telephone in the toilet.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

The bistro-style Montealegre Restaurant is cosy (it seats up to 16); hotel guests have a private entrance from the elegant lounge. The windowed is done in polished oak and black-on-black, including historic black-and-white photos of Valparaíso. An adjoining salon - with cushioned banquettes and an antique crystal chandelier - can be closed off for private celebrations of up to 8.

Guests are treated to a traditional Chilean breakfast: a choice of juices, dry cereals, breads and pastries, fresh fruits (kiwi, strawberries, pineapple, red grapes and oranges), yoghurts, scrambled eggs, bacon, sliced meat and cheese. Linger over coffee or tea at a white linen-topped table inside or - if the fog has lifted - enjoy a view of the sparkling bay at umbrella-shaded tables on the spacious open-air terrace.

The à la carte lunch and dinner menu highlights seafood along with contemporary international cuisine. An 'evolving' wine list includes a wide range of fine, mostly Chilean, wines at varying prices. Enjoy a glass in the elegant guests-only living room with its picture-window panorama of the city. Beers, cocktails and aperatifs are also available.

Throughout the day, light dishes, snacks and beverages are served on the terrace or poolside. Room service is available until 1am; in-room minibars offer a selection of fine liquors, beer and soft drinks along with bottled water and snacks.

There are plenty of options for eating out. The most traditional food in Valparaíso is the Chorrillana, a heaping mound of french fries topped with steak, onion, and eggs. Stop into a local bakery for oven-fresh bread smothered with palta (avocado) and homemade empanadas (meat or cheese filled pastry). Neighbouring Viña del Mar features a much larger (and more expensive) variety of international cuisines, including Thai, Mexican, and Argentine.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service

Activities

• Relax at the hotel: enjoy lunch with a view on a garden terrace overlooking the swimming pool, swim, sunbathe or soak in the Jacuzzi; have a cocktail and game of chess in the living room/lounge or schedule a massage
  
  
• Soak up Valpo’s bohemian vibe: the chimerical maze of cobbled streets, meandering alleys and steep stairways straddling a handful of hills surrounding the city’s harbour oozes character. Homes, ranging from Victorian mansions to clapboard and angular corrugated iron, radiate vibrant colours on their freshly painted façades. Follow emblems marking a winding path along city streets and walkways called the Museum of the Open Sky to see 20 murals painted by Chile’s top artists and accented over time with impromptu graffiti art
  
  
• Explore history and culture: a major merchant port supporting global expansion during the 19th-century, Valparaíso is a trove of naval history. The Naval and Maritime Museum and the Lord Cochrane Museum of the Sea, as well as quirky La Sebastiana (one of 3 homes built by Chile’s beloved Nobel Poet Laureate Pablo Neruda) are worth a visit. You will constantly be offered a free map/brochure - with tear-off Metro tickets and discount coupons - that conveniently folds to pocket size
  
  
• Cruise around the bay: shop for local crafts, then grab a launch at the lively wharf (Muelle Prat) for a close-up of Navy, cruise and cargo ships and a harbour-front perspective of the city hills
  
  
• Party: Valparaíso is famous for its bohemian pubs and bars, where poets, writers, tango aficionados, sailors, university students and just about everyone else drink, dance and socialise until the wee hours
  
  
• Take a daytrip: spend a day at the beach in neighbouring Viña del Mar via the Merval (Metro Valparaíso) train. Local companies offer tours of the Casablanca Valley Wine Route, 30 minutes away, and Pablo Neruda's stunning oceanfront home in Isla Negra is an hour away

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Museums / galleries
• Nightlife
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming
• Traditional cultures
• Wine tasting

Kids

Children over 12 are welcome. Some of the hotel’s adjoining rooms can interconnect and extra beds are available for a supplement.

Family friendly accommodation:

Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The hotel is in Valparaíso, located on top of Cerro Alegre (Cheerful Hill) - one of the city’s 2 most fashionable areas - steps from the Yugoslavo Walkway and the century-old El Peral ascensor (funicular), built in 1902.

By Air:
Santiago's Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez (118km away; also known as Pudahuel Airport) is the nearest airport. Click on the links below for a lists of airlines serving it.

From the Airport:
Either take a bus or hire car (see below). The journey takes 70-90 minutes.

By Bus:
Comfortable Tur Bus and Pullman buses leave Santiago’s Terminal Alameda as often as every 15 minutes, arriving at Valparaíso's Avenida Pedro Montt terminal. From there, it's easy to hail a cab. If you plan to return to Santiago on a summer weekend or holiday, it’s best to guarantee your seat by purchasing a round-trip ticket.

By Car:
If you'd prefer to hire a car to explore the region, see our car rental recommendations. Ruta 68 is the quickest way to reach Valparaíso.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

More on getting to Chile and getting around